Polyps and desire to have children – What are the risks? | Are polyps of the uterus dangerous?

Polyps and desire to have children – What are the risks?

For couples who want to have children, uterine polyps may make it more difficult to have children. Depending on the location and size of the polyp, there may be difficulties with fertilization and implantation. Similar to a copper spiral, the polyp can prevent the fertilized egg from implanting.

Polyps can not only prevent implantation, but also block the cervix. This prevents sperm from entering in the first place. They can also form a blockage at the transition of the fallopian tube into the uterine cavity and thus prevent pregnancy.

Especially women with symptomatic polyps should remove them before a planned pregnancy. This increases their chances of becoming pregnant. In sterile women who do not have typical symptoms of polyps, it is recommended to have a clarification carried out to determine whether asymptomatic polyps are present.

Approximately 3-5% of women who do not become pregnant and have no symptoms of a polyp are found to have an asymptomatic polyp after searching. Polyps that are already known before a planned pregnancy are usually removed in advance to avoid complications during pregnancy. Even if the polyp is benign as such, it can lead to bleeding during pregnancy, pain or even an obstacle to birth.

Implantation of the pregnancy can also be difficult. In the worst case, the risk of miscarriage may be increased. However, this does not always have to be the case and is strongly dependent on the location of the polyp and its size.

If a polyp only develops during pregnancy, individual consideration must be given to the best course of action. In some cases, the polyp can be removed during pregnancy. However, if it is located deep inside the uterus or at the sensitive cervix, removal is not possible.

Often the polyp is then observed and, if necessary, physical protection of the pregnant woman is recommended. Mechanical stress, such as sexual intercourse, can then also be difficult or should rather be avoided for the duration of the pregnancy. However, the procedure depends strongly on the individual pregnancy and the type of polyp.