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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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
55sec home-news-image

Can cervical polyps affect fertility?

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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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is a cervical polyp examined?

Cervical polyps in women can be detected through routine gynecological examinations, especially the smaller cervical polyps, which can be seen inside the cervical canal when the vagina is opened with a speculum. These small, blood-red protrusions resemble tongues and their stalks, generally located inside the cervical canal, are invisible. Therefore, other diagnostic methods, such as the commonly used color ultrasound, can also detect cervical polyps, but usually only when the polyps have reached a certain size in diameter that the ultrasound can differentiate them. Even with transvaginal ultrasound, the cervical polyps need to be large enough to be detected, so ultrasound should not be considered as the first choice for examination. Furthermore, another important diagnostic method is pathological examination. All surgically removed cervical polyps must undergo histopathological examination to rule out the possibility of malignancy.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why is cervical polyp prone to recurrence?

Cervical polyps are a type of benign lesion of the cervix. However, recurrent episodes are common after cervical polyp removal surgery. This may be due to inflammation that causes the polyps; if the inflammation, such as vaginitis or cervicitis, is not fully cleared after surgery, it can stimulate the regrowth of cervical polyps. Additionally, in some women, the base of the cervical polyp may be deep, and if it is not completely removed during surgery, recurrence may occur. Furthermore, in some cases, the polyp itself may undergo malignant transformation, leading to potential recurrence after the surgery.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps are a type of benign lesion, mainly caused by chronic inflammation of the cervix, which stimulates hyperplasia in the glandular connective tissue of the cervix. They contain inflammatory cells, such as leukocytes and neutrophils, and are relatively soft and fragile. Touching them can easily lead to bleeding, which is why some women experience bleeding after intercourse. Polyps do not contain muscle fiber cells, and after bleeding, they cannot contract and are not very effective at stopping the bleeding. In very rare cases, women may have endometrial cancer or cervical cancer that presents as polyp-like growths, which are considered malignant lesions.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is the LEEP surgery for cervical polyps painful?

Cervical polyp removal using the LEEP procedure can be painful, but with advances in medical science, this operation can now be performed painlessly to minimize patient discomfort. Therefore, particularly sensitive patients who are very fearful of pain can opt for a painless LEEP procedure at the hospital. This can be achieved through intravenous anesthesia, which generally yields very good results, causes minimal discomfort, and facilitates a smooth recovery. Therefore, LEEP surgery on the cervix without anesthesia might be painful, but with anesthesia, it is usually very effective and problem-free. After surgery, it is important to manage inflammation appropriately and perform a pathological examination of the removed tissue. If there are no other complications, an annual follow-up is generally sufficient.