Endometrial Polyp Treatment Overview

When to see a healthcare provider

You should always see a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of an endometrial polyp like abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding include lighter or heavier than your normal flow, bleeding mid-cycle, or bleeding before puberty or after menopause.

Even if the polyp is small or not causing symptoms, it’s still important to see your provider. Polyps need careful monitoring because they can cause fertility problems. They can also become cancerous.

Getting diagnosed

If your provider thinks you may have an endometrial polyp, they will likely request tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• Transvaginal ultrasound. It allows your provider to see the size and location of the polyp. A slim, wand-like device is inserted in the vagina and creates images of your uterus.
• Hysteroscopy. The doctor inserts a small camera device called a hysteroscope into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. A hysteroscopy may be recommended if the ultrasound findings are uncertain, or if the uterus lining is thicker than it should be.
• Endometrial biopsy. A sample of the polyp is taken and checked for signs of endometrial cancer. This can be done during the hysteroscopy procedure.

What to expect from your doctor visit

• If the polyp is small and not causing symptoms, waiting and watching (called watchful waiting) may be recommended for premenopausal women. The polyp may go away on its own.
• Removal of the polyp will likely be recommended if you are at increased risk of uterine cancer, are postmenopausal, continue to exprience abnormal bleeding, or have a large polyp or multiple polyps.
• Certain hormonal medications, including progestins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHs), may lessen symptoms that are bothering you. But taking these medications is usually a short-term solution—symptoms typically come back once you stop taking the medicine.
• Polyps are removed surgically. This can be done during a hysteroscopy or a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C). A tool called a curette is used to remove the polyp. The type of curette used may be a sharp instrument or suction device. The removed polyp will likely be sent to a lab for testing.

Prescription endometrial polyp medications

• Progestins: Aygestin, Camila, Crinone, Prometrium,
• GnRHs: leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard, Fensolvi), goserelin (Zoladex), nafarelin (Synarel)

Types of endometrial polyp providers

• An ob-gyn, who specializes in women’s health, can diagnose and treat endometrial polyps.