In this article:
How Are Cervical Polyps Diagnosed?
Regular exams are important to catch cervical polyps early since they are often symptomless. This is how they’re diagnosed:- Pelvic exam: Your doctor will use a speculum to look at your cervix. Polyps are often visible as smooth, finger-like growths.
- Pap smear: A routine Pap test can sometimes detect polyps.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: A device inserted into the vagina creates an image of the uterus to spot polyps.
- Saline infusion sonography: Saline is introduced into the uterus during an ultrasound to get a clearer view.
- Hysteroscopy: A small microscope is inserted through the vagina to see the cervix and uterus. Polyps can sometimes be removed during this procedure.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample from the polyp is sent to a lab to check for cancerous or precancerous cells.
Treatment for Cervical Polyps During Pregnancy
Treating cervical polyps during pregnancy depends on their size, symptoms, and potential risks. Doctors take a cautious approach to protect both you and your baby:Monitoring Without Treatment
If the polyps are small and not causing symptoms, your doctor may suggest leaving them alone during pregnancy. They might shrink or disappear after childbirth.Surgical Removal (Polypectomy)
Your doctor might recommend surgically removing polyps if they are causing heavy bleeding, pain, or could complicate delivery. This is usually done by:- Twisting the polyp off with forceps (a simple, often painless procedure).
- Using electrocautery (electric tool) to remove stalked polyps and reduce recurrence.
- Performing a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for larger polyps, under local anaesthesia. It is a medical procedure where a thin wire loop carrying an electric current is used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix.
Although your doctor may wait until the baby is at a safe gestational age to remove polyps. This is because removing them in the first trimester may increase the risk of preterm birth or miscarriage.
Medications
Drugs are rarely used during pregnancy to avoid affecting the baby. However, if an infection is present, your doctor may prescribe safe antibiotics.Conservative Management
In some cases, doctors use probiotics or hormone treatments to reduce inflammation and prevent complications like preterm birth.Can Cervical Polyps Affect Your Ability to Get Pregnant?
Cervical polyps can make it harder to conceive, even before pregnancy. Small polyps might block sperm from reaching the egg, while larger ones could seal the cervix or prevent a fertilised egg from attaching to the uterine wall. This can increase the risk of infertility or miscarriage.Removing polyps before trying to conceive can improve your chances of getting pregnant, but it does not guarantee success. Talk to your doctor about checking for polyps beforehand if you’re planning to conceive.
How to Manage Cervical Polyps at Home
You should always follow your doctor’s advice, but there are simple steps you can take at home to feel more comfortable:- Keep the area clean: Gently wash your genital area daily with mild, unscented soap.
- Wear breathable underwear: Choose cotton underwear to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
- Avoid irritants: Skip douches, scented soaps, or sprays that could worsen irritation.
- Rest when needed: Limit strenuous activities to avoid triggering bleeding or discomfort.
- Track symptoms: Note any bleeding, discharge, or pain and report them to your doctor.
Preventing Cervical Polyps
It’s hard to completely prevent cervical polyps. The only steps you can take to lower your risk are:- Practice safe sex: Using protection can reduce the chance of infections that contribute to polyps.
- Maintain good hygiene: Proper care of the genital area helps prevent inflammation.
- Get regular check-ups: Routine pelvic exams and Pap smears can catch polyps early. Doctors recommend check-ups every three months for individuals at risk.
- Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your immune system and reproductive health. Though no specific foods directly treat polyps.
When to See Your Doctor
Contact your doctor if you notice:- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Foul-smelling discharge or signs of infection (like fever)
- Bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause
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FAQs on How to Detect and Treat Abnormal Growths on the Cervix During Pregnancy
- How to treat cervical polyps during pregnancy?
Small polyps that don’t cause problems are usually just monitored until after birth. If they cause heavy bleeding or discomfort, your doctor may remove them safely. In some cases, safe antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection. - Can polyps be removed while pregnant?
Yes, but only if necessary. Doctors wait unless symptoms are severe because removing them too early can increase risks. If removal is required, it is often delayed until the baby has reached a safe stage of pregnancy.
