Uterine Polyps and Infertility Risks
November 24, 2009
Excess growth of tissues on the inner wall of the uterus is known as uterine polyps or endometrial polyps. These polyps can be as small as tiny seeds, only a few millimeters in diameter. Sometimes the uterine polyps can grow up to several centimeters. Attached to a slender stalk or a wide base on the uterine wall, the uterine polyp usually remains inside the uterus. However, the polyps formed in the uterus could slip through the opening of the uterus into the vagina.
Uterine polyps risk factors
What causes uterine polyps is not yet clear. It is believed that excess sensitivity to estrogen might be responsible for this condition. Studies have shown that uterine polyps usually occur in women between 40 and 50 years of age. Pre and peri-menopausal women have a greater risk of developing uterine polyps. They can occur also in younger women.
Obesity tends to increase the risk of uterine polyps. Uterine polyps may develop as a side effect of anti-estrogen medication. Breast cancer treatment with tamoxifen could increase the risk of uterine polyps. Uterine polyps sometimes develop in women suffering from cervical polyps. Hypertension could increase the risk of uterine polyps. According to a study, hormone replacement therapy during menopause could cause uterine polyps during menopause. Uterine polyps are usually benign growths. Less than 1 percent of these growths can be cancerous.
Uterine polyps symptoms
The common symptoms of uterine polyps include irregular menstrual bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between menstrual periods, bleeding after intercourse or vaginal bleeding after menopause.
Uterine polyps and infertility
It is unclear whether uterine polyps are directly associated with infertility. It is believed that by obstructing blood flow to some parts of the endometrial lining or by working as a natural intrauterine device, uterine polyps prevent the fertilized egg from lodging in the endometrial lining.
By obstructing the passage of the sperm, the uterine polyps can prevent the sperm from moving into the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg. These uterine growths can also slip into the cervix or opening of the uterus and obstruct the sperm from traveling into the uterus. Infertility caused by uterine polyps is a reversible condition. Removal of the polyps increases the chances of becoming pregnant and reduces the risk of miscarriage.
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