Uterine Polyps Treatment in Trenton, MI
The uterus can be subject to a variety of conditions that have the potential to affect a woman’s health and fertility. One such condition is known as uterine polyps, which are growths that develop from the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus to create a mass that can range in size from a circumference of a few millimeters to that of several centimeters or larger.
Although uterine polyps are usually non-cancerous, their potential for growth can lead to significant symptoms that require medical intervention by a specialist. If you’re experiencing symptoms of uterine polyps in the Detroit area, contact Downriver Obstetrics & Gynecology today to schedule a consultation with an experienced OBGYN. Our OBGYNs are board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and specialize in the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of uterine polyps. Give us a call at (734) 671-2110 today to schedule a consultation at our gynecology clinic in Trenton, MI.
Causes & Symptoms of Uterine Polyps
There is no clear explanation as to why some women experience uterine polyps, however, research suggests that hormonal factors play a part in their development. Women with irregular hormone levels, particularly estrogen levels, often experience uterine polyps or other conditions related to their reproductive system. These tissue masses are often diagnosed in women who have recently reached menopause, but it is possible for uterine polyps to develop at any age.
Not every person with uterine polyps will present with symptoms from the condition. However, women with uterine polyps who do experience side effects will often report:
- Irregular periods that vary widely in their cycle length
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding after menopause
- Fertility complications
If symptoms are mild, patients may be able to manage with at-home treatments recommended by a gynecologist. Many women will be diagnosed with uterine polyps after struggling to conceive a child, though any woman with a known case should be sure to contact Downriver Obstetrics & Gynecology to learn more about her treatment options if symptoms start to worsen at any point in time.
Diagnostic Testing & Treatment in Trenton
There are a variety of procedures that a gynecologist may order for a patient who presents with symptoms of uterine polyps or a similar condition. Because there are several uterine conditions that can cause very similar side effects, your gynecologist will need to perform a physical examination of the uterus to clearly see what is or is not present. During this diagnostic process, one or more of the following exams may be performed:
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Endometrial biopsy
- Sonohysterography
- Curettage
- Hysteroscopy
Both curettage and hysteroscopy can be used to not only diagnose uterine polyps, but also to treat them. If a gynecologist performs these procedures and does in fact discover polyps in the uterus, they may choose to remove the growths if given consent by the patient beforehand. This way, patients are able to avoid undergoing two separate procedures for their uterine polyps. These removed tissues can also be tested afterward for the potential presence of cancer, which would of course necessitate additional treatment.
Options to Manage & Minimize Symptoms
For women who wish to avoid removing their uterine fibroids, or for those who only experience mild symptoms, there are multiple non-invasive methods to manage this condition. The most common technique used is to try taking prescription medications.
Several drugs have been developed specifically to help individuals with hormonal imbalances. These medications can provide extra hormones as needed, or other types can help to block any excess hormones that are being created by the body. Patients will need to consider all potential side effects when taking these medications, and should also be made aware that symptoms of their uterine polyps are very likely to return if they choose to stop taking these medications at any point.
Schedule a Uterine Polyps Consultation
If your condition begins to worsen, or you suffer from significant fertility problems like a miscarriage, we highly encourage you to contact Downriver Obstetrics & Gynecology to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified OBGYNs right away. During this appointment, a specialist can review your medical history to determine the best course of action moving forward to help you achieve relief from painful symptoms or pregnancy complications. Give us a call at (734) 671-2110 today to get started.