Learn About Cervical Polyps
Cervical polyps are fingerlike growths on the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina (cervix).
Vaginal bleeding - polyps
The exact cause of cervical polyps is not known. They may occur with:
- An abnormal response to increased levels of the female hormone estrogen
- Chronic inflammation
- Clogged blood vessels in the cervix
Cervical polyps are common. They are often found in women over age 40 who have had many children. Polyps are rare in young women who have not started having their period (menstruation).
Polyps do not always cause symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may include:
- Very heavy menstrual periods
- Vaginal bleeding after douching or intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause or between periods
- White or yellow mucus (leukorrhea)
The provider can remove polyps during a simple outpatient procedure.
- Smaller polyps may be removed with gentle twisting.
- Electrocautery may be needed to remove larger polyps.
The removed polyp tissue should be sent to a lab for further tests.
Midwest Center For Women's Healthcare
Miriah Plawer, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is affiliated with the hospitals of NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park, and Skokie Hospitals). Dr. Plawer graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine with honors and completed her OB/GYN residency program at Northwestern University. Dr. Plawer is certified in the insertion and removal of LARCs (Long Acting Reversible Contraception). She is also fluent in medical Spanish. Dr. Plawer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Polyps. Her top areas of expertise are Cervical Polyps, Endometritis, and Endometrial Polyps.
Midwest Center For Women's Healthcare
Beth Sum, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. sees patients in Midwest Center for Women's HealthCare's Park Ridge and Buffalo Grove offices. As a Board Certified OB-GYN and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, she has been practicing since 1998. Dr. Sum is affiliated with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, where she also completed her residency. Prior to that, she earned her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Sum is a member of the teaching faculty for the Department of OB-GYN at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Sum is a devoted Cub's season ticket holder, loves outdoor concerts at Wrigley Field, and watching her son's hockey and baseball games. Dr. Sum is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Polyps. Her top areas of expertise are Cervical Polyps and Interstitial Cystitis.
Midwest Center For Women's Healthcare
Stephanie Heraty, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB-GYN at Midwest Center for Women's HealthCare. She received her Doctor of Medicine from Indiana School of Medicine and completed her residency at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Heraty is also a Fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She sees patients in her Glenview and Evanston office locations and performs procedures and deliveries at NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston, Skokie and Glenbrook Hospitals). Dr. Heraty is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cervical Polyps. Her top areas of expertise are Endometrial Polyps, Endometritis, Cervical Polyps, and Breast Lump.
Most polyps are not cancerous (benign) and are easy to remove. Polyps do not grow back most of the time. Women who have polyps are at risk of growing more polyps.
There may be bleeding and slight cramping for a few days after removal of a polyp. Some cervical cancers may first appear as a polyp. Certain uterine polyps may be associated with uterine cancer.
Contact your provider if you have:
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina, including bleeding after sex or between periods
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina
- Abnormally heavy periods
- Bleeding or spotting after menopause
Contact your provider to schedule regular gynecological exams. Ask how often you should receive a Pap test.
See your provider to treat infections as soon as possible.
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Choby BA. Cervical polyps. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.
Dolan MS, Hill CC, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary, ultrasound imaging of pelvic structures. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18.