Endometrial Polyp

An endometrial polyp is small mass of growth in the inner lining of the uterus, the organ where a baby usually grows. Endometrial polyps are usually benign, but can interfere with fertility problems for some, causing problems with miscarrying too along with menstruation problems.
These types of polyps usually arise as an overgrowth of the endometrial tissue. The polyps are attached by a stalk or broad base to the uterus and are round or oval in shape and can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a golf ball. You can have more than one polyp and they can grow back, but once removed rarely do.
In rare instances a polyp can cause a lot of pain if it protrudes into the vagina. In other rare instances, they can become cancerous over time.

Check out this video of hysteroscopy for a endometrial polyp

How do you get a endometrial polyp?

Most polyps actually occur in older women who are at-least 40 years old. Some women will find them in their child bearing years if they are having trouble conceiving, or staying pregnant (and having miscarriages). After testing they may find out a polyp could be playing a part in their fertility problems. It is rare to have a polyp in the late teens or early 20's.
There is no exact known reason as to why polyps occur in some people but don't in others. There has been a link to hormones though. Some say estrogen is a big factor in the likelihood of having a polyp. That's because estrogen plays a main part in the endometrium thickening each cycle.

What Are The Symptoms of Polyps?

If you have any of the following symptoms, and especially if you are having trouble conceiving, you might want to ask to get checked for having a polyp:
- Irregular cycles and menstruating (the most common symptom) If your periods come sooner than 21 days or later than 35 days - your cycle is considered to be irregular
- Very heavy menstrual flow, or abnormal bleeding which is excessive, prolonged or even occurs after intercourse when you aren't having a period
- Bleeding and spotting mid-cycle or in-between periods, or after menopause
- Infertility, the inability to get pregnant, difficulty getting pregnant, or unable to carry a pregnancy to term

How Do You Diagnose Having A Polyp?

The best place to start is with a doctor or fertility specialist. You can discuss with them any symptoms you are having, along with talking about the length of your cycle, the frequency of your periods and how heavy or light they are, along with the duration or each period.
The doctor may be perform a gynecological inspection along with further testing and procedures like a trans-vaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, or curettage.

How Can you treat a polyp if you have one?

Firstly because there isn't an outright answer to how you get a polyp, there is no outright way to prevent getting one. But if in the event you do get one, there are ways to get rid of them.
Usually if you suspect you have a polyp there will be a process to go through.
If the polyp isn't interfering too much, or if it is very small medications may be used to treat the polyp, by way of regulating your hormones so they are better in balance.
The medications work to relieve symptoms - but are usually only a temporary fix to the problem, because as soon as you stop taking them, the polyp will usually come back.
If requiring removal the doctor will usually order a hysteroscopy or curettage. These methods will inspect the inside of the uterus and if required be removed by scraping the lining (curette).
In rarer cases a hysterectomy can be performed, but this isn't recommended if you are still in your child bearing years or wanting children because the entire uterus will be removed.