Polyps are small and abnormal growths that look like small or flat bumps. In most cases, these abnormal growths are non-cancerous, but if left untreated they may eventually turn cancerous. The growth of polyps can occur in any part of your body including the colon, ear canal, nose, throat, uterus, and cervix. Polyps that grow in the uterus are called uterine polyps or endometrial polyps. Women with the condition may either have one or multiple polyps. Based on your condition your doctor may recommend the removal of uterine polyps.
Symptoms of uterine polyps
Changes in the menstrual cycle or heavy bleeding are the most common signs of uterine polyps. Women with the condition may have unpredictable periods or bleeding for more days. If you have an irregular menstrual cycle or vaginal bleeding after menopause, it is advised to consult your doctor.
These can cause symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, or sudden bleeding from the vagina. In some cases, women with the condition may experience no symptoms at all.
Causes of uterine polyps
There’s not enough data about the cause of uterine polyps, but changes in the hormone levels are said to be one of the major causes of the condition.
Being postmenopausal increases your risk of developing the condition. Other factors that make you more prone to developing the condition include hormone replacement therapy, breast cancer treatment, obesity, etc.
Diagnosis and treatment of uterine polyps
If you have any symptoms associated with uterine polyps, it is important to consult your doctor. The diagnosis and treatment of uterine polyps are important. In some cases, the removal of uterine polyps may be advised.
Your doctor may ask you about your menstrual cycle including the days it lasts and if you experience heavy bleeding, etc. Then your doctor may do a physical examination of your uterus to check for the presence of polyps. To diagnose the condition, your doctor may recommend certain medical tests.
Transvaginal ultrasound
In this test, your doctor may insert a wand-like device inside your vagina. Images of the uterus are visible on the monitor. The images are created using sound waves.
Sonohysterography
In this procedure, your doctor may insert a tube-like structure inside your vagina. Some saline water may also be injected inside your uterus. This will help your uterus to expand and give a clear inside view. The images are viewed on the computer screen.
Endometrial biopsy
In this procedure, your doctor may insert a small tube inside your uterus to get a small sample of your tissue. This sample tissue is sent to the lab for analysis.
If the test results indicate the presence of small polyps but you do not have any symptoms, then your doctor may suggest waiting for a while.
In most cases, small polyps without any symptoms heal on their own without any medication or treatment. But if your doctor suspects any risk of uterine cancer, then he/she may suggest removal of uterine polyps.
Certain medications help to regulate your hormone levels and relieve the symptoms. But you may also notice that the symptoms are relieved only when you take the medications. Once you stop the medications, there are chances that the symptoms may come back.
If you have cancerous polyps or if the polyps are discovered after menopause, your doctor may suggest the removal of uterine polyps.
Removal of uterine polyps
Depending on the severity of the condition, associated symptoms, and response to previous treatments, your doctor may suggest the removal of uterine polyps in some cases.
Surgeries to remove uterine polyps
The surgery date is decided on the basis of your menstrual cycle. Usually, the surgery is performed within 10 days after your menstruation.
The surgery can be carried out in two ways – either by removing the polyps or by removing the entire uterus.
The procedure to remove polyps is called a polypectomy.
While the surgery that requires removing the entire uterus is called a hysterectomy. The procedure can be performed in two ways – vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy.
In a vaginal hysterectomy, your doctor will remove the uterus through the vagina. In an abdominal hysterectomy, your doctor will remove your uterus through your abdomen. Both the type of surgeries require general anaesthesia.
