Uterine Polyps: Bleeding, Diagnosis and Hysteroscopy
Endometrial polyps are growths in the lining of the uterus and often cause no symptoms. Learn when irregular or heavy bleeding needs assessment, how ultrasound or hysteroscopy may help and what removal involves.
In this guide
What is an endometrial or uterine polyp?
An endometrial polyp is an overgrowth of tissue from the lining of the uterus into the uterine cavity. Many are benign and cause no symptoms, but some can cause irregular spotting, bleeding between periods, heavy periods or bleeding after menopause. Symptoms need assessment because polyps are only one possible cause of abnormal bleeding.
Bleeding between periods is a common reason for evaluation
Polyps may be found after irregular spotting, bleeding between periods, heavier bleeding or bleeding after menopause. Some people have no symptoms at all. If bleeding happens after menopause, arrange prompt assessment rather than assuming it is a polyp or waiting for a routine cycle.
Most polyps are benign, but a test may be needed
Most endometrial polyps are non-cancerous, but a clinician considers age, menopause, bleeding pattern, medicines and other health factors when deciding what to check. A symptom does not mean cancer; it does mean the cause should be understood, particularly for new or persistent bleeding.
A polyp can be one of several causes of heavy bleeding
Fibroids, adenomyosis, hormone or ovulation changes, pregnancy and other conditions can also affect bleeding. A symptom diary can help a clinician see the pattern and decide whether a scan, hysteroscopy, blood test or another assessment is useful.
| Bleeding dates and pattern | Spotting, heavy flow or postmenopause | Pain or discharge | Medicines and health history | Tests and results | Questions and consent preferences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
How are uterine polyps diagnosed?
Assessment may include a history, examination, ultrasound or hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy uses a thin telescope to look inside the uterus and can sometimes allow a polyp to be removed in the same procedure. The right test depends on symptoms and local services; ask what each test can and cannot show.
Ultrasound may show a change in the uterus
A pelvic ultrasound, sometimes performed through the vagina with consent, can look at the uterus and its lining. It may not identify every cause inside the uterine cavity. Ask whether another approach, such as an abdominal scan, is possible and what limits that option has.
Hysteroscopy looks directly inside the uterine cavity
A clinician passes a narrow camera through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus. Ask whether it will be diagnostic only or whether the team may remove a polyp during the same visit. Before agreeing, discuss pain relief, anaesthesia options, possible cramping, risks and how to stop or reschedule if you are not comfortable.
Ask whether removed tissue will be tested
If a polyp is removed, tissue may be sent to a laboratory to confirm what it is. Confirm when and how the result will be shared and who will explain whether any further follow-up is needed. Keep the result with your health records.
Monitoring and treatment choices
A polyp does not always need immediate removal. Symptoms, menopause status, size and appearance, fertility plans and risk factors influence the decision. A clinician may recommend monitoring, further investigation or hysteroscopic removal; ask for the reason and the likely benefits and risks in your case.
Discuss monitoring if the polyp causes no symptoms
Some small, asymptomatic polyps may be monitored, depending on the person's risk and clinical findings. Ask what change would prompt another test, when to return and which bleeding symptoms should be reported sooner. Monitoring should include a clear plan rather than an indefinite wait.
Removal is often done through hysteroscopy
A polypectomy removes the polyp, commonly while the clinician is looking through a hysteroscope. The procedure and pain relief options vary by setting. Ask about recovery, bleeding or cramping afterward, recurrence, costs and whether you need someone to accompany you.
Protect fertility and consent in the discussion
Tell the clinician if you are trying to conceive, want to preserve fertility or prefer to avoid an internal procedure. Ask how a polyp may relate to bleeding or fertility in your specific case, what alternatives exist and whether removal is urgent. You can request an explanation, a pause or a second opinion when time allows.
Endometrial polyps: frequently asked questions
Are uterine polyps cancerous?
Most endometrial polyps are benign, but a small proportion may be associated with cancerous change. Risk and next steps depend on factors such as bleeding, menopause and test findings; a clinician may recommend testing removed tissue.
Can a polyp cause bleeding after menopause?
Yes, a polyp can be one possible cause, but any bleeding after menopause needs prompt clinical assessment because other causes must be considered too.
Will every polyp need surgery?
No. Some cause no symptoms and may be monitored, while persistent bleeding or other risk factors may lead to hysteroscopy and removal. Ask why a particular plan is recommended for you.
Can uterine polyps come back?
They can recur, though not everyone needs another procedure. Ask how results will be followed and which symptoms should lead you to return.
Words you can use
Ask about a possible uterine polyp
After an ultrasound or when bleeding is irregular
“My bleeding pattern is [details], and my test showed [result, if known]. Could a polyp explain this, or are there other causes to check? Would ultrasound or hysteroscopy help? Please explain pain relief, whether tissue will be tested, how this affects fertility and when I will receive the results.”
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Sources and publication record
Clinical sources checked 28 September 2026; medical and human Hindi editorial review pending · Sources checked .
- Endometrial Polyps: Patient InformationChelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
- Endometrial Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & TreatmentCleveland Clinic, United States
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Assessment and Management (NG88)National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, United Kingdom