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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.
Ultrasound pictures with polyps:
Picture at left is ultrasound of a uterus with polyps in the endometrial lining (between green L's). The polyps can not be seen well because they are hidden in normal endometrial tissue.
Photo at right shows 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 red X's.
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| Ultrasound picture shows uterine lining with polyp (red dot at middle of polyp) | Hysteroscopy image of the polyp at surgery to remove it |
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 is done by inserting a narrow scope through the cervical opening allowing us to see in the uterine cavity. Instruments can then cut and remove abnormal tissue. |
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| Small polyp (P) seen inside otherwise normal uterine cavity with office hysteroscopy | Same polyp being resected with grasper (G) using office hysteroscopy |
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| A large polyp took up most of uterine cavity |
Hysteroscopic scissors resecting 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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