Can you have intercourse with endometrial polyps?

Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are endometrial polyps?

Endometrial polyps refer to excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining, forming polyp-like tissues. Patients typically experience irregular vaginal bleeding, primarily manifesting as minor vaginal bleeding after menstrual periods have ended. Upon visiting the hospital and undergoing a vaginal ultrasound examination, a polyp-like tissue can be detected within the uterine cavity. Once identified, a hysteroscopy or diagnostic curettage is required to remove these tissues. Subsequently, a pathological examination must be conducted to clearly determine the cause and nature of the polyps.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can endometrial polyps be misdiagnosed?

Endometrial polyps can be misdiagnosed as they are caused by excessive proliferation of the endometrial lining. Clinically, the thickness of the endometrium varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Typically, just before menstruation, the endometrium is quite thick. As a result, some women might notice that their endometrium appears thick, resembling a polyp. If such a condition is observed, it is advisable to wait until after a menstrual period when the endometrium has shed before undergoing an ultrasound examination. If it is indeed an endometrial polyp, it will not shed with the menstrual flow. If it’s just thickened endometrium, it will resolve after menstruation. Therefore, it is essential to perform an ultrasound after menstruation to confirm if it is an endometrial polyp. If the polyp persists after a clean menstrual cycle, it can be diagnosed definitively.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometrial polyp removal time

Endometrial polyps require hysteroscopic polypectomy, which is a type of minimally invasive surgery, performed under intravenous anesthesia or general anesthesia. If the polyp is small and the cervical opening is relaxed, the surgery typically concludes within about an hour. After the surgery, the patient can leave the operating room once they regain consciousness. However, if the polyp is located near the uterine corner and the cervix is relaxed, it can complicate the surgical procedure, extending the duration to about one and a half to two hours. Post-surgery, it is important to monitor the patient's bleeding levels.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do uterine polyps require surgery?

Endometrial polyps are caused by excessive growth of the endometrial lining, and can be single or multiple, with diameters ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They can be pedunculated or sessile. Endometrial polyps smaller than one centimeter in diameter, if asymptomatic, have a natural resolution rate of about 27% within a year and a low rate of malignancy. If the polyp is large, greater than one centimeter, it requires hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy or curettage. However, curettage has disadvantages, as it can easily miss polyps, and there is a high chance of recurrence after the surgery. Therefore, once an endometrial polyp larger than one centimeter is identified, it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for examination and treatment. Postoperative treatment should be guided based on the pathological findings.

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Written by Fan Li Ping
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Endometrial polyps in unmarried women, what to do?

What to do about endometrial polyps if unmarried? If endometrial polyps are discovered, the first thing to determine is whether they need to be treated. If your polyps are small and do not affect you, causing no issues like abnormal menstruation, then regular ultrasound rechecks are sufficient. However, if there are numerous or large polyps, or if they cause persistent abnormal menstrual bleeding, treatment is recommended. The primary treatment method would be endometrial polyp removal via hysteroscopy. Of course, if you really prefer not to have surgery, conservative treatment and observation for a couple of months could be considered first. If medication is ineffective, surgery might be necessary. With hysteroscopic surgery, instruments are inserted through the opening of your hymen, directly into the cervix to view and remove the polyps, which can be done without damaging the hymen or affecting you.