Diagnosing and treating uterine polyps

Uterine polyps (also known as endometrial polyps) are overgrowths of uterine lining. These polyps are almost always benign, especially in women of reproductive age. However, they can be associated with infertility. Polyps can occasionally become cancerous, and once identified, should always be evaluated. The fertility specialists at our fertility center in San Antonio have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating endometrial polyps.

Causes and symptoms of uterine polyps

We are not sure exactly what causes endometrial polyps, but we do know that they grow in response to estrogen exposure. Women who have irregular periods and women who are overweight are more likely to have polyps.

Symptoms of uterine polyps need to be checked out by an experienced fertility specialist at our fertility center in San Antonio, especially if you are trying to conceive.

• Irregular bleeding
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Infertility

Finding endometrial polyps

Sometimes, uterine polyps can be seen during a routine transvaginal ultrasound. An HSG can also detect polyps.

Another excellent way to see and evaluate polyps before surgery is to perform a saline infusion ultrasound. During this office procedure, a catheter is placed in the uterine cavity, and sterile saline is used to gently separate the walls of the uterus. Pictures are taken by ultrasound, so that your doctor can evaluate if fibroids or polyps are lining the endometrial cavity where an embryo should implant.

Getting rid of uterine polyps

Because uterine polyps can cause infertility, polyps found in women who are struggling to conceive should be removed. Even though the cancer risk is low, polyps that are removed should always be evaluated by a pathologist after removal.

Uterine polyp removal is performed during an outpatient surgical procedure called a hysteroscopy. While the patient is comfortably asleep, an operative telescope and camera are placed through the cervix into the uterus, and saline is then used to open up the uterine cavity. When the polyp is visualized, small surgical instruments are inserted through the scope so that the polyp can be removed.

If you have any questions about minimally invasive ways of treating uterine polyps, please contact our fertility center in San Antonio.