Uterine polyps are common diseases in the reproductive system, as they can appear inside the uterine cavity or outside in the cervix, and are then known as cervical polyps. What are polyps? In this article, we will review Dalili Medical of polyps and the symptoms that women may suffer from. We will also provide advice on how women can protect themselves from uterine polyps.
Uterine polyps are soft tissues that form in the lining of the uterus and grow more than usual. These tissues are usually superficial
A curettage procedure can be performed in conjunction with a hysteroscopy. During this procedure, the doctor uses a hysteroscope to examine the inside of the uterus, and uses a curette to scrape the lining and remove any polyps. The samples are then sent to the laboratory to determine whether they are benign or cancerous.
Uterine polyp removal surgeries are performed to relieve symptoms that may affect daily life, in certain cases, such as when the uterus cannot be completely removed, such as in cases of planning pregnancy or wanting to preserve the uterus without removing it.
A study conducted by doctors on the possibility of pregnancy after removing polyps showed that the pregnancy rate before the procedure was 28%, while this rate increased to 63% after removing the polyps. This study included 83 women under the age of 35.
Although uterine polyps are considered benign tumors, they can cause several problems. About 1% of these polyps can turn into cancerous cells, which leads to many problems in the uterus, such as delayed pregnancy and difficulty conceiving, in addition to increasing the possibility of miscarriage.
Polyps can be associated with infertility. If you have uterine polyps and are having difficulty getting pregnant, having them removed may help you get pregnant. They can also increase the risk of miscarriage in women undergoing IVF. So, if you’re considering IVF and have polyps, your doctor may recommend having them removed before embryo transfer.
Uterine polyps, or polyps, are more common in women between the ages of 40 and 50 than in younger women. They can also develop after menopause, but they’re rare in women under 20.
You’re more likely to develop uterine polyps if you’re overweight or obese, have high blood pressure, or take the drug tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer.
A uterine polyp is a collection of small, soft tissue that develops in the uterus for a variety of reasons.
Uterine polyps vary in size, as they can be the size of a sesame seed or slightly larger, and are considered benign tumors.
Uterine polyps can be easily noticed, as they are accompanied by a variety of symptoms.
In general, uterine polyps do not return after removal, except in rare cases, as they can return if the woman suffers from high levels of estrogen.
Uterine polyps do not cause abdominal bloating, as their size usually does not exceed a few centimeters. Unlike fibroids, which can grow significantly and cause abdominal bloating.
Uterine polyps do not come down during menstruation, but they may lead to an increase in the amount of bleeding than usual.
Uterine polyps are usually not considered dangerous. However, it may cause some complications, including:
- Transformation of polyps into cancerous cells*** Although the transformation of polyps in the uterus into cancer occurs rarely, as previously mentioned, it can occur in women who have a family history of uterine cancer, or in women after menopause.
- Effects on fertility and pregnancy***Uterine polyps can hinder the pregnancy process, as they prevent the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus, or hinder the movement of sperm, preventing it from reaching the egg due to causing cervical obstruction.
There are several differences between uterine polyps and fibroids:
**Uterine polyps** Uterine polyps consist of the membrane that lines the uterus, and are usually only a few centimeters in size, and do not contain any muscle tissue.
**Fibroid** A fibroid is a benign tumor that develops in the muscle tissue of the uterus, where it develops to form an oval or spherical mass surrounded by the lining of the uterus.
The growth of fibroids is affected by female hormones, as they increase in size during pregnancy and gradually begin to shrink after menopause.
Unlike uterine polyps, which are only a few centimeters in size, fibroids can continue to grow to very large sizes.
Fibroids are usually considered benign and do not lead to cancerous growth as is the case with uterine polyps. However, some doctors recommend removing them in certain cases due to the potential complications they may cause, such as heavy bleeding during menstruation or infertility.
Uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps, are growths that form as a result of the overgrowth of endometrial tissue, and are attached to the inner wall of the uterus.
Uterine polyps are characterized by their round or oval shape, and vary in size, as they are often small, less than 1 centimeter, but in some cases they can reach several centimeters or more.
There is another type of polyp that occurs in the cervix, which is the part that connects the lower part of the uterusIn the vagina, known as cervical polyps. These polyps are more common among women who have had multiple childbirth experiences, as well as among women in the age group of forty to fifty.
It is rare for cervical polyps to occur in girls before puberty. It is important to note that uterine polyps may cause problems with the menstrual cycle, and may hinder fertility, so it is recommended to visit gynecology clinics to diagnose them and start treatment early.
**What is the difference between uterine polyps and cervical polyps?**
Polyps are formed as a result of increased growth of endometrial tissue, and differ according to their location. Uterine polyps are located inside the uterine cavity and are connected to its inner wall. While cervical polyps are divided into two types that differ in their location inside the cervix:
1. External cervical polyps, which usually grow on the outer surface of the cervical lining, and commonly appear in women after menopause.
2. Endocervical polyps, which is the most common type, and appear as growths extending from the cervical glands into the cervical canal.
