Uterine Polyps

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history and ask questions about your symptoms. If you’re postmenopausal, your provider may ask if you’ve noticed any bleeding or spotting. They’ll likely ask what medicines you’re taking. If you still get your periods, they may ask about the specifics of your menstrual cycle, including how long your periods last and how often you have them. Your provider may ask if you’ve had difficulty getting pregnant.

Your provider will also perform a gynecological exam, including a pelvic exam and a Pap smear. They may order additional tests or procedures to confirm that the growths are polyps.

These tests may include:

Transvaginal ultrasound: Your provider inserts a slim handheld device called an ultrasound transducer into your vagina. The device emits sound waves that provide an image of the inside of your uterus, including any irregularities that may be present.
Sonohysterography: After your initial transvaginal ultrasound, your provider may send a sterile fluid into your uterus through a thin tube called a catheter. The fluid causes your uterus to expand, providing a clearer image of any growths within your uterine cavity during the ultrasound procedure.
Hysteroscopy: Your provider inserts a long, thin tube with a lighted telescope (hysteroscope) through your vagina and cervix into your uterus. The hysteroscope allows your provider to examine the inside of your uterus. Hysteroscopy is sometimes used in combination with surgery to remove uterine polyps.
Endometrial biopsy: Your provider uses a soft plastic instrument to collect tissue from the inner walls of your uterus. The sample is tested in a laboratory to detect any abnormal cells.
Curettage: Your provider uses a long metal instrument called a curette to collect tissue from the inner walls of your uterus. The curette has a small loop on the end that’s used to scrape tissue or polyps. The tissue or polyps that are removed may be sent to the laboratory for testing to determine if cancer cells are present.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.