Polyp Treatment in India

What Are the Types of Polyps?

Polyps can develop in different organs throughout the body and are classified based on where they occur and how they are attached to the surrounding tissue.

Types of Polyps Based on Location

Colon Polyps

The polyps colon are those that form inside the large intestine. Even though most of them are harmless, there are some cases where they can become cancerous if not treated.

Nasal Polyps

These types of polyps are soft, and they are found either inside the nose or the sinuses. The nasal polyps are mostly associated with chronic inflammation or allergies.

Stomach (Gastric) Polyps

Stomach polyps occur on the lining of the stomach. They are normally identified through an endoscopy, and they are mostly benign.

Gallbladder Polyps

Gallbladder polyps are growths on the inner wall of the gallbladder. Most are harmless although larger polyps may require treatment.

Uterine Polyps

Also known as the endometrial polyps, these polyps develop from the lining of the uterus. They may cause abnormal uterine bleeding, menstrual irregularities or female infertility.

Cervical Polyps

A cervical polyp (or cervix polyp) is a small growth that develops on the cervix. These polyps are usually benign but may cause spotting, abnormal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.

Types of Polyps Based on Shape

Pedunculated Polyp

A pedunculated polyp is attached to the tissue by a thin stalk, which makes it resemble a mushroom. This type is generally easier to remove.

Sessile Polyp

A sessile polyp has a broad and flat base and is attached directly to the tissue surface. Depending on its location, it may require more careful removal than a pedunculated polyp.

What Are the Symptoms of Polyps?

Some women experience no symptoms at all, while others notice menstrual or fertility-related problems. The severity often depends on the size, number, and location of the polyps.

Common Polyp Symptoms

• Abnormal bleeding
• Pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits
• Nasal blockage or difficulty breathing
• Unusual discharge
• Difficulty conceiving (in some uterine polyps)

Symptoms of Uterine (Endometrial) Polyps

Women with endometrial polyps may experience:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Bleeding after menopause
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Recurrent miscarriage in some cases

Symptoms of Cervical Polyp 

Common cervical polyp symptoms include:

• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Spotting between periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• White or yellow vaginal discharge

However, many cervical polyps remain symptom-free and are detected only during a routine gynaecological examination.

Can Polyps Affect Fertility?

One of the issues that women worry about most is the issue of polyps and fertility. Larger endometrial polyps or several polyps can make it difficult for embryos to be implanted in the uterus because the space within the uterus is occupied by the polyp(s). They may also trigger inflammation that makes implantation more difficult.

This often leads patients to ask:

Can Polyps Cause Infertility?

While not every woman with a uterine polyp experiences infertility, research suggests that larger endometrial polyps may reduce the chances of natural conception. Polyps can alter the normal environment inside the uterus, making it more difficult for an embryo to implant successfully.

Do Polyps Affect IVF Success?

Yes, they can. Several studies suggest that untreated endometrial polyps may reduce implantation rates during IVF. For women preparing for fertility treatment, doctors often recommend removing significant polyps before embryo transfer to improve the chances of successful implantation.

Polyp Removal and Fertility

For women planning pregnancy, removing selected uterine polyps may improve the chances of natural conception and embryo implantation. Your fertility specialist will determine whether polyp removal is likely to benefit your fertility based on the size, location, and number of polyps.

How is a Polyp Treated?

Polyp treatment will depend on the position, size, symptoms, and whether there is a risk of cancer. While some small-sized and asymptomatic polyps may just need regular monitoring, others may have to be removed surgically or managed with medications.

Observation

Small polyps that cause no symptoms may not need to be treated immediately. Your doctor may advise you to have regular examinations to check whether there is any change in the polyp’s size or appearance.

Medications

Certain medications may help manage symptoms caused by some types of polyps. For example, hormonal medicines may temporarily relieve symptoms associated with uterine polyps but they usually do not eliminate the growth completely.

Polyp Removal

If a polyp is causing symptoms, appears suspicious, or has the potential to become cancerous, your doctor may recommend removing it. The removal technique varies depending on the location of the polyp. For example, colon polyps are usually removed during a colonoscopy, while nasal or stomach polyps may require different minimally invasive procedures.

Endometrial Polyp Removal

Endometrial polyp removal is recommended when a uterine polyp causes abnormal bleeding, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or appears abnormal on imaging. Removing the polyp also allows it to be examined under a microscope to rule out precancerous or cancerous changes.

Hysteroscopic Polypectomy

Hysteroscopic polypectomy is the preferred treatment for uterine polyps. During this minimally invasive procedure, a hysteroscope is passed through the cervix to locate and remove the polyp without making any external incisions. It is a safe and effective procedure that helps preserve the healthy uterine lining and is commonly performed as a day-care surgery.

Polyp Treatment Process at Birla Fertility & IVF

Step 1: Detailed Consultation

The discussion starts with an analysis of your symptoms, previous medical history, and general health condition. Your doctor will understand the nature of your problem, including any bleeding, pain, blockage, or other problems on the basis of the location of the polyp. If you have any existing test reports, those will also be reviewed to gain clarity and guide further assessment. 

Step 2: Comprehensive Evaluation

The evaluation depends on the location of the suspected polyp. Your doctor may prescribe some tests to confirm the diagnosis and understand its size and nature.

Common investigations may include:

• Physical examination
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
• Endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy, nasal endoscopy, or hysteroscopy
• Biopsy or laboratory testing, if required

For uterine and cervical polyps, additional evaluations may include:

• Pelvic examination
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Saline infusion sonography (SIS)
• Hysteroscopy
• Histopathological examination after removal

Step 3: Personalised Treatment Planning

Not all polyps require immediate removal. Treatment depends on several factors such as:

• Location of the polyp
• Size and number
• Severity of symptoms
• Age and overall health
• Risk of complications
• Future fertility or pregnancy goals (if applicable)

Your specialist will explain all suitable options and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Step 4: Minimally Invasive Polyp Removal

If removal is required, the procedure depends on the location of the polyp. In many cases, minimally invasive techniques are preferred to ensure faster recovery and minimal discomfort.

For uterine polyps, hysteroscopic polypectomy is commonly performed. A thin scope is used to locate and remove the polyp without any external cuts, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

Step 5: Laboratory Examination

After removal, the polyp is sent for histopathological examination. This helps confirm the exact type of polyp and checks whether it is benign or shows any abnormal or precancerous changes.

Step 6: Recovery and Follow-up

Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed and the location of the polyp. Most minimally invasive procedures allow a quick recovery with only mild, temporary discomfort.

Your doctor will guide you on:

• Resuming daily activities
• Managing any post-procedure symptoms
• Follow-up schedule
• Further treatment if needed based on reports