Uterine Polyps: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Uterine Polyps
Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms) involving the lining of the bowel or uterus. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon.
In female reproductive tract they can occur in the endometrium or cervix. Uterine polyps cause heavy bleeding and often need removal.
They vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to several inches in diameter.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of uterine polyps include:
Irregular menstrual bleeding — for example, having frequent
unpredictable periods of variable length and heaviness
Bleeding between menstrual periods
Excessively heavy menstrual periods
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Infertility
What causes uterine polyps?
Risk factors for developing polyps in the endometrium include:
Being perimenopausal or postmenopausal
Having high blood pressure (hypertension)
Being obese
Drug Tamoxifen, a therapy for breast cancer
Diagnosis
Transvaginal ultrasound
Endometrial biopsy
Treatment
Watchful waiting- Small polyps without symptoms might resolve on their own.
Medication- Certain hormonal medications, including progestins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, may lessen symptoms of the polyp.
Surgical removal- During hysteroscopy, through the hysteroscope makes it possible to remove polyps.
The removed polyp will likely be sent to a lab for microscopic examination.
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