Cervical Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cervical Polyps?
Cervical polyps are treated by a gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system. Many family doctors can also remove simple polyps, and will refer to a gynecologist if a polyp looks unusual. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a cervical polyp?
A cervical polyp is a small, soft growth on the cervix. The cervix is the narrow lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. These growths are usually not cancer. Many women have them without knowing, because they often cause no symptoms at all.
A polyp is a lump of tissue that grows out from a surface inside the body. On the cervix, polyps hang from a thin stalk or sit flat against the skin. They are often red, pink, or purple, and most are less than an inch long.
Symptoms
Many cervical polyps cause no symptoms. When they do, the most common sign is bleeding at unexpected times, such as between periods, after sex, or after menopause. Some women notice a white or yellow discharge. Any bleeding after menopause should always be checked by a doctor.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors are not sure exactly why cervical polyps form. One common idea is that they grow in response to swelling or irritation of the cervix. Higher levels of estrogen, the main female hormone, may also play a role.
They are most common in women over 40 who have had at least one pregnancy, and are rare before puberty.
How doctors diagnose it
Most cervical polyps are found during a routine pelvic exam. Doctors may order an ultrasound to check for other growths, and a small sample of the polyp tissue is usually sent to a lab to confirm it is not cancer.
Treatment
Polyps that cause no symptoms sometimes do not need treatment. When removal is needed, it is a short procedure done in an office or clinic. The doctor removes the polyp with a gentle twisting motion or a special instrument. Removal usually causes only brief cramping, and most polyps do not grow back.
When to see a doctor
Talk to a doctor if you have bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, or unusual discharge. These symptoms are usually not cancer, but they all deserve a checkup.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can be a good first stop, since these doctors often have longer visits and can remove simple polyps in the office.
Common questions
Are cervical polyps a sign of cancer?
Almost never. The large majority of cervical polyps are benign, which means they are not cancer. Doctors still send the tissue to a lab to make sure.
Does removing a cervical polyp hurt?
Most women feel only brief cramping during the procedure. It is quick, and discomfort usually goes away within a day.
Can a cervical polyp fall off on its own?
Some small polyps do come away on their own, sometimes during a period. Even so, any polyp that was seen should be mentioned to a doctor.
Can I get pregnant if I have a cervical polyp?
Most women with cervical polyps have no trouble getting pregnant. Large polyps can sometimes block the cervix, so doctors may remove them if fertility is a concern.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
