Uterine Polyps — Not Just an Ordinary Lump — Know the Risks!

WOMB INVADERS: Real Talk About Things That Attack Your Reproductive Health

Episode 6: Uterine Polyps — Not Just an Ordinary Lump — Know the Risks!

Have you ever heard of uterine polyps? They're often dismissed as "just a small thing." But here's the truth: any abnormal growth in your uterus deserves attention.

Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi, an OB-GYN specialist, explains that uterine polyps are overgrowths of the endometrial glands — the tissue that lines your uterus. And while many are benign, they're not something to ignore.

Let's talk about why polyps form, the risks they carry, and why you should never just "wait and see" when it comes to your womb.

📺 Watch Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi's Explanation (Indonesian with visuals):

Source: Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi, Sp.OG YouTube Channel

What Exactly Are Uterine Polyps?

Uterine polyps (also called endometrial polyps) are abnormal growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus. They develop when the endometrial glands — the tiny structures that help build the uterine lining — grow too much.

Think of them like tiny mushrooms growing from the floor of your uterus. They can be as small as a sesame seed or as large as a golf ball. Some women have one; others have multiple.

And here's the thing Dr. Sita emphasizes: polyps are not part of your normal menstrual cycle. They're not supposed to be there. And anything "not supposed to be there" deserves investigation.

Why Do Polyps Form?

The main culprit behind uterine polyps is hormonal imbalance — specifically, an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone.

Here's how it works: Normally, your uterine lining builds up during your cycle and then sheds during your period. But when hormones are out of balance, certain glands can get "stuck" in growth mode. Instead of shedding, they keep growing — and eventually form polyps.

In some cases, genetic mutations in the endometrial cells can also trigger polyp formation. The exact cause varies from woman to woman.

The Risks You Need to Know

This is where Dr. Sita's warning becomes crucial. Many women think, "It's just a polyp, it's probably nothing." But here's what "nothing" can lead to:

1. Fertility Problems
Polyps can act like a physical barrier inside the uterus. They can prevent an embryo from implanting properly, or cause early miscarriage. If you're struggling to conceive, polyps might be the hidden culprit.

2. Precancerous Lesions
Some polyps are benign. But others can contain precancerous cells — cells that, if left untreated, could eventually turn into cancer. You can't tell by looking; you need a biopsy.

3. Uterine Cancer
In some cases, polyps can be a sign of underlying endometrial cancer, or they can themselves become malignant. The risk increases with age, especially after menopause.

4. Abnormal Bleeding
Polyps have their own blood supply. They can cause heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or post-menopausal bleeding — which is always a red flag.

How Are Polyps Diagnosed?

Uterine polyps are typically found through:

• Ultrasound: Often the first step. A sonohysterography (saline infusion ultrasound) can make polyps more visible.
• Hysteroscopy: A camera is inserted into the uterus, allowing the doctor to see polyps directly and remove them for biopsy.
• Endometrial biopsy: A sample of tissue is taken and examined under a microscope.

Dr. Sita emphasizes that hysteroscopy is the gold standard because it allows both visualization and removal in one procedure.

Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on your age, symptoms, and whether you want future pregnancies:

• Hormonal therapy: For small polyps in women who still want children, hormonal medications might help shrink them — though this is often temporary.
• Hysteroscopic polypectomy: The polyp is removed using a hysteroscope. No incisions, quick recovery, and the tissue can be biopsied.
• Hysterectomy: In rare cases with multiple recurrent polyps or precancerous changes, removal of the uterus may be recommended.

When Should You Get Checked?

Dr. Sita's advice is clear: don't wait for symptoms to become severe. Make an appointment if you experience:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Bleeding between periods
• Heavy periods that disrupt your life
• Post-menopausal bleeding (always, always get this checked)
• Trouble conceiving with no clear cause

A Message to You

If you've been told you have a polyp — or if you suspect something's not right with your cycle — know this: you're not overreacting.

Polyps are common. But "common" doesn't mean "harmless." The only way to know whether a polyp is benign or precancerous is to have it properly evaluated.

Don't let anyone dismiss your concerns. Don't let fear stop you from getting answers. And if a doctor says "let's just watch it" without a clear reason? Get a second opinion.

Your uterus is talking to you through symptoms. It's time to listen.

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📖 More from the Womb Invaders series:

• Episode 1: Massive Ovarian Cyst in a Teenager — Can the Ovary Be Saved?
• Episode 2: Fibroids — How to Detect Them and Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
• Episode 3: Hysteroscopy — The Complete Solution for Removing Polyps Without Incisions
• Episode 4: Large Fibroids — Why They Must Be Removed Immediately
• Episode 5: Hydrosalpinx — Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes and Solutions

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Any abnormal growth in your uterus deserves attention — not panic, but attention. Polyps are common, but they're not "nothing." Get checked, get answers, and take control of your reproductive health.

— Summary and adaptation from Dr. Sita Ayu Arumi, Sp.OG's video