ultrasonographic appearance of endometrial polyps

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 20, 2024
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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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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 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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can you get pregnant with endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps can affect pregnancy, but it does not mean that conception is impossible. Rather, it means that the chances of becoming pregnant may decrease. Endometrial polyps can affect the lining of the uterus and thereby hinder the implantation of a fertilized egg after the sperm and egg have combined. Even if fertilization and implantation occur in the uterus, miscarriage is more likely to happen. Therefore, when endometrial polyps occur, treatment can be administered based on the size and extent of the polyps. If the condition is mild with few and small polyps that do not affect pregnancy, conception is still possible.

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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 Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometrial polyp removal time

Endometrial polyps require hysteroscopic polypectomy, which is a type of minimally invasive surgery, performed under intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia. If the polyp is small and the cervical opening is relaxed, the surgery typically concludes within about an hour. After the surgery, the patient can leave the operating room once they regain consciousness. However, if the polyp is located near the uterine corner and the cervix is relaxed, it can complicate the surgical procedure, extending the duration to about one and a half to two hours. Post-surgery, it is important to monitor the patient's bleeding levels.