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Gynae Conditions
Endometrial Polyps — Patient Information
Endometrial polyps are small, usually non-cancerous growths of the lining of the uterus (endometrium). They are common and very treatable.
What Are They?
- Soft overgrowths of the uterine lining, ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres.
- Usually benign (non-cancerous), but occasionally — especially after menopause — they can contain pre-cancer or cancer, so they are checked.
Common Symptoms
- Irregular or heavy periods, or bleeding/spotting between periods.
- Spotting after intercourse, or any bleeding after menopause.
- Sometimes difficulty conceiving. Many polyps cause no symptoms and are found on a scan.
How They Are Diagnosed
- Pelvic ultrasound, saline infusion sonography (SIS), or hysteroscopy — a camera look inside the uterus, which is the most accurate.
Treatment
- Small polyps with no symptoms may simply be watched.
- Symptomatic or post-menopausal polyps are usually removed by hysteroscopic polypectomy — a day-care procedure with no cuts on the body — and sent for testing.
When to Call Your Doctor
- Heavy bleeding, or bleeding between periods or after intercourse.
- Any bleeding after menopause — always get this checked promptly.
- Difficulty conceiving.
By Dr. Neha Singhania, Gynecologist – Navi Mumbai · This leaflet is for general information and does not replace personal medical advice.