Uterine Polyps and Female Infertility

A "normal" uterine cavity and endometrial lining is necessary in order to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. Uterine polyps can sometimes cause problems with infertility - or with recurrent miscarriages.

A polyp is an overgrowth of tissue in the lining of the uterus - somewhat similar to a wart, or a skin tag. Many of them are small and do not represent any compromise to reproductive capabilities. However, large polyps - or multiple polyps - can interfere with reproduction.

The image on the left is an ultrasound of a uterus with polyps in the endometrial lining. They can not be delineated because they are hidden in the normal endometrial tissue. The image on the right shows a close-up of the same uterus with sterile salt water injected into the uterine cavity (hydrosonography). The polyps are now surrounded by the water (black) and are easily seen - one is between the cursors.

For comparison; ultrasound images of a uterus with a normal endometrial lining. Image on right shows the uterus outlined in blue and the "triple stripe" uterine lining (landing pad for the embryos) outlined in yellow.

These images are hysteroscopic views of the inside of the same uterus shown above. Hysteroscopy is done by inserting a narrow scope through the cervical opening allowing visualization of the uterine cavity. On the left several polyps are seen. On the right is a close view of one of them. They were resected during this procedure.

Small polyp (P) seen inside otherwise normal uterine cavity with office hysteroscopy

Same polyp about to be resected with grasper (G) using in-office hysteroscopy

Another polyp in a different woman - this polyp occupied about 1/2 of the entire uterine cavity
Image on right shows hysteroscopic scissors cutting the polyp to remove it

Uterine Fibroids (proper medical term is myoma or leiomyoma)

Intrauterine adhesions - scar tissue within the uterine cavity, also called Asherman's Syndrome. This can interfere with conception, or can increase the risk of a miscarriage.

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

Uterine Polyps Can Cause Infertility or Miscarriage

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Uterine Problems

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