Uterine polyps are the unusual growths in the inner lining of the uterus. A uterine polyp can be as small as a grain to as big as a golf ball. They appear to be finger-like projections hanging. Uterine polyps are usually non-cancerous but in some rare and severe cases, these polyps can turn malign. For a long time, uterine polyps may not even show any symptoms, but whenever symptoms arise they must not be left unattended. Usually, when the estrogen levels rise more than normal, it increases the risks of developing uterine polyps. Women approaching menopause (the late 40s to 50s) are more prone to developing uterine polyps, but there are cases when young women can develop them too.
The symptoms of uterine polyps are quite similar to those of uterine fibroids. Therefore, proper diagnosis by the gynecologist is a must to identify the real problem with the health of your uterus. Now, let’s look into the symptoms of uterine polyps.
Symptoms to identify uterine polyps
- Unusual and heavy bleeding from the uterus
- Irregular menstruation (Also Read: Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding Disorders )
- Unexpected bleeding from vagina even after menopause
- Inability to conceive
- Light spotting in between periods
- Pain in the back and the lower abdomen
Without consulting a gynecologist, you cannot confirm whether you are troubled by uterine polyps or fibroids. So, if you ever find yourself dealing with these symptoms, just get in touch with a specialist doctor.
Quick Tips:
- Vitamin E, ginger and garlic help a lot in bringing symptomatic relief in uterine polyps.
- Quit smoking and drinking to reduce the risks of uterine polyps. Especially if you have to undergo the surgery, then refrain from smoking one month before and after the surgery. (Also Read: What happens to your body after Quitting Smoking- From 20 minutes to 20 years )
What causes uterine polyp?
Hormonal imbalance is the most common cause of these abnormal growths called polyps in the uterus. So, when the levels of estrogen rise in the body, abnormal growth of the endometrial lining starts to occur in the form of the polyps.
Obesity and high blood pressure are yet other major cause of the polyps in the endometrial lining. People with a family history of endometrial or uterine polyps also have higher chances to get them once in their life.
Treatment for Uterine Polyps
It is highly recommended to get the proper and timely treatment as soon as you get to start facing the symptoms. This condition of uterine polyps can get severe if left unattended for a long time. Although the chances are low, the benign tumors may turn malignant if proper treatment is delayed.
The doctor usually first requires an ultrasound of the pelvis. If the results of the ultrasound are unclear then the doctor asks for hysteroscopy. For the proper diagnostic purpose, the doctor will use a device called a hysteroscope to identify the location of the polyps. Hysteroscope is a device that has a camera, it is inserted into the uterus to enable the doctor to get a clear view of the uterus. Based on proper diagnosis only, your gynecologist will confirm if you need the surgery or medications. If you require to undergo any surgical procedure, the doctors require you to carry out a few blood tests to check if you are fit for the surgery.
Also Read: Can Uterine Fibroids Affect Your Fertility?
Polypectomy-
It is the procedure of removing the polyps from the uterus. It is necessary to treat the abnormal tissues in the uterus before they turn cancerous.
Hysterectomy
Sometimes, when the condition of the polyps become severe, the gynecologist recommends going for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. A hysterectomy may include removing the organs including ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes and other surrounding parts inside the uterus. The laparoscopic hysterectomy is the best and minimally invasive procedure for the removal of the uterus.
It will require only one small incision on the abdomen to remove the uterus with the help of a laparoscope. The patient feels no pain during and after the laparoscopic hysterectomy as it is performed after administering general anesthesia to the patient. Also, laparoscopic hysterectomy enables faster recovery and chances of complications are nil.
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