Uterine Polyps: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Updated: 1 day ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 3, 2026
Uterine polyps are growths that form on the inner wall of the uterus when cells of the uterine lining overgrow. They are usually noncancerous, though some can be precancerous or cancerous. Symptoms include bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, irregular or very heavy periods, and infertility — but some people have no symptoms at all. Diagnosis uses ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and biopsy; treatment ranges from watchful waiting to hormonal medication to removal during hysteroscopy.
Quick Answer
Uterine polyps, also called endometrial polyps, are estrogen-sensitive growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that form when the uterine lining overgrows. They are most common around or after menopause. Signs include bleeding after menopause or between periods and infertility. Because some can be cancerous, any postmenopausal bleeding should be evaluated. Treatment includes hysteroscopic removal.
What the research says
Most uterine polyps are benign, but risk rises after menopause. A review of 17 studies found precancerous or cancerous changes in 5.42% of polyps in postmenopausal women versus 1.7% in women of reproductive age. Among postmenopausal women, the rate was 4.47% in those with bleeding and 1.51% in those without symptoms (Lee et al., Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2010) [3].
Removing polyps can improve fertility treatment results. In a randomized trial of 215 women with polyps who were having intrauterine insemination, those who had the polyps removed by hysteroscopy were about twice as likely to become pregnant (relative risk 2.1), with 64 pregnancies versus 29 in the comparison group (Pérez-Medina et al., Human Reproduction, 2005) [4].
Most polyps are not cancerous, but bleeding and menopause raise the odds. A meta-analysis of 51 studies covering 35,345 women who had hysteroscopic polypectomy found malignant polyps in 2.73% (95% CI 2.57% to 2.91%): 1.12% before menopause versus 4.93% after, and 5.14% in women with symptoms versus 1.89% in those without (Uglietti et al., European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2019) [5].
Menopausal status is a consistent risk marker. In a meta-analysis of 20 studies of 11,204 women with endometrial polyps, 287 (2.75%) had malignant polyps, and menopausal women had a higher risk of premalignancy or malignancy than non-menopausal women (OR 5.63; 95% CI 3.87 to 8.20) (Al-Rayes et al., Gynecology and Minimally Invasive Therapy, 2025) [6].
Saline sonography finds polyps more reliably than ultrasound alone. In a meta-analysis of 25 studies, standard transvaginal ultrasound had a pooled sensitivity of 55.0% (95% CI 46.0% to 64.0%) for endometrial polyps versus 92.0% (95% CI 87.0% to 95.0%) for saline contrast sonohysterography, with similar specificity (91% vs. 93%) (Sanin-Ramirez et al., Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2020) [7].
What Are Uterine Polyps?
Uterine polyps are growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that expand into the uterus. Also known as endometrial polyps, they form as a result of cells in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, overgrowing [1].
These polyps are usually noncancerous, also called benign [1]. However, some can be cancerous, and some can turn into cancer. Growth types that could turn into cancer are called precancerous polyps [1]. This is why removed tissue is always tested.
Uterine polyps (endometrial polyps) are growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that form when cells in the uterine lining overgrow; they are usually noncancerous, though some can be cancerous or precancerous.
Uterine polyps come in a wide range of sizes. They range from a few millimeters — no larger than a sesame seed — to several centimeters, which is golf-ball-size or larger [1]. They attach to the uterine wall by a large base or a thin stalk [1].
There can be one or many uterine polyps [1]. They usually stay within the uterus, but they can slip through the opening of the uterus, called the cervix, into the vagina [1].
Uterine polyps are most common in people who are going through or have completed menopause [1]. But younger people can get them, too [1].
What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Polyps?
Uterine polyps can cause irregular menstrual bleeding, bleeding after menopause, very heavy menstrual flow, or bleeding between periods [1]. But not everyone with polyps has symptoms — some people have only light bleeding or spotting, and others are symptom-free entirely [1].
Symptom | What it looks like |
Vaginal bleeding after menopause | Any bleeding that occurs after periods have stopped permanently |
Bleeding between periods | Spotting or bleeding outside your normal cycle |
Irregular, unpredictable periods | Frequent periods whose lengths and heaviness vary |
Very heavy periods | Menstrual flow that is heavier than your usual pattern |
Infertility | Difficulty becoming pregnant that may be linked to the polyps |
Symptoms of uterine polyps include vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, frequent unpredictable periods of varying length and heaviness, very heavy periods, and infertility; some people have only light spotting or no symptoms at all.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical care if you have any of the following three signs:
Warning sign | Why it needs evaluation |
Vaginal bleeding after menopause | Postmenopausal bleeding is never normal and should always be checked |
Bleeding between periods | Bleeding outside the normal cycle can signal a growth that needs diagnosis |
Irregular menstrual bleeding | Changing cycle patterns can reflect polyps, hormonal imbalance, or other conditions |
Seek medical care for uterine polyps if you have vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, or irregular menstrual bleeding [1].
