Hopkins 24/7

Back to ABC News

This Thursday at 10/9c

This content requires javascript and flash player version 8.

Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Close Article Browser

Endometrial Polyps

What is it?

Endometrial polyps are small, spherical or cylindrical growths on the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The exact cause of endometrial polyps is not known, but they tend to accompany other conditions involving overgrowth of uterine cells, such as endometrial hyperplasia or uterine fibroids (see Endometrial Hyperplasia or Fibroids, Uterine for more information). Polyps may appear singly or in clusters and are most common between the ages of 30 and 60. Although they are usually not a health risk, polyps occasionally contain cancerous cells.

Polyps generally cause no symptoms and, indeed, often go undetected. In some instances, however, endometrial polyps may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, or postmenopausal bleeding. Occasionally polyps may protrude into the vagina through the cervix, where they may bleed and cause pain. Cylindrical polyps attached to the uterine wall by a stalk may become twisted, which cuts off their blood supply and leads to infection. Polyps can grow large enough to fill or even stretch the uterus and therefore interfere with conception. Endometrial polyps can usually be removed with minor surgery.

What Causes It?

  • The cause of endometrial polyps is unknown.

Prevention

  • While endometrial polyps cannot be prevented, women should have regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears once they reach age 18 or become sexually active, to aid in early detection and treatment of any abnormalities.

Diagnosis

  • A pelvic examination may reveal the presence of endometrial polyps that protrude through the cervix.
  • An abnormal Pap smear may reflect an underlying endometrial polyp.
  • A hysterosalpingogram (HSG; injection of a contrasting dye into the uterus), ultrasound, or hysteroscopy (viewing the uterine lining with a camera) may be used to detect polyps inside the uterus.
  • Dilatation and curettage (D&C) may be performed. In this procedure the cervix is widened so that the uterine lining can be scraped to obtain a tissue sample.
  • Hysteroscopy is used to visually examine the uterine lining and detect polyps.

How to Treat It

  • Endometrial polyps may be scraped and removed from the uterine lining during the D&C procedure used for diagnosis. The D&C is generally performed at a hospital on an outpatient basis and requires local anesthesia.
  • Endometrial polyps can also be targeted and removed during hysteroscopy.

When to Call a Doctor

  • Call a doctor if you develop bleeding between periods, if your periods are heavier or lengthier than normal, or if you have postmenopausal bleeding.