Is it okay not to have surgery for cervical polyps?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 02, 2025
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When women have cervical polyps, surgical treatment is required regardless of the size of the polyps, and not undergoing surgery is not an option. Firstly, the texture of cervical polyps is relatively fragile, which can easily lead to bleeding upon contact, such as bleeding after intercourse. Some women with vaginal inflammation can infect the cervical polyps, leading to inflammatory secretions, such as purulent secretions or secretions containing blood. If cervical polyps are not surgically removed, they may continue to grow, and they have a characteristic of being multiple. For instance, the occurrence of multiple cervical polyps can also affect the normal menstrual cycle of women. Some women with cervical cancer or endometrial cancer can also present polyp-like growths, and from the appearance, it is not possible to distinguish whether the growths are malignant or benign. Therefore, generally, once cervical polyps are found, they should be surgically removed, and a histological examination should be performed after surgery to rule out the possibility of malignant changes.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Tao Zhong E
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Can you get pregnant with cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps generally form when a local area of cervical mucosa is stimulated by inflammation, leading to localized proliferation and the emergence of a solid tumor mass, which protrudes as a pedunculated lesion of varying sizes, from as small as a grain of rice to even three to four centimeters in length. However, it is usually possible to consider pregnancy after removal of the polyp, typically two weeks later, or after the next menstrual period, as it does not affect the ability to conceive. Moreover, it is generally advisable to remove the polyps upon discovery, since if not removed, they may cause recurring bleeding during pregnancy, which can complicate the monitoring of the pregnancy. However, cervical polyps are usually benign, with a low likelihood of being malignant. Thus, whether cervical polyps are detected through symptoms or during a physical examination, it is generally recommended to remove them first before considering pregnancy, although cervical polyps themselves do not impact fertility.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to completely cure recurrent cervical polyps?

The current clinical understanding is that the cause of cervical polyps is mostly due to local inflammation in the cervix or vagina, which leads to epithelial hyperplasia and subsequently the formation of cervical polyps. Thus, as long as cervical and vaginal inflammation is present, there is a possibility of recurrence of cervical polyps. Therefore, to thoroughly eradicate cervical polyps, it is recommended that patients pay attention to the health and hygiene of the reproductive system. Patients are advised to keep the perineum clean and dry, undergo regular gynecological exams, and check for any vaginal or cervical inflammation. If inflammation is present, timely treatment is recommended.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical polyps affect fertility?

It is generally found that cervical polyps do not affect fertility, only endometrial polyps beneath the mucous membrane affect fertility. If a simple cervical polyp is found, it can be removed through a polypectomy, and treating inflammation symptomatically after the surgery is usually sufficient. Cervical polyps generally do not affect fertility, but those located beneath the mucous membrane do because they can disrupt the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine cavity by implanting at the site of the polyp, affecting embryonic blood circulation, which can lead to biochemical pregnancy or threatened miscarriage. Therefore, if endometrial polyps affect fertility, it is clear that cervical polyps do not. The treatment for cervical polyps is also quite simple and can generally be handled in the outpatient department of a hospital.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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Is the LEEP surgery for cervical polyps painful?

Cervical polyp removal using the LEEP procedure can be painful, but with advances in medical science, this operation can now be performed painlessly to minimize patient discomfort. Therefore, particularly sensitive patients who are very fearful of pain can opt for a painless LEEP procedure at the hospital. This can be achieved through intravenous anesthesia, which generally yields very good results, causes minimal discomfort, and facilitates a smooth recovery. Therefore, LEEP surgery on the cervix without anesthesia might be painful, but with anesthesia, it is usually very effective and problem-free. After surgery, it is important to manage inflammation appropriately and perform a pathological examination of the removed tissue. If there are no other complications, an annual follow-up is generally sufficient.