Because any uterine polyp can be precancerous, postmenopausal bleeding in particular should never be dismissed as "hormones" or aging.
What Causes Uterine Polyps?
Hormonal factors appear to play a role in how these growths form [1]. Uterine polyps are estrogen-sensitive, meaning they grow in response to estrogen in the body [1].
Uterine polyps are estrogen-sensitive growths — hormonal factors appear to play a role, and the polyps grow in response to estrogen in the body.
This estrogen sensitivity helps explain why they are most common around menopause, a period of major hormonal change, and why certain hormone-related medicines raise the risk.
What Increases Your Risk?
Risk factor | How it's linked |
Being perimenopausal or postmenopausal [1] | The hormonal changes of this life stage coincide with peak polyp rates |
Being obese [1] | Higher body fat is associated with higher estrogen exposure |
Taking tamoxifen [1] | This breast cancer drug therapy is linked to a higher rate of uterine polyps |
Taking hormone therapy for menopause symptoms [1] | Supplemental hormones can feed estrogen-sensitive growth |
What Are the Complications?
Uterine polyps might be associated with infertility [1]. The connection runs in both directions: polyps sitting in the uterine cavity can interfere with implantation, and removing them may help.
If you have uterine polyps and are unable to have children, removal of the polyps might allow you to become pregnant. However, the data are inconclusive [1], so this should be discussed case by case with your care provider.
How Are Uterine Polyps Diagnosed?
Several tests can find and confirm uterine polyps. Your provider may use one or more of the following.
Test | How it works |
Transvaginal ultrasound | A slender, wandlike device placed in the vagina emits sound waves and creates an image of the uterus, including its insides; a polyp might be clearly present, or the scan may show an area of thickened endometrial tissue [2] |
Hysterosonography (sonohysterography) | Salt water (saline) is injected into the uterus through a small tube placed through the vagina and cervix; the saline expands the uterus, giving a clearer view of the inside during the ultrasound [2] |
Hysteroscopy | A thin, flexible, lighted telescope, called a hysteroscope, is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, allowing direct viewing of the inside of the uterus [2] |
Endometrial biopsy | A suction catheter inside the uterus collects a tissue specimen for lab testing; polyps might be confirmed, but the biopsy could also miss the polyp [2] |
Uterine polyps are diagnosed with transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosonography (saline-infused ultrasound), hysteroscopy, and endometrial biopsy; removed tissue is tested in a lab because some polyps can be precancerous or cancerous.
Most uterine polyps are benign, which means they're not cancer [2]. But some precancerous changes of the uterus, called endometrial hyperplasia, or uterine cancers can appear as uterine polyps [2]. A tissue sample of the removed polyp is analyzed for signs of cancer [2], which is why removal usually doubles as a safety check.
How Are Uterine Polyps Treated?
Treatment for uterine polyps depends on the polyps' size, your symptoms, and your cancer risk.
Option | When it's used | What happens |
Watchful waiting | Small polyps without symptoms in people not at risk of uterine cancer | Small polyps without symptoms might resolve on their own, so treatment of small polyps is unnecessary in these cases [2] |
Hormonal medication | To lessen symptoms short term | Certain hormonal medications, including progestins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, may lessen symptoms of the polyp, but this is usually a short-term solution at best; symptoms typically recur once the medicine is stopped [2] |
Surgical removal | When polyps cause symptoms, are large, or tissue diagnosis is needed | During hysteroscopy, instruments inserted through the hysteroscope make it possible to remove the polyps; the removed polyp is likely sent to a lab for examination [2] |
If a uterine polyp contains cancer cells, your provider will talk with you about the next steps in evaluation and treatment [2].
One reassuring fact: rarely, uterine polyps recur. If they do come back, they need more treatment [2].
Preparing for Your Appointment
Your first appointment will likely be with your primary care provider or a gynecologist [2]. Have a family member or friend go with you, if possible; this can help you remember the information you receive.
Before the visit, make a list of your symptoms, even those you don't think are related, and when they began. Also list all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including doses, along with your questions.
For uterine polyps, some basic questions to ask include:
What could be causing my symptoms?
What tests might I need?
Are medications available to treat my condition?
Under what circumstances do you recommend surgery?
Could uterine polyps affect my ability to become pregnant?
Will treatment of uterine polyps improve my fertility?
Can uterine polyps be cancerous?
Your provider might also ask about you: how often and how severe your symptoms are, whether anything improves or worsens them, whether you've been treated for uterine or cervical polyps before, whether you've had fertility problems and whether you want to become pregnant, and whether your family has a history of breast, colon, or endometrial cancer [2].
