Uterine polyps are growths on the inner lining of the uterus. These growths are typically noncancerous, though in rare instances they can be precancerous or cancerous. A common question is whether these polyps can be expelled during a menstrual period.
Understanding Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps, also called endometrial polyps, are an overgrowth of endometrial tissue extending into the uterine cavity. They can attach to the uterine wall by a broad base or a thin stalk, varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal factors, particularly estrogen, play a role in their development, as they are estrogen-sensitive.
Risk factors include being perimenopausal or postmenopausal, obesity, high blood pressure, and taking certain medications like tamoxifen, used in breast cancer treatment. While more common in individuals aged 40 to 50, they can occur at any age, though they are rare in those under 20.
Expulsion During Menstruation
A uterine polyp can be expelled during a menstrual period, though this is not common. Smaller polyps, particularly those with a thin stalk (pedunculated polyps), are more likely to detach and be expelled. The natural contractions of the uterus during menstruation, which help shed the endometrial lining, can sometimes lead to their detachment.
If a polyp is expelled, an individual might experience increased or irregular bleeding, passage of tissue resembling blood clots, or more significant pain or cramping than usual. The expelled tissue might appear as a fleshy mass or stringy material mixed with menstrual blood. However, most uterine polyps remain attached to the uterine wall and do not spontaneously expel.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Medical Advice
Uterine polyps often do not cause symptoms and are sometimes discovered incidentally during examinations for other conditions. When symptoms occur, the most common is abnormal uterine bleeding. This can manifest as irregular menstrual bleeding, heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Other symptoms include prolonged menstrual bleeding, spotting, or difficulty conceiving. If you experience any persistent or unusual bleeding patterns, severe pain, or suspect the expulsion of tissue, seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can assess your symptoms and determine the underlying cause.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis of uterine polyps involves medical imaging techniques. A transvaginal ultrasound is often the initial step, using sound waves to create images of the uterus. Sonohysterography, also known as saline-infusion sonography, provides a more detailed view by injecting saline into the uterus to expand it, allowing clearer visualization of the polyps during an ultrasound.
Hysteroscopy is another diagnostic and often therapeutic procedure, involving the insertion of a thin, lighted telescope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to directly visualize the polyps. Treatment often involves surgical removal, usually performed through hysteroscopy, especially if they are causing symptoms, affecting fertility, or if there is a concern about malignancy. While removal is effective, polyps can sometimes recur.