Do uterine polyps affect pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Endometrial polyps refer to the hyperplasia of the endometrial lining due to inflammatory stimuli, resulting in many polypoid tissues. Whether endometrial polyps affect pregnancy mainly depends on the number and size of the polyps, and whether they cause clinical symptoms. First, if the polyps are small and few in number without causing an increase in menstrual flow, they generally do not affect pregnancy and do not require removal of the endometrial polyps, as removing them could instead easily damage the function of the endometrial lining. Second, if the polyps are large, over one centimeter, or there are multiple endometrial polyps, and they cause an increase in menstrual volume, this indicates that the endometrial polyps have impacted the woman's body. In such cases, it is necessary to use a hysteroscope to remove the endometrial polyps before trying to conceive.

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How to perform surgery on endometrial polyps

Currently, most hospitals require hospitalization for further examinations for endometrial polyps, followed by surgery in the operating room. Generally, anesthesia is administered to the patient before surgery, usually in the form of spinal anesthesia. After the anesthesia, the patient remains conscious, but feels no pain from the lower abdomen to the legs. Under these conditions, the surgery to remove the endometrial polyp is performed. Under the exploration of a hysteroscope, the polyps are removed sequentially with an electrosurgical loop, and the removed tissue is sent for pathological examination.

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What should I do about endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps are a common condition in women, with many experiencing them. The treatment for endometrial polyps discovered during an ultrasound primarily depends on the size of the polyps and whether they cause clinical symptoms. Firstly, if the endometrial polyp is relatively small, less than 5mm, and does not cause significant clinical symptoms, it may not require intervention and can be monitored with regular check-ups. Secondly, if the endometrial polyp is larger than 1cm or causes a significant increase in menstrual flow, hysteroscopic surgery should be performed to excise the polyp.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to check for endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyp examinations are generally conducted through ultrasound at hospitals, which can provide a clear diagnosis. The best time for this ultrasound is within three to seven days after the end of menstruation. During this period, the thickness of the endometrium is between three to four millimeters, and the endometrial echo is uniform. If, during this period, the endometrial thickness is greater than four millimeters and the echo suggests unevenness, this generally indicates a high possibility of endometrial polyps. Patients with endometrial polyps typically experience shorter menstrual cycles, usually occurring every 20 days, with longer menstruation periods. Normally, the menstruation period lasts from three to seven days, but in patients with endometrial polyps, it can extend to over eight to ten days. Therefore, through symptoms and ultrasound, it is possible to determine whether there are endometrial polyps.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can uterine polyps disappear on their own?

Endometrial polyps are generally located in the uterine cavity. Some endometrial polyps may be expelled during menstruation, as each menstrual period involves the shedding of the endometrial lining, causing some small polyps to disappear after menstruation. However, if the endometrial polyps persist and are relatively large, causing irregular bleeding, excessive menstrual flow, or affecting pregnancy, it might be necessary to perform a hysteroscopy for examination and treatment, and to send samples for pathological testing.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia polyps

If endometrial hyperplasia and polyps are present, there may be an increase in menstrual flow and an extension of the menstrual cycle. This is because if many polyps grow on the endometrium, it will increase the surface area of the endometrium, leading to increased menstrual bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients should go to the hospital in time for examination and treatment. If there are many polyps affecting daily life and reproductive function, a hysteroscopic examination is necessary. Under hysteroscopy, endometrial polyps can also be removed. Therefore, it is advised to seek medical examination as soon as possible.