Endometrial Polyps
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
An endometrial polyp
is a mass of tissue that grows in the lining of your uterus (called the endometrium). A polyp is connected to the lining by a stalk. A polyp may be cancer, but most polyps are benign (not cancer). The size can range from very small to about the size of a golf ball. A large polyp may push down through the cervix and into your vagina. You may also have more than one polyp.
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Signs and symptoms:
You may have no signs or symptoms. The polyp may be found during tests or treatment for another condition. You may have any of the following if you do have signs or symptoms:
- Irregular bleeding during childbearing years, or trouble getting pregnant
- Heavy bleeding during your period
- Spotting, especially after sex
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Seek care immediately if:
- You have bleeding from your vagina that continues or is bright red.
- You feel dizzy or lightheaded from heavy blood loss.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have symptoms again after successful treatment for a polyp.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may not be needed. An endometrial polyp may go away on its own without treatment. If it does not go away, causes discomfort, or gets larger, it may need to be removed. A procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C) is usually used to remove endometrial polyps. During a D&C, your healthcare provider will remove tissue from your uterus. This will remove the polyp along with the other tissue. You may need more than 1 D&C if the polyp is not removed the first time. A hysterectomy may be used to remove your uterus if you have several polyps that are cancer.
Manage an endometrial polyp:
- Reach or maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight increases your estrogen level. This can increase your risk for more polyps. Talk to your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you. He or she can help you create a weight loss plan if you need to lose weight.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods can help you manage your weight and lower your risk for cancer. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, cooked beans, lean meats, and fish. Your healthcare provider or a dietitian can help you create a healthy meal plan.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about pregnancy. You may have problems getting pregnant if the polyp affects other parts of your reproductive system. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about treatment that may help.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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