Polyps, What are They?

The lining of your uterus is called the endometrium. Every month, your uterus produces eggs. When an egg doesn't get fertilised, this lining is shed and you get your periods.

Sometimes, the eggs are over-secreted and the excess oestrogen,forms small sacs. These small sacs grow and tend to protrude into your uterus. When the sacs grow, they are called uterine polyps.

Polyps can slip to the cervix (mouth of your uterus) and are known as cervical polyps.

In case, you just had a miscarriage and if the uterus is not cleaned properly, it could lead to "placental polyps". These polyps occur inside your uterus towards the placental side.

Polyps not only affect those having menstrual cycles but also pre-menopausal and post menopausal women.

In pre-menopausal women, the lining of the uterus is not shed completely and in menopausal women the lining tends to stay in the uterus and may eventually develop polyps.

How Will It Affect My Periods?

In case you have uterine polyps, then you are likely to experience;

• Heavy Bleeding
• Intermediate bleeding (bleeding between your periods)
• Heavy white discharge
• Bleeding after intercourse

Can I Try for a Baby?

Polyps act as a hindrance if you are planning to conceive. They act as a foreign body and interfere with conception.

In case you manage to conceive, polyps could increase the risk of a miscarriage.

So if you have been detected with polyps, it is advisable to get them removed before trying for a baby.

If you are undergoing an in-vitro fertilisation treatment, then your doctor may remove the polyps before transferring the embryo.

How Do I Get Rid of Polyps?

Your doctor will remove the polyps through hysteroscopy. It is a laser process in which, a small telescope is inserted through your vagina and the polyps are removed.

However, in case the polyps are cancerous, you will need to undergo a surgical removal.

In most cases, polyps do not recur. However, if you have a problem of recurring polyps, then you are required to undergo a treatment to stop the polyps from returning.

Do not worry, all you need to do is consult your doctor at the earliest as soon as you notice the possible signs of uterine polyps and address the issue before it is too late.

(With inputs from Dr. Kiran Coelho, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist)