Uterine Polyps: A Patient Guide

Uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps, are small, soft growths that develop from the inner lining of your uterus. They form when the tissue that usually sheds during a menstrual cycle grows excessively in one focal spot, remaining attached to the uterine wall by a base or a narrow stalk. While the word “growth” can be unsettling, it is important to know that these polyps are overwhelmingly benign. They are a common part of gynecological health for many women and people with a uterus, particularly as they approach or pass through the menopausal transition ^[1][2].

For many people, uterine polyps are “silent” and cause no issues at all. However, because they are made of vascular tissue that can be sensitive to hormonal changes, they are a frequent cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can manifest as spotting between periods, unusually heavy cycles, or—most importantly—any bleeding that occurs after menopause. In some cases, polyps can also act as a barrier within the uterus, potentially making it more difficult for an embryo to implant and leading to challenges with fertility ^[3][2].

Identifying a polyp requires a focused diagnostic approach. Standard transvaginal ultrasounds can sometimes miss them or mistake them for general thickening of the lining. To get a clear view, doctors often use specialized imaging—such as saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) to gently expand the cavity, or hysteroscopy (a thin camera) to look inside directly. These tools allow your care team to see the exact size and location of the growth, and help determine if the polyp might explain the symptoms you are experiencing ^[4][5].

The path forward after a diagnosis is highly personalized. If you are premenopausal and have no symptoms, your doctor may suggest simply monitoring the polyp, as small ones can sometimes resolve on their own. However, if a polyp is causing disruptive bleeding, interfering with pregnancy plans, or is found alongside postmenopausal bleeding, prompt evaluation and tissue testing (often through surgical removal) is strongly prioritized. While the overall risk of malignancy is low, pathology testing of the tissue is the only way to definitively rule out abnormal cells. By understanding how these growths behave, you can work with your doctor to choose the approach that best supports your comfort, fertility goals, and long-term health ^[3][6].