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Uterine Polyps Can Cause Infertility or Miscarriage

Uterine polyps sometimes cause problems with fertility - or can increase the risk of miscarriage. A "normal" uterine cavity and endometrial lining is necessary in order to conceive and maintain a pregnancy.

What is a uterine polyp?

A polyp is an overgrowth of tissue in the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. The concept is similar to that of a skin tag - basically normal tissue, but growing in an abnormal formation.

Many polyps are very small (a few millimeters in diameter) and do not represent a compromise to reproductive capabilities. However, large polyps - or multiple polyps - can interfere with reproduction by causing infertility, or by increasing risks for miscarriage.


Uterine polyps on ultrasoundHydrosonogram endometrial polyps
Ultrasound picture with polyps:

The picture on the left is an ultrasound of a uterus with polyps in the endometrial lining. They can not be seen well here because they are hidden in the normal endometrial tissue.

The photo on the right shows a the same uterus with sterile salt water injected in the uterine cavity. This test is called a sonohysterogram, or hydrosonography. The polyps are surrounded by water (black) and are easily seen - one is between the white "X" cursors.


Uterine polyp ultrasound picture
Ultrasound picture shows uterine lining with polyp (red dot marks middle of polyp)

Normal uterus ultrasound picture
Normal uterus on ultrasound
For comparison, an ultrasound picture of a uterus with a normal endometrial lining
Cursors at top and bottom of lining show that it is 11.2mm thick


Hysteroscopy Pictures Showing Uterine Polyps

 

Hysteroscopy is done by inserting a narrow scope through the cervical opening allowing visualization of the uterine cavity. Surgical instruments can be put through the scope to cut and remove abnormal tissue.


Small uterine polyp Resection of small polyp in office
Small polyp (P) seen inside otherwise normal uterine cavity with office hysteroscopy Same polyp being resected with grasper (G) using office hysteroscopy


Polyp in uterus causing infertility Cutting out uterine polyp
A large polyp took up most of uterine cavity
Hysteroscopic scissors removing the polyp


Related pages:

Uterine Problems and more about the normal uterus

Uterine Fibroids (proper medical term is myoma or leiomyoma)

Intrauterine adhesions - scar tissue within the uterine cavity

Congenital uterine malformations, such as a bicornuate uterus or a uterine septum

Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago

Gurnee, IL
(847) 662-1818

Crystal Lake, IL
(815) 356-1818

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