Polyps in the uterus - the result of hormonal disorders

Polyps are non-cancerous uterine formation formed on the inner wall of the uterus and protruding into the uterus. Enhanced growth of cells in the uterine lining (endometrium) leads to the formation of polyps. Uterine polyps dimensions range from a few millimeters (sesame seed) to several centimeters (golf ball). They are attached to the uterine wall wide base or a thin stalk.

A woman can be one or more polyps. Typically, they do not extend beyond the uterine cavity, but sometimes can grow through the cervical canal vagina. Uterine polyps are detected and adolescent girls, and post-menopausal women (40-50 years). The causes of uterine polyps are most often hormonal disorders, erosion processes or inflammation after infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of uterine polyps include:

• menstrual disorders, for example, frequent, irregular periods of varying duration and intensity;
• bleeding between periods;
• abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding;
• vaginal bleeding after menopause;
• infertility.

Uterine polyps can develop both before and after the menopause. After menopause, a woman may experience only minor bleeding or spotting light.

When you need to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• vaginal bleeding after menopause;
• bleeding between periods;
• irregular periods.

Causes

Although the exact reason for the formation of polyps in the uterus is not known, the researchers suggest that this in some degree contribute to the hormones.

Do the polyps in the uterus for pregnancy - an issue to be fully addressed: proven only that the removal of polyps from the uterus at the observed infertility increases the chance of a successful pregnancy (attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterus). In addition, polyps in the uterus increases the risk of miscarriage and premature birth in pregnant women.

Risk factors

An increased risk of uterine polyps are subject:

• obese women;
• women who take tamoxifen (a drug for breast cancer);
• women suffering from hypertension.

Complications

In the absence of timely treatment of uterine polyps potentially serious consequences for women's health. This may be infertility, changes in the endocrine glands and hormonal disruptions. In some cases, benign polyps can develop into malignant, for example, in cervical cancer and precancerous states - adenomatous tumors.

Polyps of the uterus and increase the risk of miscarriage in women after in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you prepare for IVF and have uterine polyps, the doctor is likely to recommend the removal of polyps before replanting embryos.

Diagnostics

To detect polyps sometimes not enough normal pelvic exam Gynecological examination: an important component of women's health And the need for special diagnostic procedures, in particular:

• ultrasonography of the reproductive organs enables to observe the change of the wall thickness of the endometrium, the presence of protuberances on the inner surface of the uterus.
• hysteroscopy - the most effective way to detect polyps in the uterus. The survey is introduced into the uterus of a hysteroscope - thin, flexible instrument, which is a video camera. This survey makes it possible to detect all polyps to determine their number and size. Hysteroscopy also gives the opportunity to take pieces of polyp tissue for examination, showing malignant changes in the tissues.
• uterography - X-ray examination with the use of a contrast agent, which is poured into the uterus. This method makes it possible to detect the convexity and the inner uterine changes.
• diagnostic curettage Scraping - heavy and unsafe procedure   uterus followed by histological examination of the removed material. During scraping the doctor uses a long metal tool with a loop at the end to take the material from the inner walls of the uterus. This procedure is also used to study uterine hysteroscope within. If hysteroscope not used, the procedure is called blind curettage.

Most uterine polyps are benign and not dangerous for a woman. But abnormal polyps are considered by doctors as a precancerous condition and subject to mandatory removal.

To eliminate the likelihood of cancer of the uterus appropriate tissue samples examined under a microscope.

Some uterine polyps resolve independently. When the growth of polyps in the uterus causes bleeding, uterine polyp removal is required - usually such procedure is carried out by means of scraping the walls of the uterus with simultaneous hysteroscopy Hysteroscopy - examination of the uterus inside . A more traditional method of removing uterine polyps - an extension of the uterine cavity, followed by curettage. In very rare cases, when the uterine polyps too much for removal by hysteroscopy, hysterectomy is used.

Hysteroscopy is usually performed under local anesthesia, but in some cases, general anesthesia is applied. After hysteroscopy and removal of polyps from the uterus may be a little bleeding or pain spasmodic nature, but as a rule, the normal daily routine of a woman can return immediately. The only exception - sexual activity: after the removal of polyps from the uterus is recommended for a week or two weeks to refuse sex.

Special methods of preventing proliferation of polyps in the uterus does not exist, although maintaining a healthy lifestyle - the control of body weight and blood pressure - reduces the risk of uterine polyps.