Difference between endometrial polyps and cervical polyps

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Endometrial polyps and cervical polyps are two types of reproductive system polyps that are relatively common in women. Their differences lie in the following aspects: First, the location of the polyps is different. Endometrial polyps are located inside the uterine cavity, whereas cervical polyps grow in the cervical canal or on the external cervix. Second, the symptoms caused by each are different. Cervical polyps may cause symptoms or tend to cause abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of menstruation. In contrast, endometrial polyps typically lead to increased menstrual flow and generally do not cause bleeding outside of menstruation. Third, the examination methods are not completely the same. Endometrial polyps are primarily diagnosed through ultrasound, while cervical polyps are mainly checked through gynecological examination.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps heal by themselves?

Firstly, endometrial polyps cannot heal on their own. There are many causes of endometrial polyps, one being excessive levels of estrogen in the body; another is long-term gynecological inflammation stimulation, such as from abortions or childbirth surgical procedures, which can lead to the formation of endometrial polyps; furthermore, high blood pressure and obesity are also high-risk factors for endometrial polyps. Therefore, once endometrial polyps occur, this condition cannot heal on its own. It requires a hysteroscopic examination three to seven days after menstruation has ended to confirm if it is indeed an endometrial polyp. If confirmed as an endometrial polyp, further hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy is needed, followed by further pathological examination after the surgery.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps cause bleeding?

Endometrial polyps can bleed, which is due to the proliferation of the endometrium resulting in a polyp-like tissue formation. This tissue sticks to the endometrium and thus has blood vessels on it. If women experience this, clinical symptoms will present as irregular vaginal bleeding. Such bleeding mostly occurs after menstruation has ended, followed by renewed vaginal bleeding, and the amount of bleeding can increase after physical activity. If this condition occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to first rule out if it is caused by endometrial polyps.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What department should I go to for endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps can typically be diagnosed and treated at the gynecology department of a hospital. Patients should register at the gynecology department, and the doctor will schedule a hysteroscopy. Under hysteroscopy, the surgery to remove the endometrial polyp can be performed. This surgery is generally done within three to seven days after the end of menstrual bleeding. After the removal, the polyp can be sent for pathology to check if there is any tendency towards malignancy. Normally, most polyps are benign. After the removal, oral anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed as symptomatic treatment. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for one month, and oral anti-inflammatory medications can be taken within the first week. Patients who have had a polyp removed should seek re-examination if excessive bleeding occurs, and since endometrial polyps are prone to recurrence, annual check-ups are essential.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will uterine polyps cause bleeding during intercourse?

Endometrial polyps generally do not cause bleeding after sexual intercourse. However, bleeding after sexual intercourse can occur if there are polyps in the cervical canal. Clinically, endometrial polyps generally present with shorter menstrual cycles, occurring every 20-something days. The period duration is also typically longer; normally, a period lasts from three to seven days. In patients with endometrial polyps, the period can extend up to eight or nine days. Under such circumstances, endometrial polyps are generally suspected, and patients are often advised to visit a hospital for an ultrasound to examine the thickness of the endometrial lining and its echo characteristics, allowing for a definitive diagnosis of endometrial polyps. Endometrial polyps do not cause bleeding after sexual intercourse. Bleeding after intercourse is generally considered clinically if there are conditions such as cervical cancer, precancerous cervical conditions, cervical polyps, or other cervical alterations. Thus, if bleeding after intercourse occurs, it is crucial to undergo cervical cancer screening at a hospital.

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Can endometrial polyps be cured?

Endometrial polyps are a common gynecological condition clinically, and most of the time, they are not very harmful. Clinically, once endometrial polyps are discovered, it is recommended to assess with the local hospital's gynecology department whether surgical removal is necessary. Most endometrial polyps can be cured through surgical removal and will not affect the patient's daily life or future. However, it is important to note that endometrial polyps are very prone to recurrence.