What it is
A polyp is a soft overgrowth of lining tissue. It hangs into the uterine cavity, or off the cervix.
Most polyps are not cancer. Every one still goes to pathology, because that is the only way to know.
A cervical polyp usually comes off in the office. A uterine polyp comes out through a hysteroscope.
Why it is done
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Any bleeding after menopause
- Periods heavier than they used to be
- A polyp seen on ultrasound or during an exam
- A polyp in the cavity while you are trying to conceive
What happens, step by step
- 1
Confirm it
Ultrasound or a saline sonogram shows where the polyp sits.
- 2
Choose the room
Cervical polyps come off in the office, uterine ones need the scope.
- 3
Scope in
The hysteroscope passes through the cervix and saline opens the cavity.
- 4
Polyp removed
A small instrument shaves or cuts it off at the base.
- 5
Tissue sent
The polyp goes to pathology.
- 6
The results
Dr. Mueller calls you with the report.
Questions people ask
- Does polyp removal hurt?
- A cervical polyp feels like a pinch and some cramping. A uterine one is done under sedation.
- Are polyps cancer?
- Most are not. That is why each one is sent to pathology instead of judged by eye.
- Do polyps grow back?
- They can. A new one is a reason to look again, not a sign the first removal failed.
- Do I have to have it removed?
- Not always. Bleeding, size and whether you are past menopause are what push toward removal.
- Will I still be able to get pregnant?
- The uterus stays intact. Clearing a polyp out of the cavity is sometimes done for that reason.
- How soon can I go back to normal?
- Same day for a cervical polyp. After a hysteroscopic removal, nothing in the vagina for a week.