Can cervical polyps affect fertility?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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It is generally found that cervical polyps do not affect fertility, only endometrial polyps beneath the mucous membrane affect fertility.

If a simple cervical polyp is found, it can be removed through a polypectomy, and treating inflammation symptomatically after the surgery is usually sufficient. Cervical polyps generally do not affect fertility, but those located beneath the mucous membrane do because they can disrupt the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity by implanting at the site of the polyp, affecting embryonic blood circulation, which can lead to biochemical pregnancy or threatened miscarriage.

Therefore, if endometrial polyps affect fertility, it is clear that cervical polyps do not. The treatment for cervical polyps is also quite simple and can generally be handled in the outpatient department of a hospital.

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Symptoms of cervical polyps

Most women with cervical polyps may not show any clinical symptoms. When the size or number of polyps increases, resulting in an enlarged surface area of columnar epithelium, the amount of secretion may increase, manifesting as thick and abundant vaginal discharge. When an infection coincides, the discharge can appear purulent. Due to the fragile texture of the polyp’s surface, it can easily bleed when touched, which is why some women might experience vaginal bleeding during gynecological examinations or after intercourse. In some women, cervical polyps are a manifestation of cervical cancer, which can then lead to uncontrollable vaginal bleeding and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If it progresses to a late stage, signs of metastasis, such as cancer spreading to the bladder causing hematuria, may occur.

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Do cervical polyps differentiate between benign and malignant?

Under normal circumstances, cervical polyps are considered benign hyperplastic lesions of the cervix, possibly related to the body's hormone levels or caused by inflammatory stimulation resulting in inflammatory polyps. However, sometimes malignancies of the endometrium or cervix can also present as polyp-like growths. It is usually impossible to distinguish benign from malignant lesions just by visual inspection. Therefore, whenever cervical polyps are found, it is common practice to perform a surgical removal of the cervical polyp and then conduct a histopathological examination to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.

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the chances of cervical polyps becoming cancerous

Cervical polyps rarely become malignant; they are a form of chronic cervicitis. Cervical polyps originate from the glandular bodies and stroma of the cervical canal, appearing as localized hyperplasia that protrudes outwards from the cervical os, typically either singly or in multiple occurrences. Some individuals may experience bleeding after sexual intercourse and discover cervical polyps upon timely medical examination. Once cervical polyps are detected, preoperative cancer screening of the cervix is necessary, including testing for human papillomavirus infections and liquid-based cytology of the cervix. If there are no pathological changes, it is appropriate to promptly perform electrosurgical removal of the cervical polyp, followed by further pathological examinations post-surgery. Generally, it is advised to avoid getting cold and to maintain cleanliness of the external genitalia.

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Can cervical polyps lead to natural childbirth?

Cervical polyps generally allow for natural childbirth, as they do not affect the delivery process. During pregnancy, if cervical polyps are present, there may be minor vaginal bleeding, but these polyps usually do not impact the pregnancy or childbirth. If vaginal bleeding occurs during pregnancy, it is necessary to examine the cervix. If cervical polyps are observed, the bleeding might be caused by the polyps, which could indicate a threatened miscarriage. Therefore, if cervical polyps are present, they should be removed. Once the cervical polyps are removed, bleeding generally ceases. Thus, if vaginal bleeding continues after the removal of cervical polyps, it may indicate a threatened miscarriage during pregnancy, requiring further examination.

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Does cervical polyp surgery require anesthesia?

Cervical polyp removal surgery generally does not require anesthesia, partly because the stalk of the cervical polyp is usually quite thin, making it easy to cut off during removal. Another reason is that the nerve distribution in the cervical area is not as rich, so the cervical tissues are less sensitive to pain compared to other areas. Therefore, the cervical polyp removal surgery does not cause significant pulling reactions on the cervix, which is why general anesthesia is generally not needed.