Uterine Polyp Detected: What Is the Treatment?
Uterine polyps are usually benign. Depending on symptoms, age and fertility plans, the doctor advises either monitoring or removal by hysteroscopy.
In this article 5 sections
When a polyp is found in the womb (uterus), treatment depends on your symptoms, age, the size of the polyp and whether you are planning a pregnancy. Small polyps without symptoms can often just be monitored, while polyps causing bleeding, affecting fertility or found after menopause are usually removed by hysteroscopy, without any cut on the abdomen. In the video, Dr Sharmin Afroz explains this topic briefly. Many women are frightened when they see the word ‘polyp’ on an ultrasound report, so it helps to understand it clearly.
01What is a uterine polyp?
The inner lining of the womb is called the endometrium. When cells of this lining overgrow and form a small, soft lump, it is called an endometrial polyp. Polyps can range from a few millimetres to a few centimetres, and there may be one or several. Polyps can also form on the neck of the womb (cervix), called cervical polyps. Most polyps are benign, but in a small number of cases, especially after menopause, abnormal cells can be found, so they are taken seriously. Polyps are linked with the effect of the hormone oestrogen, increasing age and obesity.
02Symptoms of a polyp
- Irregular periods or bleeding between periods
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding after menopause
- In some cases, difficulty getting pregnant
Many women have no symptoms at all, and the polyp is found on an ultrasound done for another reason.
03How it is confirmed
A polyp is usually suspected on a transvaginal ultrasound. If needed, a special ultrasound using saline, or a direct hysteroscopy, can confirm it. In hysteroscopy, a thin instrument with a camera is passed through the vagina and cervix into the womb so the inside can be seen directly.
04Treatment options
Monitoring
Before menopause, small polyps without symptoms may sometimes go away on their own. In such cases, the doctor may suggest a repeat ultrasound after some time.
Removal by hysteroscopy
If there is troublesome bleeding, difficulty conceiving, a large polyp, or a polyp found after menopause, a hysteroscopic polypectomy is usually done. There is no cut on the abdomen and in many cases you can go home the same day. The removed polyp is sent for histopathology to make sure it contains no abnormal cells. Medicines may control bleeding for a while but usually do not get rid of a polyp. Some women develop polyps again later, so follow up as your doctor advises.
When to see a doctor
- Any bleeding after menopause, however small: get it checked without delay
- Repeated bleeding between periods or after sex
- Heavy bleeding with dizziness, weakness or feeling faint: go to hospital urgently
- Fever, foul-smelling discharge or severe lower abdominal pain after removal
Q & A
Frequently asked questions
Most polyps are not cancer. However, polyps found after menopause or causing bleeding are removed and examined in the laboratory to check for abnormal cells.
Usually not. The polyp is removed through the vagina using hysteroscopy, with no cut on the abdomen.
Medicines may reduce bleeding for a while but usually do not remove a polyp. Small polyps without symptoms sometimes go away on their own.
Yes. In many cases removing a polyp may improve the chance of pregnancy. Ask your doctor when to start trying.
Article & video by
Dr. Sharmin Afroz
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Infertility Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Anwer Khan Modern Medical College & Hospital.
