Uterine Polyps | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is a uterine polyp?

A uterine polyp, also called an endometrial polyp, is a small growth that appears on the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. While you can develop polyps at any age, they’re most common in women ages 40 to 49.

Uterine polyps can vary in size, and you can develop one or multiple polyps. In most cases, uterine polyps are benign (noncancerous), but some can turn into cancer, so it’s always a good idea to discuss treatment options with your provider.

patient who has recovered from Uterine polyps enjoying time with her family

Uterine polyps symptoms

Uterine polyps don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, the most common one is abnormal menstrual bleeding. About 25% of reproductive-age women with abnormal bleeding have uterine polyps.

Abnormal bleeding may look like:

Heavy bleeding during your period (menorrhagia)
Irregular periods
Spotting (bleeding between your periods)

Other signs of uterine polyps include:

Abdominal or pelvic pain
Bleeding after menopause
Infertility

When to see a doctor

Talk with your women’s health specialist if you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding, pain or trouble getting pregnant. Your provider can determine if polyps are the cause or if you have another condition that needs to be treated.

Your provider can also perform tests on a polyp to see if it is cancerous, and if so, you can begin treatment as early as possible, which can lead to better outcomes.

What causes uterine polyps?

The exact cause of uterine polyps is not known. However, they appear to grow in women with high estrogen levels, either related to a health condition or medications.

Uterine polyps nurse stretching between patient checkins

Uterine polyps risk factors

Your age is the biggest risk factor when it comes to uterine polyps. These growths are most common between ages 40 and 49, around the time when you’re approaching menopause (known as perimenopause). Cancerous polyps are more common after age 60 and in women who have gone through menopause.

Additional risk factors for polyps include:

Being overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI 30 or higher)
Having high blood pressure (hypertension)
Taking tamoxifen, a breast cancer treatment drug
Receiving high-dose estrogen hormone replacement therapy
Having Lynch syndrome or Cowden syndrome

How are uterine polyps diagnosed?

Your women’s health specialist may combine imaging tests with a tissue sample to confirm whether you have uterine polyps or rule out other conditions.

Medical history and physical exam

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and ask about your symptoms. If you’re postmenopausal, they may inquire about any bleeding or spotting you've experienced. They’ll also ask about any medications you're taking. If you still have periods, they’ll likely ask about the specifics of your menstrual cycle, including duration and frequency. Additionally, they may ask if you’ve had trouble getting pregnant.

Your provider will perform a gynecological exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear. They may order additional tests or procedures to confirm the presence of polyps.

Uterine polyp treatment

Based on the evaluation, your women’s health specialist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Treatment options may include:

Find specialized care for uterine polyps

We help you find relief and treatment for uterine polyps at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for your care, including specialized women’s health centers in North and Central Texas.

Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

What is a uterine polyp?

Uterine polyps symptoms

When to see a doctor

What causes uterine polyps?

Uterine polyps risk factors

How are uterine polyps diagnosed?

Medical history and physical exam

Uterine polyp treatment

Watchful waiting

Medication

Surgery

Find specialized care for uterine polyps

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