By Dr. Alejandro Olloqui Escalona (Licensed Gynecologist – 282867126).
Endometrial polyps, also known as uterine polyps, do not usually pose a serious risk in most cases. However, they should be monitored to maintain good gynecological health and to prevent possible difficulties when trying to conceive.
For this reason, it is essential to undergo regular gynecological check-ups and see a specialist in case of any menstrual alterations, in order to maintain good uterine and reproductive health.
Endometrial polyps are masses of abnormal tissue that form in the endometrial lining, which is the layer that covers the inside of the uterus. They can vary in size, ranging from just a few millimeters to several centimeters. There are also differences in number: some women develop a single polyp, while others may have several.
Most of these growths are benign, but a small percentage may present precancerous changes. For this reason, it is very important that they are diagnosed in time and properly monitored to control their development and treatment.

In most cases, endometrial polyps cause no physical symptoms, so they often go unnoticed in affected women and are discovered during routine ultrasounds or gynecological exams carried out for other reasons.
However, in some cases, certain symptoms may appear that should be taken into account to facilitate their identification:
These symptoms can be confused with other uterine disorders, which is why it is always advisable to consult a specialist if any change occurs in the menstrual pattern.
Diagnosis is usually made using a transvaginal ultrasound, which allows visualization of the uterine cavity. In some cases, this can be complemented by a sonohysterography (ultrasound with saline solution) or a hysteroscopy, a technique in which a camera is introduced into the uterus to observe the interior directly and, if necessary, perform a biopsy or remove the polyp.
Ultrasound of a patient with endometrial polyps
The appearance of endometrial polyps is related to hormonal imbalances, since the endometrium responds to estrogen stimulation. For this reason, they are more frequent during the perimenopause or in women who are undergoing hormonal treatments.
Other factors can also play a role, such as age (they are more common between 40 and 50 years old), obesity, hypertension, or a history of polyps or fibroids.
To choose the most effective treatment, several factors such as size and symptoms must be taken into account, as removal is not always necessary. In some cases—especially when the polyps are small and asymptomatic—the specialist may recommend regular monitoring, since some can shrink or disappear spontaneously.
Nevertheless, in most cases the most effective treatment is removal by hysteroscopy, an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure that allows the precise extraction of the polyp while preserving the uterus in perfect condition.
After removal, the tissue is sent to the laboratory for histopathological analysis to confirm its benign nature.
Although not all polyps interfere with reproductive capacity, their presence can hinder embryo implantation or even increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, in women who are trying to conceive or preparing to undergo fertility treatments, it is recommended to evaluate the possibility of removing the polyps beforehand.