Everything you need to know about uterine polyps

Uterine polyps affect as many as 40% of women. Not to be confused with uterine cancer, these small benign growths still need to be treated.

Definition, symptoms, causes, patient profile, treatment, management, prevention—discover everything you need to know about uterine polyps.

A uterine polyp, also called an endometrial polyp, is a growth that develops in the uterus. These are usually benign tumors.

Uterine polyps are different from endometrial cancer or uterine fibroids.

More specifically, these are small tumors that grow on the uterine lining. Depending on their exact location, they have different names.

It’s called a uterine polyp when it grows on the endometrium, a cervical polyp when it’s on the cervix, and an intracavitary polyp when it’s inside the uterine cavity.

The patient may develop one or more uterine polyps. It’s not uncommon to find several, either grouped together or in clusters.

A uterine polyp can be just a few millimeters or several centimeters. The size varies a lot.

Uterine polyps rarely occur before age 30. The development of uterine polyps happens mostly in women who are premenopausal or already menopausal, meaning from age 45 onward.

These tumors, while benign, can cause some discomfort or even pain. However, it’s important to know that many patients with one or more uterine polyps experience absolutely no symptoms. Uterine polyps are often asymptomatic.

In rare cases, endometrial polyps can cause bleeding outside of your period or spotting (metrorrhagia). This can alert the patient and prompt her to see a doctor.

If a patient is having trouble getting pregnant, polyps could be a factor. If the polyps are large enough, they can block the progression of sperm, interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg, or even cause miscarriages.

If the patient is experiencing heavy vaginal discharge, this can also be a sign and a symptom.

Finally, this type of polyp can sometimes cause especially heavy periods (menorrhagia), but not always. If a patient who previously had a moderate, light, or normal flow now has much heavier periods, it’s a good reason to see a doctor.

Most often, it’s during the annual gynecological exam that the midwife or gynecologist finds the polyp, rarely because of patient complaints.

An endometrial polyp can be diagnosed with a pelvic ultrasound (transvaginal), a hysteroscopy (an exam to view the uterus), or a hysterosalpingography (a test for female infertility). A diagnosis can also be made after a biopsy.

What are the causes and origins of uterine polyps? While doctors and researchers still have work to do in this area, it’s clear that the development of uterine polyps is partly linked to a hormonal imbalance, especially involving the sex hormones progesterone and estrogen. The development of polyps is partly due to an overproduction of estrogen.

Being overweight is another factor that can contribute to the development of uterine polyps. Women with obesity are therefore at higher risk of developing a uterine polyp at some point.

Women with diabetes or high blood pressure are also at increased risk.

Finally, women on hormone therapy are more likely to develop uterine polyps: women taking hormone treatments to stimulate their ovaries or those on breast cancer treatment.

The chosen treatment will depend on the number of polyps, their size, and their location. The doctor may offer the patient several options:

• removal of polyps through operative hysteroscopy. This medical procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. It involves the surgical removal of uterine polyps.

• If the polyp(s) are not very developed, hormonal treatment may be recommended. Progestins can eliminate polyps.

• Finally, another, more permanent treatment is endometriectomy, which is the removal of the endometrium. This treatment is offered to women who are already menopausal or who do not wish to have children. It eliminates the risk of recurrence.

Do you have pain during your period, experience discomfort, or have heavier periods? Do you have especially heavy menstrual flow? Trouble getting pregnant? Has it been a while since you saw a gynecologist or midwife? We strongly encourage you to make an appointment.

Your health is precious, so take care of yourself! It’s important to know that 5% of uterine polyps can turn into endometrial cancer. That’s why they need to be treated and monitored. And don’t forget, Louloucup offers a full range of high-quality menstrual products to help you feel comfortable during your period. Menstrual underwear, menstrual cups, or menstrual swimwear—having your period has never been so easy thanks to Louloucup. Postpartum and looking for gentle, reliable protection? Are you a teen who wants discreet, practical period products? Do you wear sizes 14, 16, or 18 and want more options? Check out our postpartum menstrual underwear, teen period underwear, and plus-size menstrual underwear today!