Uterine polyps and fibroids are major health concerns among women of childbearing age. They affect the female reproductive organs and may lead to reproductive issues if left untreated. Due to similarities between the two, it’s common to confuse one for the other, which may also affect treatment. In case you are worried and not sure of which one of the two you are suffering from, you can contact centers like Access vascular health which offers a proper diagnosis of uterine polyps and fibroids and also carries out minimally-invasive procedures for the treatment of both conditions.
In this article, we will discuss some differences to help you understand your symptoms better and take the appropriate steps toward treatment.
What Are Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are a kind of non-cancerous tumor that grows inside or outside the uterus. They are usually asymptomatic until a more serious problem arises, which would often lead to their diagnosis. There are several types of fibroids, depending on the location where they are found in the uterus. Usually, they vary in size and number, and oftentimes, they resolve or shrink on their own. Although fibroids are asymptomatic, they can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as the following:
- Fertility issues
- Excessive bleeding which can lead to anemia
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Unusual weight gain
- Pain during sex
- Urinary issues
- Multiple miscarriages
What Are Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps are abnormal growths that develop inside the uterus. They develop from the endometrial lining of the uterus, unlike fibroids which develop from the smooth muscle tissues of the uterus. Uterine polyps are mostly found on the part of the uterus known as the fundus, although they can also be found around the cervical opening. They can also be referred to as endometrial polyps.
Although uterine polyps mostly occur in women between the ages of 40-50, they can also occur in any woman within the reproductive and post-menopausal age. Similar to fibroids, the causes of uterine polyps are hard to tell. However, various research has linked its development to hormone levels. Women experience fluctuating estrogen levels during their monthly menstrual cycle. These changes in estrogen levels cause the uterine lining to thicken and shed. It is suggested that polyps can develop from the excessive growth of the uterine lining.
Symptoms of Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps cause some symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of fibroid. The most common and distinguishing symptom of uterine fibroids is abnormal uterine bleeding which occurs in about 68% of women suffering from polyps. The other symptoms of polyps include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Irregular periods
- Infertility
- Post-menopausal bleeding
Difference Between Uterine Polyps And Fibroids
The major difference between uterine polyps and fibroids is the tissues they develop from. Both uterine polyps and fibroids develop in the uterus; however, uterine polyps develop from the endometrial tissues of the endometrial lining, while fibroids develop from the smooth muscle tissues of the uterus.
Size
Uterine polyps are typically small; they rarely grow beyond a few centimeters in diameter. On the other hand, fibroids vary greatly in size and can grow to extremely large sizes, stretching the uterus in the process. Both uterine polyps and fibroids have the potential to shrink on their own.
Cancer Risk
Uterine polyps may tend to become cancerous, and although they may not always be cancerous, they still pose a risk. In contrast, fibroids are totally non-cancerous and are removed without surgery.
Diagnosis of Uterine Polyps and Fibroids
Several diagnostic methods can be used to distinguish the symptoms of uterine polyps from fibroids. The diagnostic methods for polyps include:
- Endometrial Biopsy
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Hysteroscopy
The diagnostic methods for fibroid include:
- Ultrasound
- Hysteroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Biopsy
Treatment Options for Uterine Polyps and Fibroid
Several options are available for the treatment of both conditions. However, there are more wide treatment options for fibroids.
Non-surgical treatment for fibroid includes:
- Use of tranexamic acid
- Use of embolization
- Use of radiofrequency ablation
- Use of NSAIDs
Surgical Treatment Options Include
- Myomectomy
- Hysterectomy
Treatment options for Uterine Polyps include:
- Use of hormonal medications
- Hysteroscopy
While there are more non-surgical methods for treating fibroids, such treatment options are not yet available for uterine polyps. The best non-surgical treatment for polyps isn’t the use of hormone-balancing medication. This treatment option may not remove the polyps completely; if symptoms persist, surgical treatment may be required to eliminate the polyps completely.
There are few uterine polyps and fibroids; however, both conditions can cause major discomforts and inconveniences. If you experience any of the symptoms above, it’s likely you may be suffering from one of these conditions. However, it is best to speak to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Comfort During Pregnancy: Guide for Future Moms