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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 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.
Ultrasound picture shows uterine lining with polyp (red dot marks middle of polyp)
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 visualization of the uterine cavity. Surgical instruments can be put through the scope to 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 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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