Polyps
Polyps are common benign growths. They can occur in the uterus (endometrial polyps), cervix (cervical polyps) or vagina (vaginal polyps). Polyps can be isolated, but sometimes multiple polyps are apparent. The chances of a cancer being present in a polyp is low. Older women are more at risk than younger women.
Symptoms
You may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between your periods, and sometimes infertility. Typically pain is not present. Many polyps are discovered incidentally when an ultrasound scan is being performed. Other symptoms may include bleeding after sex, irregular or unscheduled bleeding, or prolonged periods.
Treatment
Typically polyps are removed. This is to ameliorate symptoms, confirm the diagnosis and to rule out sinister pathology such as cancer of the uterus.
We can help
If you’d think you may have this condition and would like to talk to us about how we can help, please feel free to contact us. You can also request an appointment online.
Further reading
Related symptoms
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Another term for this is post-coital bleeding, and it usually occurs within 24 hours of intercourse. In most cases, it is nothing to worry about, but should be investigated if persistent or if you are concerned.
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Periods that last more than 7 days. Causes include fibroids, polyps, hyperplasia or cancer of the uterus, PCOS, genital tract infection, and endometriosis.
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Commonly caused by hormone therapies, including oral contraceptives. Persistent bleeding may be due to genital tract infections, polyps, or cervical cancer.
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High volume, long-lasting periods with flooding, clotting or anaemia. Causes can include fibroids, polyps, hyperplasia, PCOS, infection, or endometriosis.
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Women may have problems with tubal blockage, endometriosis, ovulation, egg numbers or quality. Men may have issues with sperm quantity or quality.
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Causes include endometriosis, infection, instability of the lining of the womb, ovarian cysts, perimenopause, PCOS, polyps, and early pregnancy.
Treatments
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A common procedure, placing a thin camera through the cervix to evaluate the inside of the uterus. This may be as an investigation or a treatment.