Polyps

What are polyps?

Polyps are common benign growths. They can occur in the uterus (endometrial polyps), cervix (cervical polyps) or vagina (vaginal polyps). Polyps can be isolated, but sometimes multiple polyps are apparent.

The chances of a cancer being present in a polyp is low. Older women are more at risk than younger women.

Symptoms

You may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between your periods, and sometimes infertility. Typically pain is not present. Many polyps are discovered incidentally when an ultrasound scan is being performed. Other symptoms may include bleeding after sex, irregular or unscheduled bleeding, or prolonged periods.

Treatment

Typically polyps are removed. This is to ameliorate symptoms, confirm the diagnosis and to rule out sinister pathology such as cancer of the uterus.

How we can help

If you'd think you may have this condition and would like to talk to us about how we can help, please feel free to contact us. You can also request an appointment online.

Further reading

Further information

Symptoms

Bleeding after sex

Post-coital bleeding usually occurs within 24 hours of intercourse. In most cases it is nothing to worry about, but should be investigated if persistent or if you are concerned. Common causes are cervical polyps and cervical ectropion. An uncommon cause is cervical cancer. Find out more

Bleeding between periods

This is quite common, and if you experience just a single episode you need not be overly concerned. Common causes are oral contraceptives and other hormonal therapies. Persistent bleeding may be caused by genital tract infections, polyps within the uterus or cervix, or possibly cervical cancer. Find out more

Heavy periods

Typically women may menstruate (bleed) for 2-5 days, and lose around 30-40ml of blood. Abnormally heavy bleeding is when: your periods last longer than 7 days; the volume is more than 80ml; there is flooding or clotting; you are anaemic. Find out more

Infertility

As many as 1 in 6 couples in New Zealand have difficulty falling pregnant. Some causes of infertility in men are issues with sperm quantity and quality. Causes of infertility in women include problems with ovulation, endometriosis, tubal blockage, and issues with egg numbers or quality. Find out more

Irregular or unscheduled bleeding

There are a number of causes of irregular bleeding, and our investigations will depend a bit on your age and fertility plans. Common causes can include endometriosis, infection, instability of the lining of the womb, ovarian cysts, perimenopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, polyps, and early pregnancy. Find out more

Prolonged periods

If your period lasts more than 7 days, you have prolonged bleeding. The term is often used synonymously with menorrhogia (heavy bleeding), but is more descriptive of periods that go on for an annoyingly long time. Find out more

Procedures

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a common gynaecological procedure, placing a thin camera through the cervix to evaluate the inside of the uterus (the endometrial cavity). This may be as an investigation or a treatment. Find out more