Endometrial Polyp: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

What is the endometrial polyp?

Endometrial Polyp or Uterine Polyps are specific growths that are attached to the inner walls of the uterus extending into the uterine cavity. The overgrowth of the endometrium –the cells present in the lining of the uterus could lead to the formation of Endometrial Polyp or Uterine Polyps. The Endometrial Polyps are usually benign (non-cancerous). However, some of them could be cancerous and eventually transform into cancer –precancerous polyps. 

The Endometrial Polyps or uterine polyps tend to range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The polyps attach themselves to the walls of the uterus with the help of a thin stalk or a large base –depending on their size. An individual can have one or more Endometrial Polyps. They usually remain contained within the uterus. However, at times, the polyps might slip through the cervix opening to reach the vagina. 

How does Endometrial Polyp Occur?

The hormonal factors are known to be the major cause of the Endometrial Polyps. The uterine polyps tend to be estrogen-sensitive. This implies that they grow as a response to the circulating estrogen in the body. Some of the additional reasons for the development of Endometrial Polyps have been linked to:

• Clogged blood vessels
• Increase in the levels of estrogen –the female sex hormone
• Chronic inflammation of the uterus, vagina, or cervix

Who is Prone to Endometrial Polyp?

The Endometrial Polyps or Uterine Polyps are most common in women who are going through the stage of menopause or have completed their menopause. However, in some typical cases, even younger women can get the Endometrial Polyps. 

What are the Symptoms of Endometrial Polyp? How is Endometrial Polyp Diagnosed?

Some of the common Endometrial Polyp symptoms include:

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Irregularity in the menstrual bleeding –having frequent, unpredictable periods that vary in heaviness and duration
• Bleeding between the menstrual cycles
• Infertility
• Excessively heavy menstrual periods

In some women, Endometrial Polyp symptoms are also characterized by light bleeding or spotting, while some might be even symptom-free. 

When you have observed the Endometrial Polyp symptoms, you must seek medical assistance if you have been experiencing:

• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding between menstrual periods

Diagnosis

Depending on your Endometrial Polyp symptoms, if the doctor suspects that you have Endometrial Polyps, the following diagnostic methods might be suggested:

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

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

• Endometrial Biopsy: Here, the doctor might make use of a suction catheter inside the uterus for collecting a specimen for laboratory testing. 

Most of the Endometrial Polyps tend to be benign (non-cancerous). 

What are the Complications of Endometrial Polyp?

Most of the Endometrial Polyps might be associated with infertility in women. If you have been diagnosed with uterine polyps and you are not able to conceive a child, it is recommended that the removal of the Endometrial Polyps through surgery might help you in becoming pregnant. 

What is the Treatment for Endometrial Polyp?

When you have been diagnosed with Endometrial Polyps, the doctor might suggest some of the common treatment methods as:

• Medication: Some of the hormonal medications including gonadotropin-releasing and progestins-releasing hormone agonists might help in lessening the symptoms associated with Endometrial Polyp. However, the intake of such medications might return only short-term results –the Endometrial Polyp symptoms might re-occur once you have stopped taking the medicines. 

• Watchful Waiting: If you have small Endometrial Polyps without any major symptom, then these could be resolved on their own. In such cases, the treatment of the Endometrial Polyps is quite unnecessary unless you are at the risk of developing uterine cancer.

• Surgery: During the diagnostic process of hysteroscopy, the doctor examines the insides of your uterus & cervix. As such, if possible, the polyps could be removed surgically. The removed uterine polyp might be sent to the laboratory for further examination.

Home Remedies for Endometrial Polyp

• Use natural-based feminine care products
• Avoid simple carbohydrates including sugar, sodas, industrial pastries & candies, and others
• Eat fiber-rich food
• Avoid taking caffeinated beverages

Did You Know?

• Endometrial Polyp usually occurs to women after menopause. However, it could also occur to younger women.
• Some smaller polyps might not reflect any symptom at all.
• The polyps could be resolved by taking proper medications. 

Related Links

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