Can you get pregnant with cervical polyps?

Written by Tao Zhong E
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 01, 2025
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Cervical polyps generally form when a local area of cervical mucosa is stimulated by inflammation, leading to localized proliferation and the emergence of a solid tumor mass, which protrudes as a pedunculated lesion of varying sizes, from as small as a grain of rice to even three to four centimeters in length. However, it is usually possible to consider pregnancy after removal of the polyp, typically two weeks later, or after the next menstrual period, as it does not affect the ability to conceive. Moreover, it is generally advisable to remove the polyps upon discovery, since if not removed, they may cause recurring bleeding during pregnancy, which can complicate the monitoring of the pregnancy. However, cervical polyps are usually benign, with a low likelihood of being malignant. Thus, whether cervical polyps are detected through symptoms or during a physical examination, it is generally recommended to remove them first before considering pregnancy, although cervical polyps themselves do not impact fertility.

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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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How to treat cervical polyp cysts?

If a gynecological examination determines cervical polyps or cervical cysts, then local removal of the polyps and surgical clearance of the cysts will suffice. Both conditions are common gynecological diseases. Since the surgeries are simple and relatively low risk, most can be performed in an outpatient setting. If the patient's condition is more unusual, hospitalization for surgery may be safer. Specific approaches need to be tailored to the patient's individual circumstances in collaboration with the treating physician to achieve good therapeutic outcomes. Both cervical polyps and cervical cysts are manifestations of inflammatory diseases and are benign, so patients need not be overly anxious.

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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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Does cervical polyp removal hurt?

Cervical polyp removal surgery will not cause significant pain; however, some discomfort may arise, typically due to the use of a vaginal speculum, which feels similar to the discomfort experienced during regular examinations. The cervix itself does not have pain receptors, so there is no pain felt during cervical examinations and treatments. If there are cervical polyps, the surgery can be scheduled for three to seven days after menstruation has ended, as this timing allows for a longer interval before the next bleeding occurs, which is relatively safer and minimizes the risk of infection.

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Can cervical polyps become cancerous?

Cervical polyps are mostly caused by chronic cervical inflammation and local cervical tissue hyperplasia. Cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, so cervical polyps generally do not lead to malignancy, and the rate of malignant transformation is very low, accounting for only about 1%. If there is an HPV infection along with cervical polyps, malignant transformation of the cervical polyps can occur. Therefore, if cervical polyps are present, they should be removed, and after removal, a pathological examination is necessary to determine if there is any malignancy.