Endometrial Polyps and Fertility

Understanding Endometrial Polyps and Their Impact on Fertility

Endometrial polyps are a common but often overlooked cause of fertility challenges. These small growths inside the uterus can interfere with conception or implantation — but the good news is, they’re usually easy to diagnose and treat.

Learning about endometrial polyps and their role in fertility can help you take proactive steps toward a healthy pregnancy.

1. What Are Endometrial Polyps?

Endometrial polyps are soft, overgrown areas of the uterine lining (endometrium) that form small bumps or stalk-like growths inside the uterus.They can be as tiny as a few millimeters or as large as several centimeters, and sometimes there may be more than one.

Most polyps are benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes cause irregular bleeding or make it harder for an embryo to implant.

2. What Are the Symptoms?

Many people with endometrial polyps don’t have any symptoms at all — they’re often found during a fertility evaluation or ultrasound.When symptoms are present, they can include:

• Irregular or unpredictable menstrual cycles

• Spotting between periods

• Heavy or prolonged periods

• Bleeding after intercourse

• Difficulty conceiving

Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions (like fibroids or hormonal imbalances), accurate diagnosis is key.

3. How Are Endometrial Polyps Diagnosed?

Polyps are usually detected through imaging and confirmed with a minor procedure.

Common diagnostic methods include:

• Transvaginal ultrasound: A first-line test that can visualize the uterine lining and spot potential polyps.

• Sonohysterogram (saline ultrasound): Saline is used to gently expand the uterus for a clearer view.

• Hysteroscopy: A thin camera inserted through the cervix lets the doctor see and, if needed, remove polyps directly.

Blood tests may also be done to check hormone levels, since polyps are sometimes linked to estrogen dominance.

4. How Endometrial Polyps Affect Fertility

Even small polyps can affect fertility by:

• Blocking sperm or embryo movement within the uterus

• Disrupting implantation by altering the uterine lining

• Causing local inflammation, which can interfere with embryo attachment

Studies show that removing polyps can significantly improve pregnancy rates, both in natural conception and in IVF cycles.

5. Treatment Options

The most effective way to treat endometrial polyps is surgical removal (polypectomy) — a quick, minimally invasive procedure performed under light anesthesia or sedation.

💊 Common Treatment Approaches

• Hysteroscopic Polypectomy: The gold standard for removing polyps. It allows direct visualization and complete removal without incisions.

• Hormonal management: Birth control pills or progesterone therapy may help prevent regrowth, especially if estrogen levels are high.

• Monitoring: Tiny polyps (<1 cm) without symptoms may sometimes resolve on their own, but removal is often recommended before fertility treatment.

  
  

6. Fertility After Polyp Removal

Once polyps are removed, fertility outcomes often improve quickly. Many people conceive naturally within a few months.

If undergoing IVF or IUI, removing polyps beforehand increases the chance of implantation success.Your doctor may recommend waiting for one full menstrual cycle after surgery before starting treatment to allow the uterine lining to heal fully.

💗 The Takeaway:

Endometrial polyps are common, treatable, and often reversible causes of infertility.With simple, minimally invasive treatment and expert fertility care, many patients achieve successful pregnancies soon after removal.

If you’ve experienced irregular bleeding or unexplained infertility, a fertility evaluation — including an ultrasound or hysteroscopy — can help uncover whether polyps might be the cause.

Knowledge, early diagnosis, and personalized care make all the difference.