Uterine polyps may cause infertility, but minimally invasive surgery can help
Most patients know that pregnancy cannot occur unless an egg and a sperm come together. However, this isn’t the only requirement to achieve pregnancy and have a healthy baby. The uterine cavity (womb) must be able to support a growing baby. However, certain conditions, such as uterine polyps, can interfere with this requirement. Thankfully, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas can help.
Our Las Vegas infertility specialists have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat these types of uterine growths. For many patients of reproductive age, getting the right treatment for polyps can lead to a healthy pregnancy and baby.
What are uterine polyps, and what are their symptoms?
Polyps in the uterus are growths in the inner uterine walls that make their way into the uterine cavity. These uterine growths occur when there is an overgrowth of cells in the endometrium (uterine lining). They can be as small as a sesame seed or as large as a golf ball. Typically, these growths are non-cancerous. However, they may cause infertility in women of reproductive age.
While some women with uterine polyps may not experience any symptoms, other women of reproductive age may deal with the following issues.
- Unpredictable periods with varying lengths and flows
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Very heavy periods
- Infertility
You should visit one of our Las Vegas infertility specialists if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
How do doctors diagnose and treat these uterine growths?
When you visit our team with symptoms of polyps, your doctor will likely perform a transvaginal ultrasound. During this procedure, your doctor will place an ultrasound wand in the vagina. This device emits sound waves to produce images of your uterus and identify polyps.
In addition to an ultrasound, our Las Vegas infertility specialists may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests.
- Hysterosonography, also known as sonohysterography or SIS (saline infusion sonogram), is another type of ultrasound. This one involves injecting sterile salt water into the uterus through the vagina. The water expands the uterus to provide a clearer view on ultrasound.
- Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a thin, lighted tool through the vagina to view the inside of the uterus.
If your test results find that you have one or more uterine polyps, your doctor may recommend medications to reduce the symptoms. However, this is a short-term solution. As a result, your doctor will be more likely to suggest minimally invasive hysteroscopic surgery.
This procedure involves placing a lighted tool and surgical instruments through the vagina and into the uterus. Once inside, the light allows the doctor to see the polyps and the instruments allow the doctor to remove the growths. Assuming you have no other underlying fertility issues, you will likely be able to conceive naturally after the procedure.
Contact us if you would like to learn more about getting a diagnosis and treatment for polyps.