How to check for endometrial polyps?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 30, 2024
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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.

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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 Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Do uterine polyps affect pregnancy?

Endometrial polyps refer to the hyperplasia of the endometrial lining due to inflammatory stimuli, resulting in many polypoid tissues. Whether endometrial polyps affect pregnancy mainly depends on the number and size of the polyps, and whether they cause clinical symptoms. First, if the polyps are small and few in number without causing an increase in menstrual flow, they generally do not affect pregnancy and do not require removal of the endometrial polyps, as removing them could instead easily damage the function of the endometrial lining. Second, if the polyps are large, over one centimeter, or there are multiple endometrial polyps, and they cause an increase in menstrual volume, this indicates that the endometrial polyps have impacted the woman's body. In such cases, it is necessary to use a hysteroscope to remove the endometrial polyps before trying to conceive.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to regulate endometrial polyps

Patients with endometrial polyps, if they want to manage their condition, the majority is due to an infection. This is because the recurrence of endometrial polyps can occur during endometrial inflammation. The treatment for endometrial polyps generally requires hysteroscopic polypectomy at a hospital for symptomatic treatment. Patients with endometrial polyps generally experience menstrual disorders. Therefore, when managing, it is crucial to be aware that endometrial polyps can easily recur. Prevention of infection must be emphasized during management. Furthermore, endometrial polyps can lead to changes in menstruation. This generally affects fertility. Thus, after hysteroscopic polypectomy for endometrial polyps, it is essential to properly manage inflammation and provide appropriate treatment. Intercourse should be avoided within a month after the polyp removal surgery. If there are any abnormal conditions, it is necessary to seek hospital treatment for symptomatic management.

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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.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.