Uterine Polyps Symptoms, Causes and More

By christine

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Uterine Polyps.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20378709.
• 2. 'Uterine Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14683-uterine-polyps#symptoms-and-causes.
• 3. Nijkang, Njume Peter, et al. 'Endometrial Polyps: Pathogenesis, Sequelae and Treatment.' SAGE Open Medicine, SAGE Publications, 2 May 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6501471/.

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Uterine polyps develop from an overgrowth of endometrial tissue. Also known as endometrial polyps, they can cause irregular, heavy menstrual cycles and may even lead to infertility. Hormones play a role in the growth of the polyps. There are a few risk factors, including hypertension and obesity, that may also cause uterine overgrowth.¹‘Uterine Polyps.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20378709.

There are both noninvasive and invasive treatment options for the condition. Although polyps can be cancerous, most endometrial overgrowth is noncancerous. Women with symptoms of uterine polyps should see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.²‘Uterine Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14683-uterine-polyps#symptoms-and-causes.

1. What Are Uterine Polyps?

Uterine polyps form in the endometrium. These abnormal growths contain glands, blood vessels, and stroma and can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size. Women may experience one or more round or oval polyps between the size of a sesame seed and a golf ball, which are attached to the uterine wall by a stalk or base. Some describe the overgrowth as having a finger-like appearance.³Nijkang, Njume Peter, et al. ‘Endometrial Polyps: Pathogenesis, Sequelae and Treatment.’ SAGE Open Medicine, SAGE Publications, 2 May 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6501471/.

Most endometrial polyps are noncancerous. They're most often found inside the uterus. But sometimes, the growths can occur at the cervix's opening.