Learning that you have a cervical polyp can sound concerning, particularly if it was discovered while investigating abnormal bleeding. Fortunately, most cervical polyps are benign, and many can be removed safely during a brief in-office procedure known as a cervical polypectomy.
Cervical polyps do not always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding after menopause. Removing the polyp can help address these symptoms while allowing the tissue to be examined under a microscope.
At North Carolina OBGYN & Midwifery, our experienced gynecology providers evaluate cervical growths and offer in-office polypectomy when removal is medically appropriate.
What Is a Cervical Polyp?
A cervical polyp is a small growth that develops on the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Polyps may arise from the surface of the cervix or from within the cervical canal.
They can vary in size, shape, and appearance. Some are attached to the cervix by a thin stalk, while others have a broader base. A patient may have a single polyp or more than one.
Although the exact cause is not always known, cervical polyps may be associated with:
- Chronic inflammation of the cervix
- Changes in hormone levels
- Increased blood vessel growth
- Infection or irritation
- Pregnancy-related changes
Cervical polyps are more common in adults who have previously been pregnant, particularly during the reproductive years and perimenopause.
What Symptoms Can Cervical Polyps Cause?
Many cervical polyps are found during a routine pelvic examination before they cause noticeable symptoms.
When symptoms are present, they may include:
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Heavier or irregular periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Spotting after a pelvic examination
- Persistent vaginal spotting
These symptoms can also be caused by infections, hormonal changes, pregnancy-related concerns, abnormalities of the uterine lining, or other gynecologic conditions. An examination is important because symptoms alone cannot confirm that a cervical polyp is responsible.
Any bleeding after menopause should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, even when a visible polyp may be the suspected cause.
How Are Cervical Polyps Diagnosed?
Cervical polyps are often visible during a pelvic examination. A speculum allows the provider to view the cervix and identify a growth extending from its surface or canal.
The provider may also review:
- Your menstrual and bleeding history
- Whether bleeding occurs after intercourse
- Vaginal discharge or other symptoms
- Pregnancy status
- Current medications
- Previous cervical screening results
- Personal and family medical history
Additional evaluation may be recommended when the appearance of the growth is unusual, the source of bleeding is uncertain, or symptoms suggest that another condition may be present. This could include cervical screening, infection testing, ultrasound, colposcopy, endometrial sampling, or hysteroscopy, depending on the circumstances.
Are Cervical Polyps and Uterine Polyps the Same?
No. Cervical polyps and uterine polyps develop in different locations and may require different methods of diagnosis and removal. A cervical polyp develops on the cervix or within the cervical canal. It is often visible during a speculum examination and may be removable during a routine office visit.
A uterine polyp—also called an endometrial polyp—develops from the lining inside the uterus. These polyps cannot usually be seen during a standard pelvic examination. Ultrasound or in-office hysteroscopy may be needed to identify and evaluate them. Determining where a polyp originates is important because it affects the recommended procedure and follow-up care.
Why Might a Cervical Polyp Need to Be Removed?
Not every cervical polyp requires immediate removal. Your provider will consider its size, appearance, location, symptoms, pregnancy status, and your individual medical history.
Removal may be recommended when:
- The polyp causes irregular bleeding or discharge
- Bleeding occurs after sexual intercourse
- The polyp appears large, inflamed, or unusual
- The diagnosis is uncertain
- The polyp interferes with cervical screening
- Bleeding occurs after menopause
- Tissue examination is needed to confirm that the growth is benign
Removing a symptomatic polyp may relieve abnormal bleeding or discharge. It also allows the tissue to be sent to a laboratory for examination.
What Is an In-Office Cervical Polypectomy?
An in-office cervical polypectomy at North Carolina OBGYN & Midwifery is a procedure used to remove a polyp from the cervix without an operating-room visit. It is generally brief, minimally invasive, and performed during a gynecology appointment. The precise technique depends on the polyp’s size, shape, location, and how it is attached to the cervix.
A small polyp with a narrow stalk may be gently grasped with a specialized instrument and twisted until it separates from its base. A broader polyp may require local anesthesia and a different removal technique. Your provider may also treat the base of the polyp to control bleeding.
The tissue is commonly sent to a pathology laboratory, where it is examined under a microscope. Although most cervical polyps are benign, pathology helps confirm the diagnosis and determine whether further evaluation is necessary.
What Happens During Cervical Polyp Removal?
Your appointment begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and relevant cervical screening results. Your provider will explain the procedure and answer your questions before beginning.
During the procedure:
- You will lie on an examination table as you would for a routine pelvic examination.
- A speculum will be inserted to allow the provider to see the cervix.
- The cervix and polyp will be examined.
- The provider will remove the polyp using the technique best suited to its size and attachment.
- Any bleeding at the removal site will be managed.
- The tissue may be sent to a laboratory for examination.
The procedure is usually completed quickly. Most patients can return home shortly afterward without sedation or a hospital stay.
Is Cervical Polyp Removal Painful?
Experiences vary, but removal of a small polyp with a thin stalk may cause only brief cramping, pressure, or a pinching sensation. Some patients feel very little during the procedure.
A polyp with a broad base or one located higher in the cervical canal may require local anesthesia or a more involved approach.
Your provider will discuss pain-management options based on the expected procedure.
Mild menstrual-like cramping may continue for a short time afterward. Your provider can recommend appropriate over-the-counter pain relief when needed.
What Is Recovery Like After an In-Office Polypectomy?
Recovery from a simple cervical polypectomy is generally brief. Most patients can resume routine, non-strenuous activities the same day.
Temporary symptoms may include:
- Light spotting
- Watery or blood-tinged discharge
- Mild cramping
- Minor pelvic discomfort
Your provider will give you individualized aftercare instructions based on how the polyp was removed. You may be advised to avoid tampons, sexual intercourse, and placing anything in the vagina until bleeding or discharge has stopped and the cervix has had time to heal. Pathology results are usually reviewed after the laboratory has examined the tissue. Your provider will explain the findings and let you know whether any additional evaluation or follow-up is recommended.
When Should You Contact Your Provider After Cervical Polyp Removal?
Mild spotting and cramping can be expected, but contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Heavy or increasing vaginal bleeding
- Severe or worsening pelvic pain
- Fever or chills
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Dizziness or fainting
- Symptoms that persist longer than expected
- Any reaction or symptom that concerns you
Follow the specific recovery guidance provided at your appointment, as recommendations may vary according to the size and location of the polyp and the removal technique used.
Can Cervical Polyps Come Back?
A removed cervical polyp does not typically grow back from the same tissue, but a new polyp can develop later. Some patients are more prone to developing cervical polyps than others.
Regular gynecologic examinations allow your provider to monitor the cervix and investigate any recurrent bleeding or discharge. If symptoms return, do not assume they are caused by another polyp. A new examination is needed to determine the source.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Polyp Removal
Schedule an Evaluation for Cervical Polyp Symptoms
Cervical polyps are usually benign, but symptoms such as bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, unusual discharge, or postmenopausal bleeding deserve proper evaluation. When removal is recommended, an in-office cervical polypectomy can often address the growth without a hospital stay or lengthy recovery.
North Carolina OBGYN & Midwifery provides personalized gynecologic care for patients in Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, and Wakefield. Our team will evaluate your symptoms, explain whether polyp removal is appropriate, and guide you through the procedure and recovery.
Request an appointment to discuss cervical polyp removal with North Carolina OBGYN & Midwifery.