Uterine/Endometrial Polyps

What are Endometrial polyps?

Uterine polyps are non-cancerous tissue growths of the endometrium (uterine lining).

Cause of endometrial polyps

Uterine polyps may occur spontaneously or because of high levels of oestrogen, although it is not known what actually causes them. Polyps grow faster during pregnancy and while using oral contraceptives or oestrogen replacement therapy.

Uterine polyps are more common in women aged between 40 and 50 years. However, occasionally may be seen in younger women of 20 years or less. Obesity, uncontrolled hypertension and certain drugs used to treat breast cancer may increase the risk of uterine polyps. Although most of the polyps are noncancerous, the polyps that developed in women during or after menopause may turn out to be cancerous.

Symptoms of endometrial polyps

The most common symptom of uterine polyps is bleeding between periods. Menorrhagia or abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, reduced fertility, bleeding after menopause or during sexual intercourse may also be present.

Diagnosis of endometrial polyps

Usually diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound,  uterine saline infusion sonography or hysteroscopy.

Treatment for endometrial polyps

Polyps may resolve without treatment so we would normally wait a couple of cycles to see if it does not go away spontaneously. Hysteroscopy and polypectomy is a simple and short day procedure performed under general anaesthetic.