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Cervical polyp
Can you get pregnant with cervical polyps?
Cervical polyps generally form when a local area of cervical mucosa is stimulated by inflammation, leading to localized proliferation and the emergence of a solid tumor mass, which protrudes as a pedunculated lesion of varying sizes, from as small as a grain of rice to even three to four centimeters in length. However, it is usually possible to consider pregnancy after removal of the polyp, typically two weeks later, or after the next menstrual period, as it does not affect the ability to conceive. Moreover, it is generally advisable to remove the polyps upon discovery, since if not removed, they may cause recurring bleeding during pregnancy, which can complicate the monitoring of the pregnancy. However, cervical polyps are usually benign, with a low likelihood of being malignant. Thus, whether cervical polyps are detected through symptoms or during a physical examination, it is generally recommended to remove them first before considering pregnancy, although cervical polyps themselves do not impact fertility.
Can cervical polyps be treated with medication?
Whether cervical polyps can be treated with medication needs to be determined based on the size of the polyps. Generally, if the cervical polyps are small, anti-inflammatory treatment can be appropriately given to eliminate inflammation and promote the shrinkage of the polyps. However, cervical polyps may not necessarily disappear after anti-inflammatory treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that patients visit the gynecology outpatient department of their local hospital for a gynecological examination to assess the treatment effect of the cervical polyps after the anti-inflammatory treatment. If the cervical polyps persist, surgical removal is still recommended.
Why is cervical polyp prone to recurrence?
Cervical polyps are a type of benign lesion of the cervix. However, recurrent episodes are common after cervical polyp removal surgery. This may be due to inflammation that causes the polyps; if the inflammation, such as vaginitis or cervicitis, is not fully cleared after surgery, it can stimulate the regrowth of cervical polyps. Additionally, in some women, the base of the cervical polyp may be deep, and if it is not completely removed during surgery, recurrence may occur. Furthermore, in some cases, the polyp itself may undergo malignant transformation, leading to potential recurrence after the surgery.
How to perform surgery on cervical polyps
According to the different shapes of cervical polyps in women and the varying depths of their stalks, the surgical methods also vary. For instance, if a woman discovers a small cervical polyp with a thin stalk that isn’t located too deeply, it can be treated in an outpatient setting. Usually, the stalk is clamped with a hemostatic forceps, then continuously twisted until it naturally breaks off, and the bleeding is generally not substantial, often not requiring hospitalization. However, for some women with larger cervical polyps and broader stalks located deeper within, especially when the stalk is deep within the cervical canal, performing a cervical polyp removal surgery in an outpatient setting may result in incomplete removal of the stalk, and the bleeding can be more significant. In such cases, hospitalization is usually required to perform an electrosurgical excision of the cervical polyp under hysteroscopy, during which the stalk can be completely removed and the bleeding can be thoroughly controlled.
Why does cervical polyp bleed?
Cervical polyps in women are prone to bleeding, which is somewhat related to the causes of their formation. Most cervical polyps occur due to infection of the cervix, leading to proliferative changes. The tissues in these polyps lack muscle fibers, so when they bleed due to contact, there is no way to constrict and close off the bleeding vessels. Furthermore, cervical polyps are soft and fragile, easily bleeding upon contact. Additionally, the surface of cervical polyps is susceptible to invasion by external pathogens, prompting infections, which can exacerbate the occurrence of vaginal bleeding in women.
Can cervical polyps lead to natural childbirth?
Cervical polyps generally allow for natural childbirth, as they do not affect the delivery process. During pregnancy, if cervical polyps are present, there may be minor vaginal bleeding, but these polyps usually do not impact the pregnancy or childbirth. If vaginal bleeding occurs during pregnancy, it is necessary to examine the cervix. If cervical polyps are observed, the bleeding might be caused by the polyps, which could indicate a threatened miscarriage. Therefore, if cervical polyps are present, they should be removed. Once the cervical polyps are removed, bleeding generally ceases. Thus, if vaginal bleeding continues after the removal of cervical polyps, it may indicate a threatened miscarriage during pregnancy, requiring further examination.
How to treat cervical polyp cysts?
If a gynecological examination determines cervical polyps or cervical cysts, then local removal of the polyps and surgical clearance of the cysts will suffice. Both conditions are common gynecological diseases. Since the surgeries are simple and relatively low risk, most can be performed in an outpatient setting. If the patient's condition is more unusual, hospitalization for surgery may be safer. Specific approaches need to be tailored to the patient's individual circumstances in collaboration with the treating physician to achieve good therapeutic outcomes. Both cervical polyps and cervical cysts are manifestations of inflammatory diseases and are benign, so patients need not be overly anxious.
How long does it take to recover from cervical polyp removal surgery?
Cervical polyp removal varies depending on the size and location of the polyp. Recovery also varies accordingly. For small external cervical polyps, routine polypectomy is commonly performed, allowing patients to recover shortly after surgery, generally without any discomfort within two to three days. However, for larger cervical polyps, especially endocervical polyps that require removal, the surgery must be completed under hysteroscopic electrocautery. Recovery from this type of surgery generally takes about a week. Regardless of the type, regular follow-up exams are necessary after removing cervical polyps to rule out the possibility of recurrence.
Can cervical polyps fall off by themselves?
Whether cervical polyps will fall off on their own depends on the location and size of the cervical polyp and whether the base of the polyp is deep. If the cervical polyp is small and located at the external opening of the cervix, and the base of the polyp is shallow, there is a possibility that the polyp may fall off during physical activity, but this is rare. Especially when the cervical polyp is large, with a deep base, and located deep in the internal opening of the cervix, in this case, the cervical polyp will not fall off on its own, and surgery is required to remove it.
What to eat after cervical polyp surgery
Cervical polyp surgery is a common minor procedure in gynecological clinics. The surgical process for cervical polyps is relatively simple and has a minor impact on the patient’s body post-operatively. Generally, there are no special dietary requirements after cervical polyp surgery, and patients can resume a normal diet. However, it is important for patients to avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods shortly after the surgery to prevent gastrointestinal issues like bloating and diarrhea, which could affect the recovery from the cervical polyp surgery.