Causes, symptoms and treatment of polyps in the uterus

Many representatives of the fair sex are faced with such a problem as the formation of polyps in the uterus. Women suffer from such a disease, regardless of age. Despite the fact that the appearance of such neoplasms is not dangerous, it is not worth ignoring the ailment. Treatment of polyps is necessary, since otherwise there is a chance of malignant tissue degeneration.

Of course, many women are interested in additional information. Why are polyps formed in the uterus? Symptoms and treatment, diagnosis and possible complications are very useful data that you should familiarize yourself with.

What is a neoplasm?

Polyp in the uterus

Many women of young and mature age face a similar pathology, therefore they are interested in information about its symptoms and treatment. Polyps are benign neoplasms that occur due to uncontrolled proliferation of connective tissue.

The structure itself is small - its diameter rarely exceeds 1-3 cm. The polyp has the shape of a round outgrowth on the stalk (it resembles a mushroom in shape). In some women, a single structure forms, while in other patients, multiple polyps form. According to statistics, women aged 40-50 are most susceptible to this ailment. Nevertheless, pathology sometimes develops in young women and even teenage girls.

The mechanism of formation of polyps

It is worth noting that the exact mechanisms of the appearance of such pathological structures are not known today - active research is still underway, and experts put forward various theories. Nevertheless, doctors can still give some answers.

How are endometrial polyps formed in the uterus? Treatment, by the way, largely depends on the causes of the onset of the disease and the features of its development. Normally, the level of estrogen that is synthesized by the ovaries depends on the day of the menstrual cycle. But sometimes, for one reason or another, the endocrine glands begin to work incorrectly, as a result of which the amount of estrogen in the blood increases significantly. The endometrium lining the inner surface of the uterus begins to grow and its individual sections do not exfoliate during menstruation. A similar process is repeated over several cycles, as a result of which small outgrowths form on the inner surface of the uterus. Very soon through the neoplasm, the fibers of the connective tissue and blood vessels grow - this is how the polyp forms.

Causes of polyps in the uterus

Polyp treatment

Many women are interested in questions about how treatment of polyps in the uterus occurs. The reasons for the appearance of the latter are very important to find out, because the choice of treatment regimen directly depends on them. There are several main risk factors.

  • Changes in the hormonal background, in particular, an increase in estrogen levels, cause increased endometrial growth and the formation of polyps. This is observed, for example, before menopause. But progesterone deficiency contributes to the active growth of tumors.
  • Risk blockages include vascular obstruction. Around the affected artery or vein, sometimes the epithelial cells begin to multiply intensively, which leads to the appearance of a polyp.
  • Inflammatory diseases in the organs of the reproductive system can also provoke a pathological process. Risk factors include, for example, cervicitis or endometriosis. The fact is that against the background of inflammation in the uterine tissues, the number of leukocytes increases. White blood cells certainly help to cope with infections, but sometimes their activity stimulates the growth of the endometrium.
  • Various diseases of the endocrine glands, whether the thyroid or adrenal glands, affect the functioning of the ovaries, cause a change in the level of sex hormones.
  • Risk factors also include injuries of the uterine membranes obtained during diagnostic curettage or abortion.
  • Hypertension and diabetes affect blood flow in small capillaries. Endometrial cells do not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, which sometimes leads to their hypertrophy.
  • There is also a hereditary factor.
  • Polyps often develop in overweight women. The fact is that obesity affects the level of estrogen in the blood.
  • Lack of exercise, sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle - all this leads to stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs. This, again, affects blood circulation and the synthesis of hormones.
  • Risk factors include taking certain medications, in particular, tamoxifen, hormonal drugs.

Unfortunately, it is far from always possible to find out what exactly provoked the appearance of such a neoplasm, and the mechanisms of its development are not fully understood. Nevertheless, the treatment of polyps is directly related to the presence of certain risk factors in the patient's life.

Types of polyps: classification scheme

If we consider the location of the neoplasm, then the following types are distinguished:

  • a polyp of the uterine body, which is a small nodule on the inner surface of an organ;
  • cervical polyp (treatment will be discussed below) - a small tumor formed on the inner surface of the cervical canal.

It is worth noting that the polyp can be formed by various types of cells. Depending on which particular structures prevail, several species are distinguished.

