Are Polyps And Fibroids The Same?
No, polyps and fibroids differ in a few important ways. Polyps result from excess endometrial tissue that comes from the uterine lining. When these cells fail to shed properly during menstruation, polyps form. Fibroids are made of connective fibrous tissue and muscle cells. Fibroids can also grow outside of the uterine cavity.
Are polyps and fibroids cancerous?
Cancerous fibroids and polyps are possible, but this is not very common. Most fibroids and polyps are benign. Fibroids occur in almost 80% of women. Women entering menopause are at the highest risk of developing fibroids and polyps. Doctors will collect a tissue sample from the fibroid or uterine growth to check for cancerous cells. Then, doctors send the sample to a lab for further analysis.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids or polyps?
The symptoms of fibroids and polyps are similar. People with either condition will experience at least one or more of these symptoms.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain in the lower back
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic pressure
- Vaginal bleeding in between periods
- Irregular menstrual cycles
Another notable symptom of uterine fibroids and polyps is difficulty getting pregnant. Patients can have both uterine polyps and fibroids at the same time. If a female has infertility issues, a doctor will conduct a pelvic exam and imaging tests to check for fibroids and polyps.
How do uterine polyps and fibroids cause infertility?
Uterine fibroids and polyps can interfere with the embryo implantation process. After an egg gets fertilized by sperm, the egg becomes an embryo. The embryo attaches to the uterine wall and the endometrial lining delivers nutrients and blood to the growing embryo. A polyp or fibroid can prevent the embryo from attaching to the uterine wall resulting in pregnancy loss.
Can someone with fibroids or polyps still get pregnant?
Yes, people with fibroids and polyps can still have successful pregnancies. This all depends on the size and shape of the fibroids or polyps. Fibroids can grow to be the size of a watermelon and polyps can be as large as a golf ball. If the fibroid or polyp is this large, doctors will remove the growth. If the fibroids and polyps are not abnormally large or cancerous, patients can still have a safe pregnancy under the supervision of a doctor.
Should I speak to my doctor about fibroids and polyps?
Reproductive health is essential, and women should speak to a doctor about uterine issues. Patients who have any polyp or fibroid growth symptoms should speak to a medical professional. A specialist like a gynecologist can offer valuable information and examine the patient to check for any abnormal growths.