Uterine polyps are small soft tumors that grow inside the uterus. They vary in size with some as small as a seed and others as large as golf balls. About 24% of women have uterine polyps.
What are the symptoms of uterine polyps?
Symptoms may not be as noticeable if you have smaller polyps, however, as the polyps grow larger they may become more severe. Many women do not know they have polyps until they seek treatment for symptoms such as:
- Unpredictable or irregular periods
- Bleeding and spotting between periods
- Unusually heavy periods (Defined as needing to change tampons or pads every two hours)
- Elimination
- Infertility
What causes uterine polyps?
The exact cause of uterine polyps is not known, but doctors believe that estrogen plays a role. As you approach menopause, your hormone levels change frequently. This imbalance causes a swing in your estrogen levels. Estrogen is the main hormone that causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to thicken each month. An imbalance can cause the endometrium to overgrow, creating uterine polyps.
Risk of miscarriage and effect on fertility
Miscarriage is an extremely unpleasant time, especially for those suffering from infertility. The presence of polyps in the lining of the uterus can increase the risk of miscarriage. Polyps are an abnormality and create an inflammatory reaction in the body, especially in the uterus. Because polyps cause irregular periods and abnormal bleeding, the lining of the uterus may begin to shed or bleed just as your embryo is ready to implant. Inflammation also creates an inhospitable environment for the fetus and can cause miscarriage. Specialists diagnose uterine polyps in about 25% of all women with unexplained infertility. In addition to recurrent miscarriages, uterine polyps are believed to prevent fertilization by preventing sperm and egg from making contact. Of course, any risk of infertility or miscarriage associated with uterine polyps depends on the size and number of polyps in the uterus.
Restoration of fertility
The removal of polyps means that the chances of pregnancy are greatly improved. You can attempt natural conception, intrauterine insemination or IVF, according to your doctor's diagnosis and recommendation. Uterine polyps can come back, so you may be treated more than once. In the rare event that your polyps are cancerous, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy. In this case pregnancy through surrogacy is possible.
If you are experiencing difficulty conceiving and have any of the symptoms of uterine polyps contact us. It is possible to remove your polyps and restore your fertility in most cases. As with any medical diagnosis, your experience is yours and unique to you. Contact today the Center for Reproductive Medicine “Dr. Alexandros Traianos" and together we will help you find the answers you are looking for. For information call the phone (+30) 2310 277 032 or send a message to email alexandrostraianos@gmail.com.