Anytime you have an issue with your body it is stressful, to say the least.
This is especially true when a physical problem disrupts your fertility odds, let alone your personal health.
Uterine polyps can be a challenge when it comes to your reproductive system. From causing heavy bleeding to irregular spotting, even the smallest polyp could lead to larger issues down the line.
Needless to say, being proactive is the key to maintaining your pregnancy odds. With the right guidance, you can easily prepare for uterine polyp removal and get back to focusing on what matters most. Here's what you need to know:
What are Uterine Polyps?
Any small growths that happen inside the body are called polyps.
They can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, but typically, uterine polyps form as tiny bumps or mushroom-like caps. Specifically for uterine polyps, these growths populate inside a female's uterine cavity, ranging anywhere from a couple of millimeters to a couple of centimeters in size.
The good news is that 95% of uterine polyps are benign (non-cancerous) in most cases. However, they can still lead to complications that negatively impact reproductive health. For instance, uterine polyps can cause:
- Abnormal bleeding or spotting
- Bleeding after menopause
- A prolapse, meaning a polyp grows through the cervix and outside the uterus
In some cases:
- Polyps near the fallopian tubes can block its openings and decrease fertility odds
- Polyps can be cancerous cells (on rare occasions)
Overall, symptoms of heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, or spotting are good indications that uterine polyps may be to blame. That being said, if you suspect that you might be affected, there are steps you can take to remedy the situation.
Uterine Polyp Removal Experience, Checkup and Ovarian Polyps Removal
Your first step is to schedule a checkup with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and find out if uterine polyp removal is the best course of action.
When consulting with your doctor, they may ask you about...
- Any medications you’re taking
- What your lifestyle habits are like
- If there are patterns in your menstruation cycles
- They may run blood tests, imaging tests, or ultrasounds to gauge your readiness and need for surgical removal
If your doctor does recommend a procedure, it's important that you have someone come with you to the future appointment, abide by all pre-surgery rules (like no food or water 12 hours beforehand, etc.), and take any pre-op medications that your doctor prescribes.
Of course, the type of protocols you'll follow depends on the type of removal uterus polyp removal recommended, but in any case, it's always a good idea to have someone with you who can support you before and after.
Types of Uterine Polyp Removal Procedures
Once again, the type of uterine polyp removal procedure depends on the severity and location of polyps inside the uterus.
Based on the results of an ultrasound or by using a small device to look inside the uterus, a doctor can recommend one of two kinds of treatments to alleviate symptoms:
- Hysteroscopy: Uterine polyps are removed using a numbing agent or general anaesthesia. This narrow fiber-optic scope is placed into the cervix to remove polyps, adhesions, and fibroids.
- Hysterectomy: If uterine polyps are cancerous, then removing the uterus entirely is sometimes necessary. This is done through an incision in the abdomen under full anesthesia.
Consult with a Fertility Specialist
Although uterine polyps have the potential to be harmless, ignoring symptoms or not taking action against issues can lead to serious complications.
With that in mind, consulting with a specialist at fertility clinics in NYC is a great place to start. If you have aspirations of starting a family of your own, you'll want insight and advice from healthcare professionals who can present you with the best options to meet your goals.
Nobody should have to worry about their reproductive health, so contact Kofinas Fertility Group today and schedule an appointment.
