What Are Uterine Polyps?

Uterine polyps are growths that form on the inner lining (endometrium) of your uterus. They can vary in size, ranging from a few millimeters (the size of a flax seed) to several centimeters (the size of a ping-pong ball, or larger). These growths are typically non-cancerous, but in rare cases they may develop into cancer.

Polyps are attached to the uterine wall by a thin stalk or a broad base, and you can develop one or more polyps at a time. While some women might not even notice that they have polyps, others experience symptoms that can impact their daily life.

Who Is Most Likely To Be Affected by Uterine Polyps?

Uterine polyps can affect women of all ages, but most commonly form during perimenopause or after menopause. This is because hormonal changes during this time can make polyps more likely to appear. If you have high blood pressure, are overweight, or are taking certain hormonal medications, this can also put you at a greater risk of developing uterine polyps.

What Are the Causes of Uterine Polyps?

While the exact causes of uterine polyps aren’t fully understood, hormonal imbalances are thought to play a significant role. A woman’s uterine lining thickens each month in response to the hormone oestrogen, and uterine polyps may develop when this lining grows excessively, and fails to shed properly. Other potential factors of polyps developing include:

• Your age, particularly approaching or after menopause 
• High blood pressure
• A high BMI (of 25 or more)
• Using tamoxifen, a medication for breast cancer
• Taking HRT with a high level of oestrogen

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Polyps?

Symptoms can vary depending on how big the uterine polyps are, and where they form. Common signs can include:

• Heavy periods
• Irregular periods
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Problems trying to conceive 
• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding after sex

Can You Have Uterine Polyps Without Any Symptoms?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to have uterine polyps without experiencing any symptoms. In many cases, they’re only discovered during an unrelated medical exam or pelvic ultrasound.

Can Uterine Polyps Cause Discomfort?

While uterine polyps don’t always cause pain, you might experience discomfort, especially if the polyps are large or located near your cervix. You may feel a cramping sensation, pelvic pain, or pressure in your lower abdomen.

How Will You Know if You Have Uterine Polyps?

At our clinic, we would diagnose uterine polyps after taking your medical history, a physical examination, and some imaging tests via an ultrasound. The diagnostic tools we commonly use are:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: We would insert a slim probe into your vagina to obtain detailed images of your uterus.
• Hysteroscopy: We would insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera on it into your uterus to allow us to see any polyps.
• Endometrial Biopsy: We would take a small sample of your uterine tissue to examine, to check for the possibility of cancer or other abnormalities.

How Can Uterine Polyps Be Treated?

Treatment for uterine polyps depends on your symptoms, age, and whether you’re planning to have children. Treatment options can include:

• Monitoring: If the polyps are small and asymptomatic, we may simply recommend keeping an eye on the polyps during regular check ups. 
• Medication: Hormonal therapies, such as progestins, may temporarily alleviate symptoms.
• Surgical Removal: A procedure called a hysteroscopic polypectomy can be used to remove polyps.

Can Uterine Polyps Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?

Yes, uterine polyps can impact fertility by interfering with egg fertilisation, implantation, and your fallopian tubes. If you’re struggling to conceive, we may advise that you have your polyps removed to improve your chances of conceiving.

Do Uterine Polyps Make Sex Painful?

In some cases, uterine polyps can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable, particularly if your polyps are large, or located near your cervix. If you experience pain during sex, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor, as they can investigate the reasons why this might be.

If You Have Uterine Polyps, Are You More Likely to get Cancer?

Most uterine polyps are benign and don’t lead to cancer. However, a small percentage may become cancerous or indicate a higher risk of endometrial cancer. This is why it’s really important to visit your doctor at regular intervals, so they can monitor your polyps and give you the best advise you on management, treatment and potential removal.

When Should You See a Doctor if You Think You Have Uterine Polyps?

It’s important to visit your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Unusually heavy or irregular periods.
• Bleeding or spotting between periods.
• Postmenopausal bleeding.
• Pain during sex or pelvic discomfort. 

It’s totally understandable to feel anxious if you have uterine polyps, but with proper diagnosis and care, they are highly manageable.

Visit Our London Clinic

Our consultant gynaecologists and GPs are here to offer their care and expertise, and discuss the best treatment options for you. 

To find out more, please telephone 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.