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Uterine polyps are growths in the lining of the uterus that can cause heavy or irregular periods, bleeding between periods, and infertility. They can be diagnosed through ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or dilation and curettage. Treatment options include medication or surgical removal, depending on the severity of the condition. Women in their 40s and 50s, those with cervical polyps, high blood pressure, obesity, or who have taken tamoxifen for breast cancer are at higher risk.
A uterine polyp is also known as an endometrial polyp. These polyps are growths that occur in the lining, or endometrium, of the uterus. They can be roughly the size of a sesame seed or the size of a golf ball. A single uterine polyp may develop, or multiple polyps may occur together. In most cases, polyps remain in the uterus, but it is possible for them to move into the vagina.
Some women who have a uterine polyp will experience no symptoms or signs of growth. For women who develop symptoms, they could include particularly heavy or irregular periods. Other possible symptoms include bleeding or spotting between periods, postmenopausal bleeding, or infertility.
There is no clear cause for this condition. They occur when there is excessive cell growth in the uterine lining. Hormones could have an effect on the development of polyps, because the way they respond to estrogen is the same way the endometrium responds. Both the endometrium and uterine polyps enlarge in the presence of estrogen.
Some women are at a higher risk of developing polyps in the uterus. Polyps are more likely in women in their 40s and 50s. Other risk factors include the presence of cervical polyps, high blood pressure and obesity. The breast cancer drug tamoxifen might also increase a woman’s chance of developing uterine polyps.
A doctor can use several tests to diagnose this condition. Transvaginal ultrasound might be used to create an image of the inside of the uterus. A doctor may also perform a hysteroscopy to closely examine the inside of the uterus and possibly remove polyps if they are present. Another procedure is called dilation and curettage, during which a doctor uses an instrument to scrape off the lining of the uterus. This procedure can be used to harvest tissue for biopsy or to remove polyps.
If a woman has undergone IVF, the presence of polyps can increase the risk of miscarriage. For other women who have had trouble conceiving, removing the polyps could help increase their chances of conceiving. In most cases, polyps are benign, but a polyp could indicate precancerous conditions in the uterus.
For some women, treatment for a polyp in the uterus may not be necessary. In some cases, a polyp might go away on its own. For other women seeking short-term treatment, medications might help minimize the polyp and ease symptoms over a period of time. A woman might also choose to have a surgical procedure to remove the polyps, including hysteroscopy or dilation and curettage. In severe cases where cancer is likely, a doctor might recommend a hysterectomy to remove the uterus.
