Uterine polyps that are large, look suspicious, or cause heavy bleeding and other symptoms may need removal. Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can remove polyps without requiring a large incision.
Uterine Polyp Removal: Is Surgery Really Necessary?
Uterine polyps, the small mushroom-like structures, might sound intimidating. But they may not always cause harm. More than 95% of these polyps are benign, non-cancerous growths, which may or may not cause any symptoms.
In fact, many women remain unaware of polyps until they are accidentally discovered on routine ultrasounds or pelvic examination. The question is, is uterine polyp removal in Thane really necessary? Can you live with polyps? And if surgery is needed, how safe is it?
Understanding Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps are soft growths in the inner lining of the uterus. Women can have one or many. A polyp could be as small as a rice grain or big enough to take up significant space in your uterus. Asymptomatic polyps may not require treatment.
A gynecologist in Thane will recommend follow-ups where they may check the polyps’ growth or note any symptoms (if you suddenly start experiencing). If symptoms appear, they usually include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Spotting
- Post-menopausal bleeding
- Prolapse (a condition in which a large polyp hangs outside the uterus)
Ultrasounds are commonly used to diagnose uterine polyps, but some cases may require hysteroscopy—a procedure to look inside the uterus through a small camera.
When Do You Need Polyp Removal Surgery
Surgical removal isn’t the first line of treatment for uterine polyps. However, for symptomatic polyps that affect your physical and mental health, removal could be a better option.
For example, if you notice changes in your menstrual cycles, such as heavy bleeding, spotting between periods, polypectomy can be an effective decision, not just to relieve symptoms, but also to rule out underlying medical issues.
Sometimes, polyps can interfere with your ability to conceive. Their location can make it difficult for the embryo to implant into the uterine lining, making pregnancy difficult. In such cases, removing polyps becomes essential to conceive.
For larger polyps, especially if they cause post-menopausal bleeding, polypectomy might be the best decision. Any post-menopausal bleeding is taken seriously. Although polyps are usually benign, your doctor may still advise removal if they cause symptoms after menopause.
Polyp Removal Surgery: What Happens?
Polyps are removed through a small, minimally invasive procedure called hysteroscopy. A thin lighted tube is inserted through your vagina and cervix into the uterus to visualize a polyp. They are then carefully removed with other surgical instruments.
Your gynecologist may administer local or general anesthesia, depending on your case. Hysteroscopy is a day-care procedure, meaning you can go home the same day and resume light activities once the effect of anesthesia wears off. Meanwhile, the polyp tissue is sent to the lab for further testing.
Is Polyp Removal Surgery Safe?
Generally, it’s considered safe when performed by an experienced gynaec surgeon. They carefully excise the polyp, ensuring no surrounding structures are harmed. You might experience mild cramping or light bleeding for a few days, but they usually settle. You may be advised to avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, or heavy lifting for a short while.
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