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Endometrial polyp
How to check for endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyp examinations are generally conducted through ultrasound at hospitals, which can provide a clear diagnosis. The best time for this ultrasound is within three to seven days after the end of menstruation. During this period, the thickness of the endometrium is between three to four millimeters, and the endometrial echo is uniform. If, during this period, the endometrial thickness is greater than four millimeters and the echo suggests unevenness, this generally indicates a high possibility of endometrial polyps. Patients with endometrial polyps typically experience shorter menstrual cycles, usually occurring every 20 days, with longer menstruation periods. Normally, the menstruation period lasts from three to seven days, but in patients with endometrial polyps, it can extend to over eight to ten days. Therefore, through symptoms and ultrasound, it is possible to determine whether there are endometrial polyps.
Difference between endometrial polyps and cervical polyps
Endometrial polyps and cervical polyps are two types of reproductive system polyps that are relatively common in women. Their differences lie in the following aspects: First, the location of the polyps is different. Endometrial polyps are located inside the uterine cavity, whereas cervical polyps grow in the cervical canal or on the external cervix. Second, the symptoms caused by each are different. Cervical polyps may cause symptoms or tend to cause abnormal vaginal bleeding outside of menstruation. In contrast, endometrial polyps typically lead to increased menstrual flow and generally do not cause bleeding outside of menstruation. Third, the examination methods are not completely the same. Endometrial polyps are primarily diagnosed through ultrasound, while cervical polyps are mainly checked through gynecological examination.
Can you get pregnant with endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyps can affect pregnancy, but it does not mean that conception is impossible. Rather, it means that the chances of becoming pregnant may decrease. Endometrial polyps can affect the lining of the uterus and thereby hinder the implantation of a fertilized egg after the sperm and egg have combined. Even if fertilization and implantation occur in the uterus, miscarriage is more likely to happen. Therefore, when endometrial polyps occur, treatment can be administered based on the size and extent of the polyps. If the condition is mild with few and small polyps that do not affect pregnancy, conception is still possible.
Will uterine polyps cause bleeding during intercourse?
Endometrial polyps generally do not cause bleeding after sexual intercourse. However, bleeding after sexual intercourse can occur if there are polyps in the cervical canal. Clinically, endometrial polyps generally present with shorter menstrual cycles, occurring every 20-something days. The period duration is also typically longer; normally, a period lasts from three to seven days. In patients with endometrial polyps, the period can extend up to eight or nine days. Under such circumstances, endometrial polyps are generally suspected, and patients are often advised to visit a hospital for an ultrasound to examine the thickness of the endometrial lining and its echo characteristics, allowing for a definitive diagnosis of endometrial polyps. Endometrial polyps do not cause bleeding after sexual intercourse. Bleeding after intercourse is generally considered clinically if there are conditions such as cervical cancer, precancerous cervical conditions, cervical polyps, or other cervical alterations. Thus, if bleeding after intercourse occurs, it is crucial to undergo cervical cancer screening at a hospital.
Endometrial polyp pain sensation
Do endometrial polyps feel painful? Generally, endometrial polyps do not cause any pain unless there is malignant transformation. In such cases, one might experience discomfort or a dragging pain in the lower abdomen. How are endometrial polyps typically diagnosed? They are diagnosed due to clear changes such as excessively heavy menstrual flow. An ultrasound can reveal polyps, or if the menstrual flow is too heavy, a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure is performed, and the material removed is sent for pathological examination to confirm the presence of endometrial polyps. If the polyp is small, it can be left alone as 27% of them resolve on their own. However, if the polyp is large and causes changes in menstruation or affects fertility, a hysteroscopy is necessary.
Do uterine polyps cause lower abdominal pain?
Endometrial polyps generally manifest clinically with a shorter menstrual cycle, usually occurring every 20 days or so, and a longer period, typically lasting 8 to 10 days or more before it ends. This is a typical clinical presentation of endometrial polyps, and there is usually no pain in the lower abdomen. However, if there is frequent bleeding and the bleeding lasts for a long time, causing endometrial inflammation, pain in the lower abdomen may occur. If the endometrial polyps are not inflamed, there will be no pain in the lower abdomen. If endometrial polyps are detected, the treatment generally involves performing a polypectomy under hysteroscopy within three to seven days after the end of the menstrual period, followed by anti-inflammatory treatment as appropriate. With simple endometrial polyps, there is no pain in the lower abdomen.
What should I do about endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyps, if diagnosed, are generally treated within 3 to 7 days after the end of menstruation. You can go to the hospital to have the polyps removed under hysteroscopy. Postoperative anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment is then sufficient. The removed polyps should be sent for pathology analysis, and based on the pathology results, an appropriate treatment method can be selected. Generally, most endometrial polyps are benign, with a very small percentage having a tendency to become malignant. Endometrial polyps are prone to recurrence, so it is essential to undergo proper anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment after the removal of endometrial polyps. The diagnosis of endometrial polyps generally requires a hospital visit for a color Doppler ultrasound. After menstruation, if the ultrasound shows thickened endometrial echoes or uneven echoes, most can be diagnosed through this ultrasound. Treatment can only be performed surgically.
Can you have intercourse with endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyps do not prevent sexual intercourse. This is because endometrial polyps are located within the uterine cavity, and sexual intercourse generally affects the vulva, vagina, and cervix. As long as these organs do not have any pathological changes, sexual intercourse is generally possible because the polyps inside the uterine cavity are not contacted during intercourse. Therefore, intercourse does not significantly affect the presence of polyps and can occur. However, if endometrial polyps are discovered, it is crucial to undergo early surgical treatment, which can be done through hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage, as the polyps can grow larger over time.
Do uterine polyps require surgery?
Endometrial polyps require surgery. Patients with endometrial polyps generally have clinical symptoms, mainly characterized by irregular vaginal bleeding. This can be a small amount of bleeding after menstruation has ended, or extended periods during menstruation. In such cases, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage is needed to remove these polyps. Relatively speaking, hysteroscopy is more accurate and has fewer side effects after surgery, but its disadvantage is the higher cost. The goal of both is to remove the endometrial polyps and then send them for pathological examination.
Can you get pregnant with endometrial polyps?
It is best to get pregnant after surgery for endometrial polyps, as this condition can lead to infertility. Endometrial polyps refer to an excessive growth of the uterine lining, where a polyp-like mass is found inside the uterine cavity. In this case, the presence of a foreign body around the uterine cavity can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting inside the uterus. Therefore, if suffering from endometrial polyps, which can also cause infertility, it is necessary to promptly remove the polyps and then send them for pathological examination. If there are no problems, it is best to consider pregnancy after three months.