Can endometrial polyps recur?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Endometrial polyps are a common gynecological condition. Generally, when detected, endometrial polyps need to be surgically removed. After treatment, there is still a chance of recurrence of endometrial polyps, although the chance is not particularly high. Some patients may have a higher chance of recurrence, which varies from person to person. If endometrial polyps recur, further surgical treatment may be necessary. Under normal circumstances, oral medication can be administered post-surgery to help possibly prevent the recurrence of endometrial polyps. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 14sec home-news-image

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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 5sec home-news-image

What should I do about endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps, if diagnosed, are generally treated within 3 to 7 days after the end of menstruation. You can go to the hospital to have the polyps removed under hysteroscopy. Postoperative anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment is then sufficient. The removed polyps should be sent for pathology analysis, and based on the pathology results, an appropriate treatment method can be selected. Generally, most endometrial polyps are benign, with a very small percentage having a tendency to become malignant. Endometrial polyps are prone to recurrence, so it is essential to undergo proper anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment after the removal of endometrial polyps. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps generally requires a hospital visit for a color Doppler ultrasound. After menstruation, if the ultrasound shows thickened endometrial echoes or uneven echoes, most can be diagnosed through this ultrasound. Treatment can only be performed surgically.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Difference between endometrial polyps and cervical polyps

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 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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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.