Common Signs of Uterine Polyps and When You Should See One of Our GYNs

If you’ve been noticing unusual bleeding or changes in your menstrual cycle, it could be a symptom of uterine polyps, growths in the inner lining of your uterus. Understanding the signs of uterine polyps is essential, because early detection can prevent more serious complications.

A timely evaluation from one of our caring GYNs can help ensure you get the proper diagnosis and treatment, so you can experience symptom relief and peace of mind. 

In this article, we’ll explore common signs and symptoms of uterine polyps, how they’re treated and when it’s time to see one of our experienced GYNs for care.

If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding or other worrisome symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. We’ve provided expert care to thousands of women throughout the Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Triangle area for decades. We would welcome the opportunity to be your medical home.

What Are Uterine Polyps?

Uterine polyps are growths in the inner lining of your uterus, or endometrium. An overgrowth of endometrial cells forms the polyp, which then attaches to the endometrium by a thin stalk or a broad base. Sometimes called endometrial polyps, they can range in size from a sesame seed to golf ball size or larger. 

It’s not known exactly why polyps form, but the hormone estrogen, which causes the uterine lining to thicken each month during your menstrual cycle, is thought to be a factor. High levels of estrogen may prompt the endometrium to overgrow, causing polyps to develop. 

If left untreated, uterine polyps can lead to complications such as fertility issues or problems with your period. While typically benign (noncancerous), uterine polyps can sometimes be a risk factor for cancer. 

The main difference between polyps and uterine growths like fibroids is that polyps grow from the inner lining of the uterus, while fibroids are made of muscle and connective tissue and grow in the muscular wall of the uterus.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Polyps

The most common sign of uterine polyps is abnormal or irregular bleeding.

Symptoms of uterine polyps may include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles, such as periods that vary in length and heaviness 
• Very heavy flow during your period
• Bleeding or spotting between periods 
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding after intercourse 
• Infertility or trouble conceiving
• Pelvic discomfort or pressure (less common)

Some people with uterine polyps may have only light bleeding or spotting. Others experience no symptoms at all, which is why routine checkups are important. 

Who is More Likely to Develop Uterine Polyps?

Factors that may place you at greater risk of developing uterine polyps include:

• Being in your 40s or 50s
• Having high blood pressure
• Being overweight or obese
• Being perimenopausal or postmenopausal
• Taking tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer
• Receiving hormone therapy for menopause symptoms
• Having genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or Cowden syndrome

How Are Uterine Polyps Treated? Diagnosis and Treatment Options

To diagnose uterine polyps, we’ll review your medical history, ask about your symptoms and perform a gynecological exam, including a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. 

If necessary, we’ll order additional tests. These tests may include:

• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Endometrial biopsy
• Pelvic ultrasound 
• Hysteroscopy 

Treatment for uterine polyps will depend on your symptoms, your age, the size and location of the polyps and your fertility goals.  

Treatment options may include:

• Monitoring. Small polyps may sometimes resolve on their own. If the polyp isn’t causing symptoms and you aren’t at risk for uterine cancer, treatment might not be necessary. In this case we may suggest observing the polyps for any changes. 
• Medication. Drugs to keep your hormones balanced can help relieve symptoms. Symptoms typically return once you stop taking the medication. 
• Surgery. Surgical removal procedures may include hysteroscopic polypectomy or dilation and curettage (D&C). 

Uterine polyp removal alleviates symptoms in most cases, and polyps rarely grow back. 

Can Uterine Polyps Be Cancerous?

Most uterine polyps are benign (non-cancerous). While it is possible for uterine polyps to be cancerous, this only occurs in a small percentage of cases. 

If you’re postmenopausal or experiencing abnormal bleeding or other symptoms, the risk of a polyp being cancerous is higher. 

When You Should See One of Our GYNs

We encourage you to schedule routine GYN care and screenings with us. Outside of these regular appointments, you should see one of our GYNs if you’re experiencing:

• Bleeding between periods 
• Heavy or unpredictable period bleeding
• Changes in your period that last more than a few cycles
• Abnormal or persistent bleeding
• Postmenopausal bleeding or spotting
• Infertility issues  
• Other unusual or troublesome symptoms

Concerned You May Have Uterine Polyps? Trust Chapel Hill OBGYN for Accurate Diagnosis and Expert, Compassionate Care 

If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding, it could be a sign of uterine polyps, especially if you’re postmenopausal.

While unusual bleeding can be concerning, you don’t have to live with uncertainty or discomfort. Our health care team at Chapel Hill OBGYN has decades of experience providing compassionate, personalized care to women throughout Raleigh, Chapel Hill and the Triangle area for this and other health conditions.

We invite you to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your symptoms and talk about testing, treatment and other potential next steps. We would welcome the opportunity to serve you.