History

The course of polyps of the uterus is generally very good. If they are noticeable by symptoms at all, they can be completely removed in almost all cases during surgery. Only in a few exceptions do polyps of the uterus develop into malignant findings.

How fast do polyps grow?

Polyps usually develop during the menopause. Their growth goes unnoticed because it does not cause any discomfort. It is not known how long a polyp takes to complete its growth.

It can develop over a few weeks or several months. In addition, its growth is subject to hormonal influences, so that the mucosal tissue can constantly build up and rebuild. Polyps in the uterus usually occur in women during the menopause and can take on different sizes.

Usually only one polyp is formed, but it is also possible that several (multiple) polyps accumulate in the uterus and take on different sizes. In most cases, the polyps are only a few millimeters in size. Up to 2 cm the polyps count as small polyps and are usually very easy to remove. However, there are also polyps that grow in the shape of a stalk and exceed 2 cm in length by far, but they very rarely grow to more than 5 cm or even larger. At the latest from this size on, the polyps cause clear symptoms in the uterus and are therefore also removed.

Causes

Polyps are ultimately caused by the cells of the uterine lining dividing too quickly. Why this happens, however, has not yet been conclusively clarified. The most important factor affecting cell growth is the female sex hormone estrogen.

This is why adenoids are particularly common in women during and after the menopause, when a change in the female hormone balance takes place. Other circumstances that can promote the development of polyps are psychological strain or stress, a weakened immune system (e.g. due to other existing illnesses or the intake of certain drugs such as cortisol), inadequate intimate hygiene or inflammation of the vagina or uterus with the human papilloma viruses. There is no real prevention of the development of polyps in the uterus. Only some risk factors can be eliminated, for example by avoiding infection with papilloma viruses through protected sexual intercourse or by strengthening the immune system. In addition, women should come for regular gynaecological check-ups, so that polyps can almost always be detected and treated early.