What Are Endometrial Polyps?
Endometrial polyps are small overgrowths attached to the inner wall of your uterus that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Left untreated, these growths can cause long-term consequences on your ability to conceive. The bleeding associated with polyps is distracting and may even be a precursor to uterine cancer. If you have endometrial polyps, undergo a polyp removal procedure at one of the best-recognized, women-centered gynecology practices in New York City.
At Hysteroscopy Center of New York, Dr. Felix Cohen and his team of specialists perform uterine polyp removal procedures in their Midtown Manhattan, Columbus Circle and Queens facilities. Pick the one that’s most convenient for you. Polyp removal is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the polyps, thus preventing further complications.
“At your initial consultation, I start with an examination of your uterus before deciding how to proceed from there,” says Dr. Cohen. “Our whole practice aims to help you lead a healthy, worry-free life, with a minimal recovery period. We resolve current uterine issues to protect your future fertility.”
When Do I Need Endometrial Polyp Removal?
Most polyps are benign, but at Hysteroscopy Center of New York, your gynecologist often recommends removing a polyp, especially if it keeps you from living a comfortable life. Associated symptoms with the formation of endometrial polyps, discovered through ultrasound scans, include:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding, which may show up as heavy periods or bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after menopause, a common symptom of uterine cancer that’s ruled out when your gynecologist discovers polyps
- Inflammation of your uterus that prevents you from getting pregnant
- An unexplained miscarriage
Dr. Cohen first reviews your medical history, symptoms and overall gynecological health. Because these symptoms may be associated with other uterine conditions, your NYC specialist may use hysteroscopy or ultrasound to confirm the presence of endometrial polyps. An endometrial polyp hysteroscopy diagnosis technique may include:
- Abnormal uterine ultrasoundUltrasound scan. Ultrasound imaging often shows enough proof to diagnose abnormal uterine conditions, including polyps. With an abnormal uterine ultrasound, your gynecologist uses a common sonographic technique to visualize the size, shape and blood flow of the polyp. The ultrasound may be transvaginal or abdominal.
- Office hysteroscopyThis is a more advanced method for diagnosing endometrial polyps. With a hysteroscopy, your top-rated NYC obstetrician-gynecologist looks directly into your uterus to find the polyp. At the same time, he diagnoses the type and cuts it away from the uterine lining.
- FibroidsSonohysterogram. This is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your uterus. It’s mostly used to detect polyps and fibroids or evaluate your fertility. Unlike a hysteroscopy, the sonohysterogram’s function is limited to diagnosing the endometrial polyp only. You need a separate procedure to remove them.
“I prefer to use the see-and-treat approach,” says Dr. Cohen. “In this way, I can find and remove the polyp during the same procedure. Hysteroscopy allows me to directly see inside your uterus. I therefore refer to hysteroscopy as the gold standard for removing polyps as it’s a minimally invasive and precise approach with a high success rate.”
What Happens During an Endometrial Polyp Hysteroscopy?
Once you’ve been diagnosed with endometrial polyps, your gynecologist specializing in hysteroscopy conducts an endometrial polyp hysteroscopy procedure. Depending on the size and position of your polyps, you’re given either a local or general anesthesia, followed by steps that include:
- Inserting a thin, lighted instrument known as a hysteroscope through your cervix for a clear picture of your uterine cavity
- Introducing a sterile fluid or gas into your uterine cavity to expand its walls, clear away blood and provide a clear view of any polyps, including their shape, size and formation
- Examining the polyps’ surface and blood flow through a zoomed-in analysis
- Identifying the endometrial polyps and other abnormalities that are affecting your endometrium
- Removing the uterine polyps using hysteroscopy with the insertion of small scissors or graspers through the hysteroscope to cut off and extract the polyps entirely
After the polyp removal procedure, your NYC gynecologist sends a sample endometrial polyp for microscopic examination in a laboratory. Once the biopsy results come in, Dr. Cohen contacts you — usually a few weeks after the procedure — with the results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Endometrial Polyps
How serious is a hysteroscopy uterine polyp removal?
A uterine polyp removal isn’t usually a serious procedure. Since 10 to 25 percent of adult women develop endometrial polyps, the hysteroscopy uterine polyp procedure feels more like a routine procedure, but it’s still classified as a surgical removal, with minimal-to-no complications, especially when you rely on experts in the field like those at Hysteroscopy Center of New York.
Can uterine polyps reoccur?
While the polyp removal is a highly effective procedure, endometrial polyps may recur after being surgically removed. Clinical studies allude to recurrence rates varying between 15 and 50 percent, and new polyps can develop even years after the initial procedure.
Is it painful to have my polyps removed?
The uterine polyp removal is typically not painful. During the procedure, you’re given local or general anesthesia, depending on your pain tolerance and other factors. Afterward, you may experience mild cramping, often managed with over-the-counter medications.
Can I have polyps even if I’m in menopause?
Absolutely. You can have endometrial polyps even after menopause. Endometrial polyps often appear in your mid-40s to 60s, meaning a significant percentage of diagnoses appear in postmenopausal women.
What if I don’t have the polyps removed?
If you don’t let your doctor remove the polyps found with a hysteroscopy or ultrasound, you risk them mutating into cancer. In addition, the polyps may grow large enough to cause blood blockage, anemia and even internal bleeding. They’re easier to remove when they’re small.
Do endometrial polyps go away on their own?
Endometrial polyps may go away on their own, but it’s recommended that you undergo a hysteroscopy for uterine polyp removal to rule out the risk of the polyps growing cancerous.
Can endometrial polyps turn into cancer?
Fortunately, endometrial polyps rarely turn cancerous, but may be precancerous indicators. Although there are some situations where the polyps have become cancerous, the chances are very low, running from one to three percent.
How can I avoid the chance of needing an endometrial polyp hysteroscopy?
While you can’t completely prevent endometrial polyps from appearing, you can significantly reduce the chance of it with regular gynecologist check-ups, especially if you’re prone to polyps.
Can endometrial polyps affect my chances of getting pregnant?
Not always, but endometrial polyps can affect your chances of getting pregnant. According to recent studies, endometrial polyps have been present in 15 percent to 24 percent of infertile women.
Why Choose Hysteroscopy Center of New York for Polyp Removal?
Dr. Cohen is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who specializes in advanced hysteroscopy, including endometrial polyp hysteroscopy. With years of experience and a degree from the Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai, he applies his expertise in clinical practice, performing minimally invasive surgeries.
Patients reviews indicate women choose Hysteroscopy Center of New York because of its exceptional personalized care and state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Dr. Cohen’s minimally invasive procedures allow for same-day diagnosis and polyp removal, further reducing downtime and improving your comfort. If you’ve noticed heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods, schedule a consultation at Hysteroscopy Center of New York at one of its three locations today.