**Causes of Uterine Polyps**
The main cause of uterine polyps is still not fully determined, but research indicates that they are caused by excessive growth of endometrial tissue, which is usually small inside the uterus, but in some cases may grow to a larger size and hang down towards the cervix.
Doctors believe that high levels of estrogen play a major role in the appearance of these polyps.
There are several factors that may increase the risk of developing polyps, including:
- Aging.
- Having a family history of the disease.
- Having high blood pressure in women.
- Using some hormonal medications such as tamoxifen to treat breast cancer.
- Obesity and being overweight.
**Risks of laparoscopic uterine polyp removal surgery**
Uterine polyp removal surgery is generally considered a safe medical procedure, however, there may be some rare risks that should be noted, which include the following points:
- Possibility of bleeding immediately after the procedure.
- Some scars may appear on the skin, but these scars are minor compared to those resulting from other surgeries.
- The woman may face some problems during childbirth, which may require resorting to a cesarean section to avoid any injuries to the uterus.
- There is a possibility that some cases of uterine polyps may be diagnosed as cancer, as cancer cells can spread quickly after the tumor is removed.
- Vaginal examination *** A woman visits the doctor when she experiences symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain in the pelvic area. During the vaginal examination, the doctor may be able to feel the presence of polyps in the uterus, which may appear as a small, soft mass in the cervix or its walls. However, the vaginal examination is not sufficient to confirm the presence of polyps, so the doctor may resort to using other diagnostic methods.
** Ultrasound** High-frequency sound waves are used to image the internal organs, which helps in detecting polyps, determining their locations, and measuring their sizes.
**Using a hysteroscope** Hysteroscopy is a surgical procedure that involves inserting a tube with a camera through the vagina into the uterus. This procedure helps to see the polyps, and a sample is taken from them for analysis to confirm whether they are cancerous.
**Blood tests** Taking a sample of the patient's blood is a routine procedure, as it helps the doctor determine hormone levels and understand the causes behind the appearance of uterine polyps.
**Endouterine biopsy** This method aims to take samples of tissue from the lining of the uterus for examination in the laboratory. The doctor inserts a suction catheter into the uterus to collect the samples, to confirm the presence of an endometrial polyp. However, one of the disadvantages of this method is that the biopsy may not be taken from the area where the polyp is located.
**Curettage** This procedure is performed to remove the polyps and a part of the tissue lining the uterus using a special tool. The tissue is then sent to the pathology laboratory to be examined to confirm the absence of uterine cancer. A specialist doctor performs the scraping procedure using a long metal tool that ends with a head containing a small ring. This tool is inserted into the uterine cavity to scrape the tissue lining the inner wall of the uterus and the polyps on it.
**Symptoms of uterine polyps**
**Irregular menstrual cycle** The growth of uterine polyps from the lining of the uterus can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, as menstrual bleeding may increase than normal or last longer than usual.
**Vaginal bleeding** Uterine polyps may cause vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods.
**Vaginal bleeding after menopause** Vaginal bleeding after menopause is a worrying sign, as it may indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor, and uterine polyps may increase the likelihood of cancerous tumors developing.
**Infertility** Masses inside the uterus, such as uterine polyps or fibroids, can affect some stages of fertilization and reproduction, leading to infertility.
**Uterine polyp treatment**
After visiting the gynecological clinic and conducting a medical examination, the patient with uterine polyps is diagnosed, and then the appropriate treatment is chosen based on her condition. The available treatments are divided into:
. **Drug therapy** The doctor uses medications to relieve the symptoms of uterine polyps and reduce the size of the growths resulting from the lining of the uterus or cervix. These medications aim to regulate the hormonal balance of the affected woman.
Among the medications used in this treatment, we find progesterone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.
However, it should be noted that this method is considered a temporary treatment, as symptoms may reappear once the medication is stopped.Medication. However, this method is considered one of the easiest and most acceptable options for patients, which makes doctors resort to it in the first place.
**. Hysteroscopy and curettage** These two methods are among the means used to diagnose and treat uterine polyps. Doctors often resort to these procedures to get rid of the growths and achieve quick results compared to drug treatment.
The gynecologist performs these two procedures together in specialized gynecological clinics equipped with the necessary tools. The endoscope is inserted into the uterus, then the surface layer of the tissue lining the uterus and the growths in it are scraped. This procedure is performed using a curette, and the gynecologist usually sends a tissue sample to the laboratory to ensure the safety of uterine polyps and the absence of any risk to the patient's health.
**. Surgical procedures** The doctor may resort to performing a surgical operation to remove uterine polyps if the previous methods are unsuccessful, or if these benign tumors turn into cancerous tumors, which may require a hysterectomy. The doctor may ask the patient to stop taking all anticoagulant medications before the operation for a certain period of time, such as aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel.
**Uterine polyp removal using herbs**
Chasteberry: This herb is very useful for women, as it helps relieve menstrual pain and reduce bleeding. It also has a strong effect on hormones and contributes to reducing the symptoms of uterine fibroids.
Green tea: It contains a type of bioflavonoid that shows remarkable effectiveness in reducing the number and size of fibroids in the uterus, in addition to its role in expelling toxins from the body.
