Cervical Polyp: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is cervical polyp?

A cervical polyp is a small growth that develops on the cervix, which is the canal connecting the uterus to vagina. Cervical polyps can appear in various sizes, and can live alone or in groups. Cervical polyps are usually cherry red to reddish purple or grayish-white. 

Types of cervical polyps

1) Ectocervical polyp

Polyps that develop on the outermost layer of your cervix. It is more common among postmenopausal women. 

2) Endocervical polyp

Polyps that develop from cervical glands inside your cervical canal. These are more common in premenopausal women.

What causes cervical polyps?

The exact cause of cervical polyps is well understood, but, several factors may be linked to their development, including:

• Chronic inflammation of the cervix
• Sexually transmitted infects (STIs)
• Bacterial or yeast infection  

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical polyps?

Polyps on the cervix may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding in between periods 
• Excessive vaginal bleeding during menses 
• Vaginal bleeding after sex 
• Foul smelling or pus-like white or yellow vaginal discharge

What are the treatments for cervical polyps?

If your doctor finds a cervical polyp that causes bleeding or other symptoms during a speculum examination, they will remove the polyp and send it to a laboratory to ensure it is not cancerous. 

If the polyp is large, your doctor may recommend having it removed surgically. The removal of polyp is known as polypectomy.

Your doctor will use a method known as loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), in which a wire loop heated by an electric current to burn the polyp from the surface of your cervix. Before the procedure, your doctor will numb your cervix with anaesthesia. 

FAQ

Are cervical polyps common?

Approximately 2-5% of women develop cervical polyps. They are most common shortly after the reproductive years and in people who have more than one child. Cervical polyps are mostly benign (non-cancerous). In rare cases, it can be cancerous, which is more common in postmenopausal women. 

What are the risk factors of cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps may affect various women, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing them. These include:

• Premenopausal women

  •  Women in their premenopausal years are more likely to develop cervical polyps

• Multigravida

  •   Women who have been pregnant more than once may be at risk

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

  • A history of STIs can contribute to the development of cervical polyps

• Previous history of cervical polyps

  •  If you had cervical polyps in the past, you may be more susceptible to developing them again

How are cervical polyps diagnosed?

Cervical polyps are usually discovered during routine pelvic examination as you will not be able to see or feel them. Cervical polyps are also detected during evaluations for bleeding or during Pap smear tests. 

Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to have a better view of the cervix. Cervical polyps can be diagnosed during speculum examination. Your doctor will remove the polyp and then send it to a laboratory for analysis. 

What are the complications of removing cervical polyps?

Complications are rare. However, removing a cervical polyp can cause:

• Infection 
• Vaginal bleeding 
• Pain 

In very rare cases, it may cause uterine perforation.

What to expect after polyp removal?

You may experience light cramping and vaginal bleeding after the procedure. However, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to relieve the pain. 

You are advised not to have sex or wear tampons for at least two weeks after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about what to expect after the procedure.

Will I get a cervical polyp again after removal?

It’s rare for polyps to grow back after removal, but it can happen. Women with a previous history of cervical polyps are more likely to develop it again in the future. 

Will cervical polyps affect pregnancy?

Even though most cervical polyps are benign, it may cause vaginal bleeding or discharge in pregnant women. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and progression of the cervical polyp to determine further management. 

You are advised to consult your doctor if you are worried about cervical polyps during pregnancy. 

How can I prevent cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps are hard to prevent. However, you can reduce the risk of getting cervical polyps by practising safe sex. Getting regular pelvic exams and Pap smear examination can help in early detection and treatment.