How do uterine polyps cause infertility

Uterine polyps can also be called endometrial polyps since they occur in the endometrium. The exact cause of uterine polyps is unknown. Fluctuations in hormones may be a factor. The hormone estrogen causes the endometrium to thicken each month and appears to be linked to the growth of uterine polyps. Women in their 40s are more susceptible to polyps than women in their 20s. The odds of developing polyps increase in women who are overweight, have hypertension high blood pressure , or take tamoxifen a drug for treating breast cancer.

Irregular periods are the most common symptom of polyps. But some studies have shown that most women have fibroids, although most of these are asymptomatic. The exact cause of uterine fibroid growth is unknown, although research suggests genetics and female hormones estrogen and progesterone may play a part. Uterine polyps are bulb-shaped and caused by the overgrowth of the glandular tissue lining called the endometrium of the uterus.

Polyps can interfere with fertility by preventing a fertilized egg embryo from implanting in the uterine wall correctly. Uterine anomalies are anatomical problems with the uterus that women are either born with congenital or that develop over time acquired.

These malformations are usually present in a woman without symptoms. Acquired uterine abnormalities, such as scarring of the uterus or the development of scar tissue, occurs when an infection or surgery alters the uterine lining. These scars can damage the lining of the uterus, making it more difficult to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. Uterine fibroids may be asymptomatic but, depending on size and location, can cause heavy menstrual cycles, pain, and pressure symptoms. Polyps are very common and may be asymptomatic but occasionally cause irregular bleeding.

When symptoms do occur, women may experience:. A physician can typically diagnose issues with the uterus during a pelvic exam or using imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI. In some cases, a physician may also recommend a hysteroscopy. During this procedure, a doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. This tube allows the physician to examine the inside of the uterus, allowing him or her to remove any growths if needed or to remove a congenital defect such as a septum.

Physical issues such as uterine polyps can prevent you from having the baby you desire. If you have symptoms that could indicate the presence of polyps, contact our office for an appointment with Dr. Our Kansas fertility center expert diagnoses and treats infertility, including any difficulties created by uterine polyps. Uterine Polyps. Dan Gehlbach treats uterine polyps in our Kansas fertility center to improve fertility As head of our Kansas fertility center, Dr.

Our Kansas fertility center expert provides a detailed explanation about uterine polyps Also referred to as endometrial polyps, uterine polyps are small or large masses of tissue attached to the uterus by a base or a stalk.

At SCRC, we perform the procedure in our on-site outpatient surgery center. During hysteroscopy, the surgical instruments required to remove the polyps are passed through the hysteroscope. Cervical polyps are small, finger-like growths in the cervix that can sometimes project into the vagina. As with endometrial polyps, many women who have cervical polyps have no symptoms except for infertility.

When symptoms are present, they tend to include abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may occur after douching or sexual intercourse, and bleeding in between menstrual periods. The causes of cervical polyps include chronic inflammation, infection, and increased estrogen levels.

Diagnosis of cervical polyps is usually accomplished by a thorough pelvic exam. The treatment of cervical polyps is fairly straightforward. Most polyps can be removed in our office during the pelvic exam using a special type of forceps. You should know that cervical polyps are not the same as cervical cancer. After the polyp is removed, it is sent to the lab for biopsy to make sure there are no cancerous or precancerous cells. SCRC will be glad to give you more detailed information about diagnosis and treatment of polyps as well as information about surgical infertility treatment in general.