Everything you need to know about uterine polyps

Uterine polypsuterine cancer, these small benign growths still need to be treated.

Definition, symptoms, causes, patient profile, treatment, management, prevention—discover everything you need to know about uterine polyps.

A uterine polyp, also called a polyp of the uterus or an endometrial polyp, is a growth that develops in the uterus. These are most often benign tumours.

A uterine polyp is different from endometrial cancer or a uterine fibroid.

More precisely, these are small tumours that develop on the uterine lining. Depending on its exact location, the polyp will be given a different name.

We talk about a uterine polyp when it develops on the endometrium, an endocervical polyp when it is located on the cervix, and an intracavitary polyp when it is found inside the uterine cavity.

The patient may develop one or several uterine polyps. It’s not unusual to find several, in a group or cluster.

A uterine polyp can measure just a few millimetres or several centimetres. The size is highly variable.

Uterine polyps rarely occur before the age of 30. The development of uterine polyps occurs mostly in pre-menopausal or already menopausal women, that is, from the age of 45.

These tumors, although benign, can cause some discomfort or even pain. However, it should be noted that many patients with one or more uterine polyps experience no symptoms at all. The uterine polyp is often asymptomatic.

In rare cases, the endometrial polyp can cause bleeding outside of the menstrual period or spotting (metrorrhagia). This can alert the patient and lead her to consult a doctor.

If the patient experiences difficulty conceiving, polyps may be a factor. Indeed, if the polyps are large enough, they can hinder the proper progression of sperm, interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg, or even cause miscarriages.

If the patient experiences quite heavy vaginal discharge, this can also be a sign and symptom.

Finally, this type of polyp can cause particularly heavy periods (menorrhagia) but not always. If the patient has recently experienced periods with a medium, light, or normal menstrual flow, this can be a good warning to consult a doctor.

Very often, it’s during the annual gynecological exam that the midwife or gynecologist discovers the polyp, and rarely because the patient has complained.

An endometrial polyp can be diagnosed with a pelvic ultrasound via the vaginal route, with a hysteroscopy (an exam that allows visualization of the uterus) or with a hysterosalpingography (an exam used in the assessment of female infertility). A diagnosis can also be made following a biopsy.

What are the causes and origins of uterine polyps? While doctors and researchers still have work to do in this area, it’s clear that the development of uterine polyps is partly linked to a hormonal imbalance, particularly in the sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen. The development of polyps is partly due to an overproduction of oestrogen.

Excess weight is another factor to consider when explaining the development of uterine polyps. Women living with obesity are therefore at higher risk of developing a uterine polyp at some point.

Women with diabetes or high blood pressure are also at greater risk.

Finally, women on hormone therapy are more likely to develop uterine polyps: women taking hormonal treatment to stimulate their ovaries, or women on treatment for breast cancer.

The treatment chosen will depend on the number of polyps, their size and their location. The doctor may offer the patient several options:

• removal of polyps via **operative hysteroscopy**. This medical procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic. It involves the surgical removal of **uterine polyps**.

• If the polyp or polyps are small, hormonal treatment may be offered. Progestins can make polyps disappear.

• Finally, there is another, more definitive treatment: endometriectomy. This is the removal of the endometrium. It is offered to women who are already menopausal or who do not wish to have (more) children. It eliminates the risk of recurrence.

Do you have pain during your period, do you feel discomfort or cramps? Are your periods heavier? Do you have a particularly heavy menstrual flow? Are you struggling to get pregnant? Has it been a long time since you last saw a gynecologist or a midwife? We can only encourage you to make an appointment.

Your health is precious, take care of yourself! You should know that 5% of uterine polyps can turn into endometrial cancer. They must therefore be treated and monitored.

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