Conclusion: Bleeding After Menopause Always Deserves an Answer
Uterine polyps occupy a strange middle ground: they're usually benign growths you might never feel, yet they carry a real chance of being precancerous or cancerous, and they can stand between you and a pregnancy. That combination makes them impossible to ignore once symptoms appear.
The message that matters most is simple. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, or irregular menstrual bleeding should be evaluated rather than watched. Diagnosis is straightforward — a transvaginal ultrasound, sometimes with saline, a hysteroscopy, or a biopsy — and treatment is usually a short, minimally invasive removal during hysteroscopy, with the tissue tested in a lab for peace of mind. Small, symptom-free polyps in low-risk people can often just be watched, and for those trying to conceive, removal might help, even though the data remain inconclusive.
If you've had any bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, or irregular or very heavy periods, schedule an appointment with a gynecologist — and bring your symptom history, medication list, and family cancer history to the visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are uterine polyps?
Uterine polyps, also called endometrial polyps, are growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus that expand into the uterus. They form when cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) overgrow. They attach by a large base or a thin stalk and usually stay within the uterus, though they can slip through the cervix into the vagina.
Are uterine polyps cancerous?
Most uterine polyps are benign, which means they're not cancer. But some can be cancerous or can turn into cancer. Precancerous changes that appear as polyps are called endometrial hyperplasia. Because of this, tissue from a removed polyp is analyzed in a lab for signs of cancer.
What causes uterine polyps?
Hormonal factors appear to play a role. Uterine polyps are estrogen-sensitive, meaning they grow in response to estrogen in the body.
What are the symptoms of uterine polyps?
Signs and symptoms include vaginal bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, frequent unpredictable periods whose lengths and heaviness vary, very heavy periods, and infertility. Some people have only light bleeding or spotting, and others are symptom-free.
How are uterine polyps diagnosed?
Diagnosis may use a transvaginal ultrasound, hysterosonography (saline infused into the uterus for a clearer ultrasound view), hysteroscopy (a lighted telescope viewing the inside of the uterus), and endometrial biopsy (a suction catheter collecting a tissue specimen). A biopsy might confirm polyps but could also miss them.
How are uterine polyps treated?
Treatment might involve watchful waiting (small polyps without symptoms might resolve on their own), hormonal medication such as progestins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (a short-term solution, as symptoms typically recur when medicine stops), or surgical removal during hysteroscopy, with the polyp sent to a lab for examination.
Can uterine polyps cause infertility?
Uterine polyps might be associated with infertility. If you have uterine polyps and are unable to have children, removal of the polyps might allow you to become pregnant, but the data are inconclusive. Discuss your individual case with your provider.
Do uterine polyps come back after removal?
Rarely, uterine polyps recur. If they do, they need more treatment.
What is recovery like after uterine polyp removal?
Removal during hysteroscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure, so most people go home the same day. Mild cramps and light spotting for a few days are common. Call your provider for heavy bleeding, fever, or pain that keeps getting worse.
What is the difference between uterine polyps and fibroids?
Polyps grow from the inner lining of the uterus, while fibroids grow from the muscle of the uterine wall. Both can cause heavy or irregular bleeding, so an ultrasound or hysteroscopy is used to tell them apart.
Further Reading
Explore related topics on Rinnit.com's health library:
Heavy menstrual bleeding: when to seek help — distinguishing polyps, fibroids, and hormonal causes
For deeper, clinically authoritative background, see:
Related Reading
Endometrial Biopsy: Why It's Done, What to Expect, Pain, Recovery and Results explains the office test used to sample the uterine lining and diagnose this condition.
Learn more in our guide to Transvaginal Ultrasound: Why It's Done, How to Prepare and What to Expect.
Sources
Mayo Clinic Staff. Uterine polyps - Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic. November 15, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20378709
Mayo Clinic Staff. Uterine polyps - Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. November 15, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-polyps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378713
Lee SC, et al. The oncogenic potential of endometrial polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;116(5):1197-205. PMID 20966706. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181f74864
Pérez-Medina T, et al. Endometrial polyps and their implication in the pregnancy rates of patients undergoing intrauterine insemination: a prospective, randomized study. Hum Reprod. 2005;20(6):1632-5. PMID 15760959. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh822
Uglietti A, Buggio L, Farella M, et al. The risk of malignancy in uterine polyps: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2019;237:48-56. PMID 31009859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.04.009
Al-Rayes S, Mohamed M, Suarthana E, et al. Risks of Malignancy among 11,204 Patients with Endometrial Polyp: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2025;14(1):40-50. PMID 40143979. https://doi.org/10.4103/gmit.GMIT-D-24-00056
Sanin-Ramirez D, Carriles I, Graupera B, et al. Two-dimensional transvaginal sonography vs saline contrast sonohysterography for diagnosing endometrial polyps: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;56(4):506-515. PMID 32730635. https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.22161
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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