**Using Indian costus**
**The first method:** We start by preparing a clean and suitable container, then put an amount of Indian costus in it. After that, we add royal jelly and palm pollen to it, with an appropriate amount of white honey. Mix the ingredients well, and it is preferable to take this mixture once a day, taking into account not to exceed one spoon per day.
**The second method:** In this method, we use black Indian costus, and add to it ground green tea, black seed, and fenugreek. Then we add an amount of white honey and mix the ingredients well. It is recommended to use this mixture once a day for at least three months, to notice the difference with continued use.
**Bay leaves** Bay leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, and are an effective way to get rid of uterine polyps. To prepare them, you can boil bay leaves in water. After boiling, reduce the temperature and leave the mixture on the fire for about a quarter of an hour. Then leave it to cool, and you can sit in this infusion two to three times a week until the desired results are achieved.
**Fenugreek** Fenugreek is considered one of the best natural ways to get rid of uterine polyps. It can be used by boiling fenugreek in water, then sitting in a warm fenugreek infusion daily until recovery.
**Mint** Mint juice is very effective in treating uterine polyps. Mint juice is mixed with myrrh, then the uterus is injected with this mixture, as it is used in vaginal suppositories.
**Lavender** Lavender is known for its effectiveness in eliminating unwanted odors in the uterus. It can be used to get rid of uterine polyps by soaking it in boiling water, then inhaling the resulting steam, repeating this process daily. As for garden cress, it is considered one of the herbs useful in cleaning the uterus, and it can be used as a means of removing uterine polyps. This is done by mixing a spoonful of garden cress with seven dates, and eating this mixture daily from the beginning of the menstrual cycle until its end on an empty stomach in the morning. It can also be mixed with black seed and rock sugar and eating the mixture during the first three days of the menstrual cycle.
**Marjoram** in treating uterine polyps, as it has properties that help clean the uterus and treat infections. Marjoram can be used by drinking a drink made from it, or by preparing a bath using warm marjoram infusion and sitting in it. It is recommended to repeat this method until complete recovery.
**Treatment of uterine fibroids with the Holy Quran**
Many people resort to the Holy Quran to treat themselves with its blessed verses. Uterine fibroids can be treated using the Holy Quran through the following steps:
1. Read Surat Al-Inshirah from one to 21 times, as this surah enhances the vital energy in the pelvic area, including the uterus.
2. Repeat the first verse of Surat An-Nisa seven times or twenty-one times.
3. Read the eighth verse of Surat Ar-Ra'd daily, repeating it seven times or twenty-one times.
4. Read the fifth verse of Surat Al-Hajj and repeating it seven times.
5. Read the thirteenth verse of Surat Al-Mu'minun and repeat it seven times or once.
6. Read verses from 20 to 23 of Surat Al-Mursalat and repeat them seven times or twenty-one times.
7. Commit to reading Ayat Al-Kursi daily at a rate of seventy times.
In addition, it is recommended to read the legal ruqyah with the mentioned verses on water, then drink it for 7 days. After that, the reading should be renewed on new water after a week and continue in this manner for a period ranging from two to six months.
- If you have undergone a hysterectomy or a more complex tumor removal, you will remain in the recovery room until you regain consciousness from general anesthesia, and you may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two, or longer depending on your condition.
- You can return home the same day after the polyp removal procedure using local anesthesia. After the polyp is removed, it is sent to the laboratory for the necessary tests, which will help determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
***Recovery process after the uterine polyp removal***
- You may feel some discomfort andFor post-operative tenderness, your doctor will prescribe pain relievers to ease this period-like feeling. Using a warm compress or heating pad can also be helpful.
- You may have light bleeding immediately after the polyp is removed, and you may have discharge for up to 14 days after treatment, and the fluid may be light pink to brown.
- Your menstrual cycle will return to normal after the polyp is removed, and a hysterectomy ends periods because it removes the entire uterus.
- Do not use tampons for at least two weeks after the procedure, and avoid heavy lifting and exercise. You will also need to wait until you are fully healed to have sex, which can take two or more weeks after the polyp is removed, and the recovery time for a hysterectomy can be four to six weeks or more.
- Recovery time varies from person to person. It is important to consult your doctor to determine the appropriate time for you to return to work and other activities.
- Successful surgery involves removing all of the arteries, which improves symptoms and allows for a good recovery.
- Removing the uterine polyp usually improves symptoms, but you may experience some bleeding or pain after the procedure.
- Among the possible complications of the uterine polyp removal procedure, infection can occur, one of the signs of which is feeling pain or an abnormal odor in the area.
These secretions continue for a period of up to two weeks in many cases after the surgery. Therefore, doctors recommend using cotton sanitary pads and tampons for at least two weeks after the uterine polyp removal procedure.
You should avoid driving for at least 24 hours after the surgery, in addition to avoiding strenuous exercise.
Refrain from doing a lot of effort or carrying heavy objects for at least 6 weeks, or even longer after the surgery.
How to deal with pain: Some cramps may appear after the surgery, which do not last long, and you may feel pain. In this case, follow the doctor's advice by using warm compresses on the area to relieve the severity of the pain.