Polyps are muscular outgrowths that grow within the uterus of a fertile woman. These outgrowths in the uterus are not cancerous tumors but they can bring about some defects. Polyps are not similar to fibroids which are also muscular tissue structures. Polyps are often attached to the inner walls of the uterus and grow into the uterine cavity. In simple words, polyps are an overgrowth of the uterine lining. These are hence not separate structures formed by an outside source. These uterine polyps range in size from a peanut to the size of a golf ball or even larger.
Nature of polyps:
Polyps in the uterus are not as hard as fibroids that can occur in the uterus. Polyps can appear very small and would have the appearance of a skin tag or wart. Polyps are often said to be finger-like outgrowths that can be found in the cervix. These polyps can appear singly or in clusters and they can be easily removed. Polyps can be caused either by an increase in estrogen levels or by an imbalance in the body hormones. Any kind of defective change in the cervical canal can pave the way for polyps. That is, any type of infection, obstruction, or alteration in blood vessels, including chronic Inflammation, can all trigger the growth of polyps in your uterus.
Symptoms of uterine polyps:
Uterine polyps can give rise to a number of symptoms, which are not always considered harmful. Normally, a fertile woman can initially have some painful and heavy periods. This can certainly cause trouble in your regular activities. Menstrual bleeding is another symptom to be noted but the symptoms are irregular and can never be predicted because there are no definite patterns. The polyps, when they are left untreated for a long time, could grow huge near the fallopian tubes, creating a risk to fertility. This is the most adverse effect of uterine polyps, which requires treatment at the earliest possible time.
Diagnosing polyps in the uterus:
No matter what the disorder, the diagnosis for most internal growths can be easily undertaken with the use of some advanced tools. An ultrasound examination is the most commonly used diagnostic method as it can give a visual of the underlying polyps. This is also used in locating the fibroids. Other important and advanced techniques of diagnosis are curettage, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, and sonohysterography. Each method is unique in providing details about the polyps. Curettage is an intensive diagnostic method in which a sample is collected from the polyps with which an analysis is made.
Treatment methods to get rid of polyps:
Treating polyps is possible with both medications and natural methods. In medication against polyps, some drugs are administered to take control of the polyps and to bring back the balance in the hormone levels. Surgery is also done to remove polyps, which are technically just soft tissues that have accumulated. Engaging in a healthy lifestyle and following a balanced diet, and making use of dietary supplements as necessary, can prevent the proliferation and excessive growth of uterine polyps.