Cervical polyps are common, non-cancerous growths that develop on the cervix, the tissue connecting the uterus to the vagina. These small, typically reddish or purplish growths can appear on the outer surface or within the cervical canal itself. While many individuals have no noticeable symptoms, others may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as spotting between periods, heavier menstrual flow, or bleeding after sexual intercourse or after menopause.
Do Cervical Polyps Resolve Without Intervention
The core answer to whether cervical polyps disappear on their own is generally no; spontaneous resolution is rare. These growths are localized overgrowths of tissue, often glandular cells, tethered to the cervical tissue by a stalk or pedicle. They persist because they are supported by a vascular and connective tissue structure, meaning they are not easily shed like a temporary layer of cells.
The formation of these polyps is often linked to chronic inflammation or an abnormal response to hormonal changes, particularly elevated estrogen levels. Because the underlying causes are often ongoing, the growths tend to remain in place. While anecdotal instances exist where a polyp may detach, medical professionals typically recommend removal rather than a “wait and see” approach, as physical intervention is required.
Identifying and Assessing Polyps
Cervical polyps are usually first detected during a routine gynecological examination, such as a pelvic exam or Pap test. A healthcare provider uses a speculum to visualize the cervix, where the polyp appears as a smooth, tear-shaped, or finger-like projection. Polyps vary in color, ranging from bright red to grayish-white, and are generally less than a half-inch long.
Once a growth is visually identified, a full assessment is mandatory to ensure patient safety. Although most cervical polyps are benign, they can sometimes mimic or obscure more serious conditions, including rare forms of cervical cancer. For this reason, all removed polyps are sent for histopathological evaluation—a detailed analysis of the tissue in a laboratory.
This biopsy is the definitive diagnostic step, confirming the benign nature of the polyp and ruling out neoplastic changes. The assessment also helps differentiate the cervical polyp from other potential growths, such as prolapsed endometrial polyps or fibroids, ensuring that any necessary follow-up or alternative treatment is promptly initiated.
Methods for Polyp Removal
The standard procedure for removing a cervical polyp is called a polypectomy, which is typically a simple, quick outpatient procedure performed in a doctor’s office. The technique chosen depends on the polyp’s structure, specifically whether it is attached by a slender stalk (pedicle) or if it has a broad base.
For polyps with a stalk, the most common technique involves grasping the base with ring or polyp forceps. The provider gently twists the polyp until it detaches from the cervical tissue, a method known as torsion. Minor bleeding at the attachment site can be managed immediately, often by applying a chemical cautery solution such as silver nitrate.
If the polyp has a broad base or is particularly large, the provider may inject a local anesthetic into the cervix to minimize discomfort. In these cases, a heated wire loop or sometimes a laser may be used to excise the polyp and cauterize the base. This ensures complete removal and controls any bleeding from the broader attachment.
Following the polypectomy, patients may experience mild cramping and some minor spotting or watery discharge for a few days up to a few weeks. To allow the cervix to heal properly, patients are advised to avoid sexual intercourse and the use of tampons for the duration of the discharge.
Preventing Future Occurrence
While physical removal is curative for the existing growth, it does not eliminate the underlying factors that caused it to form initially. A small percentage of individuals, approximately 6% to 12%, may experience a recurrence of cervical polyps after removal. This highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and management of any contributing conditions.
The best approach to preventing future occurrences involves consistent, regular gynecological checkups for the early detection and removal of new growths. For individuals with a history of recurrence, addressing chronic inflammation or infection in the cervix is a common strategy. Hormonal factors, such as high estrogen levels, are also thought to contribute to polyp formation, and combined oral contraceptives may be considered to manage these fluctuations.