Uterine Polyps

Small growths called uterine polyps can develop on the inside lining of the uterus. They're like little bumps that grow from the uterine wall, much like a plant growing from the ground. These growths are often made of extra tissue from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Most often, these polyps are harmless (benign). However, in some cases, they can be cancerous or be at risk of becoming cancerous.

Uterine polyps come in various sizes. Some are very tiny, smaller than a sesame seed, while others can be quite large, even the size of a golf ball or bigger. They're attached to the uterine wall, sometimes with a wide base, or a thin stem-like structure.

A person can have just one polyp, or many. Usually, these polyps stay inside the uterus. But sometimes, they can move through the opening of the uterus (the cervix) and into the vagina. Uterine polyps are more common in people who are going through or have gone through menopause. However, women of all ages can develop them.

Uterine polyps are small growths in the uterus. They can cause a variety of signs and symptoms, though not everyone experiences all of them.

Sometimes, uterine polyps show up as unusual bleeding. This might include:

• Bleeding after menopause: If you've gone through menopause and are bleeding, it's important to see a doctor. This isn't normal and could be a sign of a problem like a uterine polyp.

• Bleeding between periods: This is also a possible symptom. Normal menstruation happens roughly every 21-35 days. Bleeding at other times could signal a problem.

• Irregular periods: Some people with uterine polyps have periods that come more often than usual, or are lighter or heavier than usual. The length and heaviness of the periods may also vary from one month to the next.

• Heavy periods: Periods that are significantly heavier than usual can be a symptom. This might mean using more than one pad or tampon per hour, or needing to change them frequently.

• Infertility: In some cases, uterine polyps can make it harder for a woman to get pregnant. If you're having trouble conceiving, it's worth discussing this with your doctor as uterine polyps might be a factor.

Important Note: Not everyone with uterine polyps experiences noticeable symptoms. Some people may only have light bleeding or spotting, or no symptoms at all. If you have any concerns about unusual bleeding or difficulty getting pregnant, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

If you experience any of the following, see a doctor:

• Bleeding from your vagina after you've gone through menopause. Menopause means your periods have stopped completely. Any bleeding after this is unusual and needs checking. This could be due to a number of reasons, some serious.
• Bleeding between your periods. If you're bleeding when you're not supposed to be, it's important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of a problem.
• Menstrual bleeding that isn't regular. If your periods are coming more often, less often, or are heavier or lighter than usual, it's best to get it checked out. Changes in your menstrual cycle can be caused by various factors, some of which might need medical attention.

Estrogen levels in the body seem to affect uterine polyps. These growths are sensitive to estrogen, meaning they tend to increase in size when estrogen levels are high.

Uterine polyps, small growths in the uterus, can sometimes develop. Several things can increase your chances of getting them.

One risk factor is going through perimenopause or menopause. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when your body's hormones change. Menopause is when your monthly periods stop completely. During these times, hormone levels fluctuate, and this can sometimes lead to the growth of uterine polyps.

Another risk factor is being overweight or obese. Carrying extra weight can affect hormone balance, potentially making you more susceptible to developing uterine polyps.

Certain medications can also increase the risk. For example, tamoxifen, a medicine used to treat breast cancer, might slightly raise your chances of developing these growths. Similarly, hormone therapy taken to manage menopause symptoms can also be a contributing factor. These therapies replace or supplement the hormones your body is no longer producing, and this can sometimes affect the uterine lining in a way that encourages polyp development.

Uterine polyps, small growths in the uterus, may sometimes be linked to trouble getting pregnant. If you have polyps and are having difficulty conceiving, removing them might help. However, whether this actually improves fertility isn't definitely proven by research. There's not enough strong evidence yet to say for sure.

Diagnosing Uterine Polyps: Different Imaging and Testing Methods

Doctors use several tests to find uterine polyps, small growths in the uterus. These tests help determine if the polyps are harmless or if they might be a sign of something more serious.

1. Transvaginal Ultrasound:

A thin, wand-like device called a transducer is gently inserted into the vagina. This device sends sound waves that create a picture of the uterus, including its inside. The picture can show a polyp directly or an area of thickened uterine lining (endometrium). This thickened area might be a sign of a polyp, but it could also be something else. A doctor can then interpret the image to see if a polyp is present.

2. Hysterosonography (or Sonohysterography):

This is a variation of ultrasound. A small amount of sterile salt water (saline) is injected into the uterus through a thin tube inserted into the vagina. The saline expands the uterine cavity, making it easier for the ultrasound to create a clearer image of the inside of the uterus. This clearer image helps doctors see any abnormalities, including polyps.

3. Hysteroscopy:

A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (hysteroscope) is inserted into the vagina and cervix. This instrument lets doctors see the inside of the uterus directly. The doctor can then look for polyps or other issues.

4. Endometrial Biopsy:

A thin tube (catheter) with a suction tip is inserted into the uterus. This tool collects a small sample of the uterine lining (endometrium). The sample is sent to a lab for examination. While an endometrial biopsy can confirm the presence of a polyp, it's possible for the polyp to be missed during this procedure.

Important Note:

Most uterine polyps are not cancerous. However, some polyps can be a sign of precancerous changes (endometrial hyperplasia) or uterine cancer. A lab will examine any tissue removed from a polyp to check for signs of cancer. If there's any concern, further tests may be needed.