Do you have unpredictable, heavy and excessive bleeding? It is time to know what endometrial polyps are

Let's start by remembering that the endometrium is the lining of the inside of the uterus and when it has excessive growth, the so-called endometrial polyps or uterine polyps can develop, which are finger-shaped growths that adhere to the wall of the uterus, which can appear from one or many and be as small as a sesame seed or golf ball.

Why do endometrial polyps appear?

The exact cause of endometrial polyps in women is unknown, however, these tend to grow when there is increased growth of the hormone estrogen in the body.

Most endometrial polyps are not cancerous. Very few may be cancerous or precancerous.

Other factors that may increase the risk of endometrial polyps are:

• if you are obese
• If you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer and have been prescribed the drug Tamoxifen
• If you receive Hormone Replacement Therapy after menopause
• If in your family history you have a history of Lynch syndrome or Cowden syndrome (inherited genetic conditions).

Symptoms of endometrial polyps

You may not have symptoms, but if they do they may include:

• Menstrual bleeding that is not regular or predictable
• Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding
• bleeding between periods
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Problems getting or staying pregnant
• They commonly occur in women between the ages of 20 and 40.

Tests and exams to detect endometrial polyps

Your doctor can perform these tests to find out if you have endometrial polyps:

• Transvaginal ultrasound: it is a method to capture images of the genital apparatus in women. A manual probe is inserted directly into the vagina. The probe is moved within the vaginal cavity to image the pelvic structures while ultrasound images are viewed on a monitor.

• Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the gynecologist to view the inside of the uterus using a endoscopy . It is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat many abnormalities in the uterus.

To carry out this procedure, the gynecologist inserts a hysteroscope into the cervix, an instrument consisting of a long, thin tube that has a light at the end, and which is connected to a television camera with which he can observe in detail. the cervix and the inside of the uterus.

• Endometrial biopsy: A very thin flexible tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. A small amount of endometrium is then suctioned out through the tube, a procedure that takes about a minute or less. The discomfort is very similar to that caused by menstrual cramps.

• Sonohysterography: a specialized type of ultrasound in which fluid is placed in the uterine cavity while the ultrasound is being performed

• Three-dimensional ultrasound: it is the typical ultrasound study that is frequently performed during pregnancy, to obtain three-dimensional images of the baby.

Treatment

Most polyps must be removed because of the small risk of cancer. They are usually removed through a procedure known as hysteroscopy. And sometimes, doctors can do a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) to biopsy the endometrium and remove the polyp.

Postmenopausal women who have polyps that do not cause symptoms may consider watchful waiting. However, the polyp should be removed if it causes vaginal bleeding.

Expectations

In very rare cases, polyps can come back after treatment.

Possible complications

Endometrial polyps can make it difficult for you to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term.

When should you go to the doctor?

Contact your gynecologist if you have:

• Menstrual bleeding that is not regular or predictable
• Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding
• bleeding between periods
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Prevention

There is no way to prevent endometrial polyps. The best way to avoid a problem related to polyps is to have periodic check-ups with your gynecologist to detect them and get an early diagnosis to avoid any problems derived from endometrial polyps .

At #TuSaludIntima we continue to focus on our purpose of creating products for women's health care and sexual well-being and that is why we want to better inform you about those aspects that allow you to improve your health and sexuality, because our purpose is to help you take care of your health .

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FOUNTAIN:

• Dr. Klara Senior @doctoraklarasenior - Founder of Zenzsual
• Dr. Sofía Herrera @tu_ginecologa - Founder of Zenzsual
• medlineplus.gov
• cancer.org