Uterine Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Uterine Polyps

Uterus or womb is the part of a woman’s reproductive system where an embryo embeds itself and further develops into a fetus. Any complication in the uterus such as any growth or irregularity to its structure can cause recurrent miscarriage or complications during delivery.

Dr. Vimmi Kaur, Chief IVF And Infertility Specialist at Indira IVF Hospital, Explained that: “If you mention “uterine polyps” to women, most of them will give you a blank stare. But you’ll be surprised, indeed, Uterine polyps are not a new name. Up to 3 in 10 women have uterine polyps once in their lifetime.” They are are bulb shaped abnormal growth inside line of utrues (also called endometrium). In most of the cases Uterine polyps are the most common cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding. They are also known as “endometrial polyps”. In some cases Uterine polyps causes infertility as it prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall. These polyps are not always dangerous but the Uterine polyps symptoms affects the quality of routine life majorly. Also, there are some chances of them to be cancerous. This makes Uterine polyps treatment necessary and on time.

Who can have Uterinepolyps?
The Uterine polyps are most common in women during their pre-menopause and post-menopause stage. Even younger women can have Uterine polyps but they are quite rare among the women in their younger age.

Causes Of Uterine Polyps

The hormonal factor is the major Uterine polyps causes as they are sensitive to the female hormone estrogen. Some other causes of Uterine polyps are:

• Clogged blood vessels
• Increased level of female sex hormone, i.e. Estrogen.
• Cronic inflammation vagina, cervix or uterus.

Apart, from the causes mentioned above, you are more likely to have Uterine polyps if you are:

• Between 40 to 50 years
• Facing pre-menopause or post-menopause
• Taking anti-estrogen drugs or had them in the past
• Obese

Symptoms Of Uterine Polyps

However, not all women with Uterine polys face symptoms while some experience symptoms similar to endometrial cancer. These uterine polyp symptoms include several types of abnormal uterine bleeding, such as:

• Irregularity in periods – having frequent and unpredictable periods
• heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between two menstrual cycles
• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding after intercourse

Another uterine polyp symptoms is difficulty in getting pregnant that can lead you to infertility if remain untreated.

How Uterine polyps are realated to infertility?
it can result in Infertility. They act like a natural intrauterine device (IUD), preventing a fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterine wall. Additionally, it can also block the area where the fallopian tube connects to the uterine cavity. This will prevent sperm from traveling into the tube to meet the egg. Similarly, they can block the canal of the cervix, which would prevent sperm from entering into the uterus.
it may also play a role in miscarriage in some cases.

How Uterine Polyps are diagnosed?

Depending upon the symptoms, your doctor may recommend one of the methods mentioned below for finding out whether you have uterine poly:

Transvaginal Ultrasound:
In this method, a wand-like, slender device is placed in the vagina for emitting sound waves & showing an image of the uterus. Through this image, the doctor can see whether or not there are any Uterine Polyps inside the uterus or cervix.

Hysteroscopy:
In this process, the doctor inserts a flexible, thin and lighted telescope referred to as a hysteroscope inside the vagina or cervix. This procedure helps the doctor in examining the insides of your uterus.

Endometrial Biopsy:
In this process, the doctor makes use of a suction catheter inside the uterus for collecting a specimen for laboratory testing.

Treatments Of Uterine Polyps

Uterine Polyps Treatment : Not all uterine polyps are cancerous but the uterine polyp treatment is neccessary to control the uterine bleeding.

Watchful Waiting
If you have no symptoms then your doctor will suggst you to do nothing except watching if it is increasing. Small polyps can be resolved on their own. In such cases, the doctor will not recommend surgery and medication unless you are at risk of developing uterine cancer.

Medication
As mentioned earlier, the major cause is related to the sensitivity towards the increased level of estrogen hormone. Therefore some hormonal medicines can help to tame the hormone levels. These medicines are called progestins and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists. These medicines can reduce the size of the uterine polyps and improve the symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding.
The only draw-back of these medicines is they only show short term results. Once you stop taking the medicines, the symptoms of uterine polyps might reoccur.

Surgery
Removal of uterine polyp through surgery is recommended to you by your doctor as the permanent solution. The surgery is done in the same way the uterine polyps are diagnosed.

Hysteroscopic Removal:
This is a procedure to remove a uterine polyp. This procedure can be done in a clinic or hospital under local numbing or general (full) anesthesia.

Hysterectomy
This is a surgical process that removes the entire uterus. A vaginal hysterectomy is done through the vagina. In an abdominal hysterectomy, the uterus is removed through an incision in the stomach area. Both of these surgeries are done in the hospital. You’ll need general anesthesia for both types.
This surgery is needed when the cancer cells are diagnosed in the

Is it possible to prevent Uterine Polyps?
There is no specific method for the prevention of uterine polyps. It is important for you to maintain a healthy weight and have regular gynecological check-ups to know if there is something wrong with your body. You should also avoid the risk factors cause it such as obesity, high blood pressure, and hormonal factors, etc.
There are also some natural remedies that can help you lower the risk of uterine polyps, are:

• using natural-based feminine care products
• Avoid intake of simple carbohydrates including sugar, sodas, industrial pastries & candies, and others
• Eat fiber-rich food
• Avoid taking caffeine

Uterine polyp is a common problem related to the female system that may cause infertility. There is a wide range of medical and surgical options available for uterine polyps treatment. If you are facing any irregularities in periods, never hesitate to seek the advice from a doctor.

At Indira IVF and fertility center, our fertility experts are keen to help and resolve all your queries related infertility or IVF. You can book your appointment for a free consultation now.