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For more information about polyps visit:

BBC Health – Ask the Doctor: Questions and answers about uterine polyps

Patient UK – Uterine polyp health information: support groups, resources and more

 

What are Polyps?
Uterine Fibroids and Polyps

What are polyps?

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 menstration, 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.

Uterine Fibroids and Polyps

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

 

Symptoms for uterine fibroids and polyps

Uterine fibroids vary in size and texture from polyps. As a result the body reacts to them differently.

Symptoms of uterine fibroid include:

  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pain in the back of the legs
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Very heavy and prolonged menstrual periods
  • 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
  • Enlarged abdomen which may be mistaken for pregnancy, or weight gain

Polyp symptoms include:

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

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

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