Polyps (uterine/cervical)

Uterine and Cervical Polyps: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

If you’ve been told you have a uterine or cervical polyp you may be worried — but the good news is most polyps are benign (non-cancerous) and highly treatable.

At Happiher we offer expert, individualised care for women with polyp symptoms — or who have been diagnosed and need safe, minimally invasive treatment. If you’re looking for a private gynaecologist in London for polyp diagnosis or removal, help is here.

What are Uterine and Cervical Polyps?

Polyps are small, soft, usually benign growths that develop from the lining of the womb (endometrium) or the cervix (the neck of the womb).

• Uterine polyps (endometrial polyps) grow inside the uterus.

• Cervical polyps grow on the cervix or protrude into the vagina.

While most polyps are benign, some can become cancerous over time so it’s important to monitor and manage them properly.

They can vary in size — from a few millimetres to several centimeters — and can occur singly or in clusters.

Uterine Polyps

Uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps, are growths that form on the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. These polyps can vary in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and are usually noncancerous. However, in some cases they can become cancerous or develop into cancer over time. Uterine polyps are a common condition, particularly in women going through or who have gone through menopause. Symptoms of uterine polyps include irregular periods, heavy periods and unexpected vaginal bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms you should seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical Polyps

Cervical polyps are growths that occur on the cervix, the lower part of the womb that opens into the vagina. There are two types of cervical polyps: endocervical polyps which develop on the inner surface of the cervix and ectocervical polyps which form on the outer surface. These polyps can be caused by chronic inflammation, infection or hormonal changes. Women who develop cervical polyps may experience symptoms such as light bleeding, heavy periods or irregular menstrual bleeding. If you notice any unusual bleeding or other symptoms you should seek medical advice to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Uterine and Cervical Polyps

Many polyps cause no symptoms and are discovered during routine scans or gynaecological exams. In most cases polyps do not cause symptoms and are discovered during routine scans or gynecological exams. However when symptoms do occur they may include:

• Irregular or unpredictable bleeding between periods

• Heavier or longer menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding after sex

• Bleeding after menopause

• Watery or unusual vaginal discharge

• Pelvic cramping or discomfort (less common)

As polyp symptoms overlap with other gynaecological conditions (like fibroids or endometrial hyperplasia) expert evaluation is important.

What causes Polyps?

The exact cause isn’t always clear but factors thought to contribute include:

• Hormonal fluctuations (especially high oestrogen levels)

• Perimenopause and menopause

• Chronic inflammation of the cervix or uterus

• Obesity

• Certain medications (e.g. tamoxifen)

Polyps are more common as women get older, particularly in their 40s and 50s.

Risk Factors for Polyp Development

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing polyps, uterine polyps, cervical polyps and colon polyps. A family history of polyps or cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome can significantly increase your risk. Other risk factors include inflammatory bowel disease, tobacco use and a history of breast cancer. Women who are overweight or obese are also at a higher risk of developing uterine polyps. Women who have had heavy periods or irregular menstrual bleeding are more likely to develop cervical polyps. Knowing these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to monitor and manage your health.### How are Uterine and Cervical Polyps Diagnosed?

At Happiher a careful and accurate diagnosis is the first step to planning the right treatment.

Diagnosis involves:

• Pelvic examination (to detect visible cervical polyps)

• Transvaginal ultrasound to visualise the uterus and lining

• Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) to highlight polyps inside the womb

• Hysteroscopy (direct visualisation of the uterine cavity using a thin camera)

Hysteroscopy is often the gold standard for diagnosing and treating uterine polyps in the same procedure.

In some cases a biopsy may be performed to determine the nature of the polyps and to check for any cancerous changes.

Are Polyps Dangerous?

Most uterine and cervical polyps are benign. However:

• A small percentage may show precancerous changes (especially after menopause)

• Polyps can cause fertility problems by interfering with embryo implantation

• They can cause bleeding that impacts quality of life

Polyps can sometimes develop into cancerous growths similar to how cancer cells multiply and spread.

This is why removal and histological examination (checking under a microscope) is often recommended.

Treatment Options for Polyps

At Happiher we offer modern, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your situation and goals.

Treatment options include:

Watchful Waiting

Small, symptom-free polyps may be monitored, particularly in premenopausal women. Noncancerous polyps may be monitored without immediate intervention especially if they are small and symptom-free.

Polyp Removal (Polypectomy)

• Hysteroscopic polypectomy: using a thin camera inserted through the cervix, polyps can be removed under direct vision without any cuts or stitches.

In some cases surgery may be necessary for larger polyps or multiple polyps.

• Outpatient polypectomy: for smaller cervical polyps removal can sometimes be done in a clinic setting without anaesthetic.

Histology

Removed polyps are sent for laboratory analysis to ensure they are benign. Polyps can be connected by a thin stalk which may be examined during histological analysis to determine their nature.

At Happiher Dr Kaur specialises in hysteroscopic and minimally invasive techniques ensuring gentle, effective treatment with minimal recovery time.### Recovery After Polyp Removal

Polyp removal is usually easy:

• Some light bleeding or cramping for a few days

• Most women can go back to work and normal activities the next day

• The body recovers quickly after polyp removal, most women can go back to normal activities the next day.

• Avoid heavy exercise or sex for about a week

Follow up will depend on the size, type and histology of the polyp.

Polyps and Fertility

In women trying to conceive, polyps can sometimes interfere with embryo implantation or increase miscarriage risk. Removing polyps before fertility treatment or natural conception attempts can improve pregnancy outcomes for women trying to get pregnant.

At Happiher we integrate fertility considerations into every treatment plan when relevant.

Preventing Future Polyp Growth

Preventing future polyp growth is a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Women with a history of polyps can reduce their risk of developing new polyps by being healthy, exercising regularly and eating well. Not smoking and limiting alcohol can also reduce the risk of polyp development. In some cases medications such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may be prescribed to reduce polyp growth. Regular check ups with your doctor and screenings, such as a colonoscopy or hysteroscopy can detect polyps early on, making them easier to remove and less likely to become cancerous. By taking these steps women can reduce their risk of developing polyps and promote overall women’s health.

Why Choose Happiher for Polyp Care?

If you’re looking for polyp diagnosis or removal in London, Happiher offers:

• Private consultations in a confidential environment

• Same-week access to diagnostic imaging

• Expertise in hysteroscopic and minimally invasive polyp removal

• Fertility-preserving surgical techniques

• Care at top London hospitals: Chelsea & Westminster, The Lister and The Wellington

At Happiher we care for women’s health by treating various conditions including polyps.

We get you diagnosed and treated quickly and gently — so you feel looked after.Don’t delay or dismiss it as part of getting older. Get diagnosed and treated today and get your symptoms sorted, your health protected and your fertility supported if needed.

Happiher is here for you.