  • Glandular polyps consist mainly of glandular cells and often look like small cysts filled with fluid. Similar structures in most cases are diagnosed in young girls.
  • In the structure of fibrous polyps, connective tissue elements predominate. Their structure is more dense. Most often, such neoplasms appear in patients of mature age, before the onset of menopause.
  • Iron-fibrous neoplasms contain both connective tissue fibers and glandular cells.
  • Adenomatous polyps consist mainly of atypical cells. It is these structures that most often degenerate into full-fledged cancerous tumors.
  • Placental structures are formed if placental tissue remains in the uterine cavity after childbirth.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Signs of polyposis

Before considering the basic methods of treating polyps, it is worth learning more about the symptoms that accompany the pathology. It should be noted immediately that in most cases the ailment proceeds without any manifestations. Violations occur only when the polyp itself is damaged or against the background of the rapid growth of this neoplasm. The clinical picture is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • violations of the monthly cycle (menstruation becomes irregular);
  • menstruation often becomes more plentiful, sometimes even bleeding;
  • many patients complain of the appearance of copious mucous discharge of a whitish color;
  • between menstruation, sometimes spotting also appears;
  • if the polyp reaches a large size, then a pain syndrome may appear (women complain of drawing pains in the lower abdomen);
  • sexual intercourse is also often accompanied by pain and the appearance of spotting, which is associated with tissue injuries of the neoplasm;
  • when trying to get pregnant, women also often face difficulties.

The appearance of such violations is a serious reason to consult a doctor. Only a specialist knows what treatment for polyps in the uterus should be like. In no case should you ignore the problem or try to deal with it yourself.

Complications of polyp growth

Polyposis tests

According to statistics, in most cases polyposis lends itself well to therapy and is rarely accompanied by the appearance of any complications. Nevertheless, sometimes in the absence of treatment, polyps in the uterus increase in size, which is dangerous.

  • The appearance of such neoplasms in the cervix or directly in the endometrium significantly complicates the process of fertilization of the egg and sometimes makes its implantation impossible. The presence of multiple polyps increases the likelihood of developing an ectopic pregnancy or even rupture of the fallopian tubes. If neoplasms appeared in the late stages of pregnancy, then spontaneous abortion associated with placental abruption is possible.
  • Uterine polyps grow - their own blood vessels gradually appear in their structure. Nevertheless, the walls of the capillaries are thinner here, therefore, subject to various injuries. Polyposis is often accompanied by uterine bleeding, which begins and ends abruptly.
  • Periodic blood loss can lead to the development of anemia, which is accompanied by a decrease in the number of red blood cells, a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Anemia affects the work of all organ systems.
  • Polyp tissues are prone to injury and further infection. If untreated, such a pathology may result in the appearance of foci of chronic inflammation.
  • Polyps are benign neoplasms. Nevertheless, there is always a risk of malignant tissue degeneration. Cancers are much more dangerous because they require more aggressive therapy. The lack of treatment often ends with the death of the patient.

Diagnostic measures

Polyposis Diagnosis

The treatment regimen for polyps largely depends on the causes and symptoms of the pathology, the presence of a risk of malignant degeneration, and other factors. That is why correct diagnosis is so important. After a general examination and collection of information for the anamnesis, the doctor directs the patient to certain tests.

  • Of course, to begin with, a biochemical and general blood test is performed. These studies help evaluate the body. For example, a decrease in the number of red blood cells indicates blood loss, and an increase in the level of white blood cells indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.
  • An informative is the analysis of urine - so you can detect abnormalities in the liver and kidneys. The presence of blood impurities in urine samples may indicate uterine bleeding.
  • For bacteriological analysis, a swab from the vagina and cervix is ​​taken. Such a study allows you to detect chronic infections, determine the nature of pathogens, the activity of which became the cause of the inflammatory process (if it takes place).
  • Be sure to analyze the level of hormones, and not only genital. This allows the doctor to determine the cause of the appearance of neoplasms.
  • Polyp tissue samples are taken for analysis, which are then sent to a laboratory for histological examination. The procedure allows you to determine the type of polyp (for example, whether the tumor is glandular or fibrous).
  • An ultrasound of the pelvic organs is also performed (both a standard procedure and an examination with a transvaginal scanner are needed). This is a simple and affordable procedure that allows you to detect polyps, determine their size and exact location. In addition, the doctor will be able to examine the organs of the reproductive and excretory system, to detect any violations.
  • Colposcopy is mandatory - the same way you can detect polyps in the cervical canal.
  • Hysteroscopy is a more accurate study, which involves the use of special optical devices. During the procedure, the doctor can see the polyps formed in the cervix, carefully examine their structure, evaluate the size, determine the place of attachment, etc.
  • The most accurate methods are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Such studies allow the doctor to get accurate pictures of the desired organs, detect polyps and other neoplasms, examine blood vessels and other small structures.

