Uterine Polyps and Uterine Fibroids: What's the Difference?

The main difference between uterine polyps and uterine fibroids is that fibroids are composed of muscle tissue and polyps are made of endometrial tissue.

Polyps vs. Fibroids

	Uterine Polyps	Uterine Fibroids
Composition and Texture	Polyps are made of endometrial tissue. They are malleable and stem from the inner lining of the uterus.	Uterine fibroids are made of hard muscle tissue. They usually grow within the thick muscular layer of the uterus.
Regression	Small polyps may regress at any stage.	Fibroids do not regress. Some fibroids may shrink, but only after menopause.
Size	Polyps are usually very small. They range in size from just a few millimeters to several centimeters.	Fibroids may range in size from just a few millimeters to the size of a watermelon.
Noninvasive Treatment Options	There are no noninvasive treatment options for polyps.	Some forms of fibroids may be treated with noninvasive MR guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery.

Are the symptoms for uterine polyps different from fibroids?

Yes. Since uterine fibroids vary in size and texture from uterine polyps, the body reacts to them differently.

Uterine polyp symptoms include:

Irregular menstrual bleeding that varies in duration and heaviness
Spotting, or bleeding between menstrual periods
Infertility
Vaginal bleeding after menopause

Uterine fibroid symptoms include:

Pelvic pain or pressure
Very heavy and prolonged menstrual periods
Enlarged abdomen which may be mistaken for pregnancy, or weight gain
Pressure on the bladder causing a constant need to urinate, incontinence, or the inability to empty the bladder
Pressure on the bowel which can lead to constipation and/or bloating
Pain during intercourse
Pain in the back of the legs

Polyp and fibroid similarities

Uterine polyps and fibroids may both affect the reproduction process similar to that of an intra-uterine contraceptive device.
Both are hormone induced growths
Most treatment methods for both polyps and fibroids are invasive

What is a uterine polyp?

A uterine polyp is an overgrowth of tissue that arises from the endometrium - the uterine lining. This tissue is expelled during the menstrual cycle. After a period, the endometrium regenerates rapidly under the influence of hormones. Polyps occur in areas where the lining grows in excess.

Uterine polyps are oval or round, they remain attached to the uterine wall by a large base or a thin stalk. Polyps usually occur in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women. Although polyps are usually contained within the uterus, they may occasionally arise on the surface of the cervical canal.

Learn more about uterine fibroid treatment solutions.

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