What should I do about endometrial polyps?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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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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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ultrasonographic appearance of endometrial polyps

Under normal circumstances, the diagnosis of endometrial polyps is usually determined clearly by performing an ultrasound at the hospital. Normally, the endometrial line is continuous. There is a specific thickness to the endometrium. Typically, a thickness of 3-4mm in the endometrium at the end of menstruation is considered normal. During ovulation, the thickness of the endometrium is 8mm. Before menstruation starts, the endometrial thickness is generally more than 10mm. If it is within this range, it is generally considered normal. If there is an increase in endometrial thickness and the echo of the endometrium is not continuous, and the endometrial echo is uneven, in most cases, endometrial polyps are suspected. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps can generally be clearly determined through color Doppler ultrasound. This diagnosis is not difficult. Once endometrial polyps are clearly diagnosed by ultrasound, they can be removed by hysteroscopic polypectomy at the hospital.

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What are endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps refer to excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining, forming polyp-like tissues. Patients typically experience irregular vaginal bleeding, primarily manifesting as minor vaginal bleeding after menstrual periods have ended. Upon visiting the hospital and undergoing a vaginal ultrasound examination, a polyp-like tissue can be detected within the uterine cavity. Once identified, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage is required to remove these tissues. Subsequently, a pathological examination must be conducted to clearly determine the cause and nature of the polyps.

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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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How to investigate endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps require an ultrasound examination to be detected, as they are located within the uterine cavity and cannot be seen by a gynecological examination alone. Under ultrasound, one can see a polyp-like object in the uterine cavity, which usually measures only a few millimeters, although some may be about ten or more millimeters in size. Certainly, if possible, a hysteroscopy can also identify them. However, generally, an ultrasound is conducted first to observe the endometrial polyps, followed by a hysteroscopy to remove them.