What Are Uterine Polyps?
Uterine polyps are growths of varying sizes that appear on the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. They occur as a result of the body producing too much endometrial tissue and can interfere with menstruation and/or a woman’s ability to get pregnant.
Uterine polyps are usually benign and don’t typically develop before age 20 or after menopause. Risk factors for developing uterine polyps include:
- A history of tamoxifen use in women who have had breast cancer
- Family histories of Lynch syndrome or Cowden syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Symptoms
Small uterine polyps may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they include:
- Infertility — Uterine polyps can hinder a woman’s ability to get pregnant.
- Irregular bleeding — Heavy bleeding during a period, bleeding or spotting between periods, or spotting after having sex can occur if uterine polyps irritate surrounding tissue.
- Irregular menstrual periods — Menstrual periods that are very long or very short are common.
Treatment Options
Small polyps may go away without treatment, and for those, doctors may recommend watchful waiting. Birth control pills may help regulate the hormone fluctuations that cause endometrial tissue to grow in excess. But the primary treatment for uterine polyps is surgery. Women may undergo:
- Dilation and curettage — Not as common as hysteroscopy, this procedure involves a doctor gently scraping polyps off the uterine wall using an instrument called a curette.
- Hysteroscopy — Often used to diagnose uterine polyps, this procedure involves inserting a small, lighted scope into the uterus. The scope sends images to a screen, allowing doctors to see the polyps and remove them using small instruments. The procedure can be done in a hospital or a doctor’s office.
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If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of uterine polyps, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
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