Endometrial polyps are benign (noncancerous) growths found within the uterine cavity. Usually they are asymptomatic and remain undetectable for decades. In women without symptoms, they are often found coincidentally when pelvic ultrasound (special procedure to examine the pelvic cavity) is performed for unrelated problems. However, in women with abnormal uterine bleeding, investigation may lead to their detection. Symptoms most often related to uterine polyps include abnormal bleeding, postcoital staining (bloody vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse), chronic vaginal discharge, dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods), or infertility. Generally abnormal bleeding is characterized with increased clotting, intermenstrual or premenstrual spotting, or heavier menstrual flow. Women utilizing the medication tamoxifen therapy have a higher incidence of endometrial polyps. Additionally, one fourth of women with endocervical polyps will have an endometrial polyp.
Luckily, 99% of polyps...
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De Waay DJ, Syrop CH, Nygaard IE et al (2002) Natural history of uterine polyps and leiomyomat. Obstet Gynecol 100:3–7
Gebauer G, Hafner A, Siebzehnrubl E, Lane N (2001) Role of hysteroscopy in detection of endometrial polyps: results of a prospective study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 184:59–62
Kamel HS, Darwish AM, Mohamed SA (2000) Comparison of transvaginal ultrasonography and vaginal sonohysterography in the detection of endometrial polyps. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 79:60–64
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Bradley, L.D. (2008). Endometrial Polyps. In: Loue, S.J., Sajatovic, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aging and Public Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_158
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-33754-8_158
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