Can cervical polyps disappear on their own?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 05, 2024
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Under normal circumstances, cervical polyps do not disappear on their own. However, it is often observed in outpatient clinics that cervical polyps identified before menstruation disappear after menstruation.

This scenario is relatively rare, but it does occur. This does not mean that the cervical polyp has disappeared spontaneously. Rather, under the influence of menstruation, the cervical polyp can retract into the cervix. During gynecological ultrasound or examinations, it is not possible to detect the retracted cervical polyp. In such cases, it is recommended that the patient returns for a follow-up examination in the clinic one to two weeks later to confirm whether the cervical polyp still exists.

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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.

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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.

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Is surgery necessary for cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps are a clinical manifestation of chronic cervicitis. Polyps can originate from the lips of the cervix or within the cervical canal, and generally vary in size. They are usually connected to the cervix by a small stalk. Cervical polyps rarely become malignant, with a very low chance of malignancy. However, if left untreated, the polyp can gradually increase in size, causing bleeding during intercourse, and even bleeding without contact. Additionally, there is the risk of malignancy, so once detected, it is recommended to remove them and definitely send them for pathological examination to rule out any possibility of malignancy.

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How long will cervical polyps recur?

Cervical polyps can recur at various times, and this varies greatly from person to person, mainly related to the presence of chronic inflammation. If cervical inflammation persists, the likelihood of recurrence is somewhat higher and is also related to the surgical method used at the time. Methods like using a LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) generally result in a longer recurrence time. If it is just a simple removal surgery and the root is not completely removed, some may recur in about three months. Thus, there is significant individual variability.

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Does cervical polyp surgery require anesthesia?

Cervical polyp removal surgery generally does not require anesthesia, partly because the stalk of the cervical polyp is usually quite thin, making it easy to cut off during removal. Another reason is that the nerve distribution in the cervical area is not as rich, so the cervical tissues are less sensitive to pain compared to other areas. Therefore, the cervical polyp removal surgery does not cause significant pulling reactions on the cervix, which is why general anesthesia is generally not needed.