Can Endometrial polyps affect fertility?
huangyan Apr 24, 2023
Endometrial polyp is a tissue growth arising from the inner wall of (endometrium) of the uterus.
Overgrowth of endometrial cells lining the uterus leads to the formation of endometrial polyps.
Endometrial polyps can occur in women at all age groups but more common in perimenopausal + postmenopausal women. These are usually noncancerous (benign), although some can be cancerous or can eventually turn into cancer which is known as precancerous polyps.
Uterine polyps range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. It can be the size of a sesame seed or as big as a gooseberry
Endometrial polyp causes abnormal uterine bleeding and can lead to infertility.
Cause
The exact cause for an endometrial polyp is unknown. Hormonal changes may play an important role. Endometrial polyp grow in response to increased circulating estrogen hormones in women.
Risk factors
Certain risk factors may lead to the development of an endometrial polyp that includes the following.
Women in their premenopausal or postmenopausal
Women with a high blood pressure history.
Being overweight
Woman under medication for breast cancer (taking tamoxifen).
Signs and Symptoms
Woman with endometrial polyp notice the following signs and symptoms-
Irregular menstrual bleeding, women might have frequent, unpredictable menses of variable length and heaviness
Bleeding between menstrual periods may be seen.
Excessively heavy menstrual bleeding
Vaginal bleeding may be observed after menopause
Woman with endometrial polyp might have difficulty in conceiving.
Women who notice any of the above symptoms should consult a gynaecologist without delay.
Management
Diagnosis:
Endometrial Polyps are diagnosed during 2-D ultrasonography and can be confirmed with saline sonography or 3-D ultrasound.
Treatment
Depends on size, presenting complaints, age of patient, and risk of cancer.
Any polyp diagnosed in post-menopausal women needs minimally invasive hysteroscopy, removal of polyp and sending it for biopsy to rule out cancer.
In woman of younger age group, patients who have heavy bleeding or difficulty in conceiving, polyp removal may be required.
Small polyps with no symptoms can be followed up.
SOURCE : https://www.cloudninefertility.com/blog/can-endometrial-polyps-affect-fertility
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