Based on the results obtained, the doctor will be able to draw up an effective treatment regimen.

Polyp in the uterus: treatment without surgery is possible?

In no case should you ignore such a disease. And many patients are interested in questions about whether polyps can be treated without surgery.

In most cases, the appearance of such neoplasms is associated with hormonal disruptions, so patients are prescribed hormonal drugs. The dosage and schedule of administration in this case are determined individually.

Antispasmodics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain. Such drugs as Nurofen, No-shpa, Ibuprom are considered effective.

It is worth saying right away that a properly conducted drug therapy helps to stop the growth and further formation of polyps, relieve discomfort and pain, and cope with the inflammatory process. Nevertheless, existing tumors against the background of such treatment do not disappear. If the polyps are single, small and not prone to rapid growth, then drug therapy is enough - in the future, the patient should periodically undergo examinations in order to detect the development of complications in time.

Surgical removal of polyps

Polyp surgery

Not always drugs give the desired effect. Sometimes the only possible way is surgical treatment of uterine polyps. The operation is performed if the following indications are available:

  • hormone therapy was unsuccessful;
  • the patient is more than 40 years old;
  • polyps grow rapidly, their sizes exceed 1 cm;
  • malignant cells were detected during biopsy studies.

Today, there are several ways to remove a polyp.

  • Hysteroscopic surgery is considered the least traumatic. The procedure is carried out under local or general anesthesia, but it lasts no more than 20-30 minutes. Using a special tool, the doctor opens the cervix, and then penetrates the uterine cavity using special optical equipment. Using the camera, the doctor can carefully examine the uterine mucosa and determine the location of the polyps. Then, using special tweezers or an electric surgical loop, the specialist removes the polyp. The neoplasm of the bed (the place to which his leg was attached) is scraped and treated with an antiseptic. This is a relatively simple procedure - after 2-3 days the patient can return to her usual lifestyle.
  • Laparoscopic surgery involves the removal of parts of the uterus or the organ completely. Instruments are inserted through small punctures in the abdominal wall. This procedure is carried out if the tests confirmed the presence of malignant cells.

It is immediately worth noting that therapy for such a disease is complex. This is taking drugs, and treating polyps with folk remedies, and surgical removal of neoplasms. Of course, the treatment scheme is a treating gynecologist.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies for polyps in the uterus

Some people are interested in questions about whether it is possible to cope with a similar disease at home. Treatment of polyps with folk remedies is sometimes really possible. Some drugs help relieve inflammation, normalize the endocrine and immune systems.

  • What to do to the patient in whom polyps were found? Treatment with alternative methods includes taking the next infusion. For cooking, you will need a teaspoon of chopped blackcurrant berries, two teaspoons of brown rose hips and three tablespoons of dried leaves of dioecious nettle. A tablespoon of the resulting mixture is poured with two glasses of boiling water. The container must then be covered and left to infuse. After an hour, the liquid can be filtered. It is recommended to take four times a day, 100 ml. If the taste of the infusion is too bitter, then you can sweeten it with natural honey or a spoonful of sugar.
  • If a woman has polyps, then treatment with folk remedies includes douching. For this purpose, a special solution is used. First, prepare a mixture of herbs. To do this, mix two tablespoons of sage leaves, rosemary and yarrow and four tablespoons of oak bark. We mix all the components and put them into the pan, pouring 2.5 liters of water. The product must be brought to a boil, and then kept on low heat for another 30 minutes. Next, the broth is cooled and filtered - the tool is used for douching. It is believed that such procedures help in the presence of uncharacteristic vaginal discharge.

Of course, in no case should you engage in self-diagnosis with such a pathology as polyps in the uterus. Treatment with folk remedies can be carried out only with the permission of a doctor. Moreover, home remedies do not replace full hormone therapy. All drugs and procedures should be used in combination.


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