Polyps are extra growths on the uterus and they often get attached to the wall of the uterus. In medical terms they are called endometrial polyps since they are caused by the endometrium which is the lining of the uterus. The polyps are not cancer causing often and only in rare cases the polyps turn into cancerous cells.
Polyps differ in size and growth ranging from just a millimeter to few centimeters or even more. Some of them grow bigger than a golf ball causing complications. The polyps stick on to the wall of the uterus through a thin stalk. Generally they are found well inside the uterus but in some cases they move down to reach the cervix region. Polyps are largely seen in women who are in menopause period.
Symptoms :
Some of the signs of presence of polyps (in uterus) are irregular periods (lasting for several days or having no menstrual periods for several months), bleeding between the periods, excess of bleeding and bleeding after menopause time. Bleeding can be heavy and unpredictable. But for some women there may not be any symptoms and if at all they have, there would be light spotting.
Causes :
It is not certain what causes growth of uterine polyps in women. It is believed to be caused by hormonal imbalance. The secretion of estrogen can directly influence the growth of polyps, the more the secretion the more the polyps’ growth will be and vice versa. Chronic inflammation of the uterus can cause polyps. Polyps can occur if there is any problem in the blood vessels of the cervix region.
Who are at risk?
Women in the postmenopausal period, women who are obese, women with hypertension and women who are taking tamoxifen are more prone to develop polyps than others. In rare cases, the growth of polyps can cause infertility. It also increases the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women and this is more specific in women who are taking IVF (in vitro fertilization) therapy. Complete removal of polyps can certainly increase the chance of getting pregnant.