Uterine polyps
Introduction
Uterine polyps are quite common. 3 out of 10 people have experienced this at some point in their lives. They are more likely to be developed in women ageing between 40 and 50 years old compared to younger women. Women may experience uterine polyps after menopause. Your chances of developing polyps can increase if you’re obese or overweight.
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Uterine polyps are benign tissue growths on the uterus’s inner lining. Since they grow on the endometrium, which is the uterus’ inner lining, uterine polyps are also known as endometrial polyps.
Uterine polyps can be about a few millimetres small and can grow up to several centimetres. They are usually harmless and not a cause for concern. In most cases, they don’t have any symptoms, and very few require treatment. However, it is a good idea to seek medical attention.
The exact causes of uterine polyps are unknown. However, experts assume that hormonal changes cause the uterus lining to thicken. Excessive thickening of this lining is associated with polyps formation.
There is no known prevention, and the risks associated with it are very low.
Some of the factors that may increase your chances of having uterine polyps are:
- Age: Uterine polyps are common in women over 40.
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Medication: Tamoxifen, a drug for breast cancer.
Some of the signs and symptoms of Uterine polyps are:
- Erratic periods. You might not be able to predict when and for how long you might have your periods.
- Menstrual bleeding between your regular period cycle
- Bleeding after menopause
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Inability to conceive or fertility
Uterine polyps are mostly non-cancerous. However, after menopause, the chances of uterine polyps becoming cancerous are high. Polyps are also linked to miscarriages and infertility. Some studies have suggested that removing the polyps can help women conceive again. The studies are not entirely conclusive.
Your doctor may check your uterus to confirm if you have polyps. You will have to take medications that dilate your cervix before the examination.
Some of the tests used to diagnose Uterine polyps are:
- Hysteroscopy: Your doctor inserts a hysteroscope through your vagina to examine your uterus.
- Endometrial biopsy: Your doctor collects a piece of tissue from your uterus to send it for biopsy. The biopsy will determine if the polyps are cancerous.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: A small and slender device is placed inside your vagina to create images of your uterus.
- Curettage: This procedure is for either removing the polyps or for taking sample tissue from the uterus.
Your doctor may recommend the following treatment:
- Close observation and waiting: Uterine polyps that don’t cause any symptoms are harmless. Unless you are at a higher risk for uterine cancer or have already had menopause, there is no need for treatment. They usually go away on their own.
- Medications: Hormonal medications can lessen the symptoms of polyps. However, the effect is short-lived because the symptoms reappear once you stop taking medication.
- ● Surgery: Your doctor may also remove the polyps while performing hysteroscopy. Your doctor may send the polyps for biopsy.
If the polyps prove cancerous, the doctor will recommend the next step in the treatment plan. In most cases, the polyps do not recur after removal.
An infection may result following Uterine polyp removal. Pain and odour from your vaginal area may indicate infection. Even after surgically removing polyps, they can grow back. You should regularly follow up with your doctor.
Polyps biopsy is a safe procedure, and the risks involved are minimal. In rare cases, you might experience:
- ● Excessive bleeding and infection
- ● Damage to nerves around the polyps
- ● Reaction to anaesthesia
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FAQ's
Maintaining your body weight can help in preventing Uterine Polyps to an extent. However, there is no definitive way to prevent it altogether.
Fibroids are tissue growth inside the walls of the uterus. They are like polyps, but in addition to bleeding, Fibroids can cause difficulty in passing urine, constipation, and pain.
If you are premenopausal and there are no symptoms, the chances are that the Polyps will go away on their own. It is better to see your doctor to make sure they are not precancerous.
No, they cannot be removed without surgery. You will have to go through a medical procedure called hysteroscopy to get rid of them.
It may take up to two weeks to recover after a Uterine Polyp surgery. Your doctor may advise you not to lift or pull heavy objects immediately after the procedure. You might be able to resume your routine activities the day after the surgery. However, you might want to take a few days off from your work or strenuous activity.
The more a Fibroid grows, the heavier it becomes and the more weight a woman will gain in her abdomen. This can cause bloating and swelling that may make her look pregnant.
The procedure itself may cause slight discomfort. However, during the procedure, or immediately afterwards, there is little or no pain. Post-surgery, you might experience cramps and bloat.