Symptoms of cervical polyps

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 12, 2025
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Most women with cervical polyps may not show any clinical symptoms. When the size or number of polyps increases, resulting in an enlarged surface area of columnar epithelium, the amount of secretion may increase, manifesting as thick and abundant vaginal discharge. When an infection coincides, the discharge can appear purulent. Due to the fragile texture of the polyp’s surface, it can easily bleed when touched, which is why some women might experience vaginal bleeding during gynecological examinations or after intercourse. In some women, cervical polyps are a manifestation of cervical cancer, which can then lead to uncontrollable vaginal bleeding and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. If it progresses to a late stage, signs of metastasis, such as cancer spreading to the bladder causing hematuria, may occur.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical polyps disappear on their own?

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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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does cervical polyp require surgery?

Cervical polyps require surgery. Patients with cervical polyps may experience contact bleeding during intercourse and irregular bleeding. Therefore, if there are cervical polyps, surgery is needed for treatment. Generally, polyps can be removed during an outpatient procedure called cervical polypectomy. After the surgery, the removed tissue is sent for pathology analysis. Most of these polyps are benign, but there is a high likelihood of recurrence after surgery. Therefore, if you have cervical polyps, it is recommended to have surgery to remove them as soon as possible. It is difficult to achieve treatment goals with medication or other methods; surgery is needed to remove them. Thus, it is advisable to undergo surgery for cervical polyps as early as possible, as the surgery is inevitable.

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Written by Hou Jie
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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.