Can uterine polyps disappear on their own?

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on October 28, 2024
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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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps heal by themselves?

Some endometrial polyps are self-healing, so not all endometrial polyps require surgical treatment. This is often because endometrial polyps are related to recent endocrine states, and some can be managed with hormonal medications, while others may be expelled during a menstrual period. Therefore, if the endometrial polyp does not cause any symptoms, such as abnormal bleeding, impact on pregnancy, or is large enough to cause infertility, it is possible to observe regularly without immediate diagnostic curettage surgery.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do uterine polyps require surgery?

Endometrial polyps are caused by excessive growth of the endometrial lining, and can be single or multiple, with diameters ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They can be pedunculated or sessile. Endometrial polyps smaller than one centimeter in diameter, if asymptomatic, have a natural resolution rate of about 27% within a year and a low rate of malignancy. If the polyp is large, greater than one centimeter, it requires hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy or curettage. However, curettage has disadvantages, as it can easily miss polyps, and there is a high chance of recurrence after the surgery. Therefore, once an endometrial polyp larger than one centimeter is identified, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for examination and treatment. Postoperative treatment should be guided based on the pathological findings.

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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 Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps be misdiagnosed?

Endometrial polyps can be misdiagnosed as they are caused by excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining. Clinically, the thickness of the endometrium varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Typically, just before menstruation, the endometrium is quite thick. As a result, some women might notice that their endometrium appears thick, resembling a polyp. If such a condition is observed, it is advisable to wait until after a menstrual period when the endometrium has shed before undergoing an ultrasound examination. If it is indeed an endometrial polyp, it will not shed with the menstrual flow. If it’s just thickened endometrium, it will resolve after menstruation. Therefore, it is essential to perform an ultrasound after menstruation to confirm if it is an endometrial polyp. If the polyp persists after a clean menstrual cycle, it can be diagnosed definitively.

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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.