Uterine Polyp

Endometrial polyps are localized overgrowths of the glandular tissue lining the uterus. They are usually detected on transvaginal ultrasound (especially during a saline infusion sonogram) or during hysteroscopy. They can be single or multiple and range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size.

Polyps are thought to impair fertility by creating a mechanical barrier to implantation or by producing factors that inhibit the embryo. Most fertility specialists recommend hysteroscopic polypectomy before IVF or after failed IUI cycles, even for small polyps. The procedure is brief and associated with improved pregnancy rates in observational studies. Small polyps occasionally resolve spontaneously, but the trend in reproductive medicine is to remove them proactively before ART.