Cervical Polyp

Cervical polyps are small, irregular growths in or on your cervix. They’re common. The polyps usually grow in the cervical canal (endocervical polyps). Less often, they develop on the outermost layer of the cervix (ectocervical polyps).

Almost all cases are noncancerous. But they can sometimes cause symptoms like abnormal uterine bleeding. Cancerous cervical polyps are possible but very rare, occurring in less than 1% of all cases.

Despite the very low chance of cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend removing a cervical polyp. Testing the tissue is the only way to know for sure that it isn’t cancer. Removing the polyp can also treat any symptoms it causes.

Symptoms of cervical polyps

Most cervical polyps don’t cause symptoms. But possible symptoms include:

• Heavy menstrual periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding between periods or after menopause
• Foul-smelling or pus-like white or yellow vaginal discharge

These symptoms have several possible causes, some of which are more serious than cervical polyps. See your healthcare provider if you notice these changes.

What do cervical polyps look like?

Most polyps are elongated, tear-shaped growths that stick out from your cervix. They’re smooth or slightly spongy in texture. They’re bright red, pinkish to purple or greyish-white.

Some polyps have a long, thin stalk (called a pedicle) attached to them. They’re usually less than 1/2 inch long but can grow larger. They can bleed when you touch them.

Sometimes, a healthcare provider may mistake a uterine fibroid (myoma) for a cervical polyp. They can look similar if a fibroid comes through your cervix.

Cervical polyp causes

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of cervical polyps. But they tend to be linked to:

• Infections, like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yeast infections or bacterial infections
• Long-term cervical inflammation
• Hormonal changes, like elevated estrogen levels

Cervical polyps are most common in women over the age of 20 and those who’ve had more than one child. Cancerous polyps are more common after menopause (but rare overall).

How doctors diagnose this condition

Healthcare providers typically diagnose a cervical polyp during a pelvic exam or Pap smear. They can usually see the polyp once they insert a speculum to widen your vagina.

Your provider may remove the polyp. They’ll send it to a lab for analysis to make sure it isn’t cancerous.

In some cases, your provider may do a transvaginal ultrasound to get a closer look at the surrounding area.

How is it treated?

In most cases, healthcare providers will recommend removing a cervical polyp.

The removal of a polyp is called a polypectomy. This typically happens in your provider’s office during a pelvic exam. They may do the procedure in a surgical center if the polyp is large.

Your provider removes small cervical polyps by pulling or twisting them off with a pair of forceps. You aren’t under anesthesia, and it’s a relatively quick and painless procedure.

If there isn’t a base or stalk to grasp or the polyp is large, your provider may use a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This is a surgical method that uses a wire loop heated by an electric current to burn the polyp from the surface of your cervix. Your provider numbs your cervix with an anesthetic before LEEP.

They’ll send the polyp to a lab for testing to ensure there are no signs of cancer.

Recovery time

You can expect to feel mild cramping after polyp removal. You’ll likely have light bleeding, as well. Using an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help.

You should be able to resume your usual activities within a day or two. But you shouldn’t have sex or wear tampons for at least two weeks or until the bleeding has stopped. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect after the procedure.

What can I expect if I have a cervical polyp?

Most cervical polyps are noncancerous and easy to remove. Your healthcare provider will recommend removing the polyp if they feel it’s necessary.

In some cases, cervical polyps can grow back. Getting regular pelvic exams and Pap smears is the best way to find and treat polyps before symptoms start.

What happens if a cervical polyp is left untreated?

If you have a polyp that causes symptoms, the symptoms will likely continue if the polyp isn’t treated. Even though cervical polyps are rarely cancerous, it’s best to know for sure. That’s why removing these polyps and testing them is recommended.