Endometrial Polyps: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Endometrial Polyps?
A gynecologist usually treats endometrial polyps. This is a doctor who cares for the female reproductive system. Your provider may also take samples and check them for cancer. 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 are endometrial polyps?
The endometrium is the lining of the inside of the womb (uterus). Overgrowth of this lining can create polyps. Polyps are fingerlike growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus.
They can be as small as a sesame seed or larger than a golf ball. You may have just one polyp or many. Most are not cancerous, but they can be cancerous or precancerous.
Symptoms
You may not have any symptoms. If you do, they may include:
- Menstrual bleeding that is not regular or predictable.
- Long or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Bleeding from the vagina after menopause.
- Trouble getting or staying pregnant (infertility).
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is not known. Polyps tend to grow when there is more of the hormone estrogen in the body. Other things may raise the risk:
- Obesity.
- Tamoxifen or similar medicines used to treat breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
- A family history of Lynch syndrome or Cowden syndrome. These are genetic conditions that run in families.
Polyps can develop at any age. They often appear during the childbearing years and the years leading up to menopause. The chance of cancer is higher if you are past menopause, take tamoxifen, or have heavy or irregular periods. You cannot prevent endometrial polyps.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider may use these tests to find out if you have polyps:
- Transvaginal ultrasound: sound waves make pictures of the uterus.
- Hysteroscopy: a tool lets the doctor look right inside the uterus.
- Endometrial biopsy: a small sample of the lining is taken and checked.
- Hysterosonogram: fluid is put into the uterus while an ultrasound is done.
- Three-dimensional ultrasound.
Tissue that is removed should be sent to a lab. The lab checks it for cancer cells.
Treatment
Many polyps should be removed because of the small risk of cancer. Most are removed with a procedure called hysteroscopy. The doctor looks inside the uterus and removes the polyp. Sometimes a D and C is used instead. This means dilation and curettage. It takes a sample of the lining and removes the polyp. It is used less often.
Some women past menopause have polyps that cause no symptoms. They may choose watchful waiting, which means checking over time without treatment. A polyp should be removed if it is causing vaginal bleeding.
In rare cases, polyps can return after treatment. A hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, is another surgical option. It is a bigger operation and carries more risk than other options.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have:
- Menstrual bleeding that is not regular or predictable.
- Long or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Bleeding from the vagina after menopause.
Bleeding after menopause matters most, because the chance of cancer is higher after menopause.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop.
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 review your bleeding or other symptoms and refer you to a gynecologist. They can also help you keep track of follow-up after treatment.
Common questions
Are endometrial polyps cancer?
Most endometrial polyps are not cancerous. They can be cancerous or precancerous, so doctors often remove them.
Can endometrial polyps cause infertility?
Yes, they may. Endometrial polyps may make it hard to get or stay pregnant.
Do all endometrial polyps need to be removed?
No. Many polyps should be removed because of the small risk of cancer. Women past menopause whose polyps cause no symptoms may consider watchful waiting. A polyp that causes vaginal bleeding should be removed.
Can endometrial polyps come back?
Yes, but only in rare cases. Polyps can return after treatment.
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.
