Cervical polyps Ngene waha kōpū

Cervical polyps are small, irregular growths on your cervix. They are almost always non-cancerous (benign). They are usually found during a cervical screening test.

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Causes of cervical polyps

We do not know the exact cause of cervical polyps, but they may be caused by:

  • inflammation of your cervix
  • sexually transmitted infections
  • yeast or bacterial infections
  • an abnormal response to an increase in your oestrogen levels. 

Around 2% to 5% of women develop a cervical polyp. They are most common after menopause, and in women with more than one child. 

Symptoms of cervical polyps

There are usually no symptoms with cervical polyps. But they may cause:

  • changes in your vaginal discharge
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding, for example, bleeding between periods or after menopause
  • bleeding after sex
  • heavier periods.

If you have these symptoms it is important to see your healthcare provider. They will examine you and they may send you for tests to rule out any serious problems.

Diagnosing cervical polyps

If you have symptoms it is important to see your healthcare provider. They will ask about your symptoms and use a speculum to check your cervix. A speculum is  a duck-bill-shaped device that helps them see and access your cervix. You may also have further tests to rule out any serious problems.

Treating cervical polyps

Almost all cervical polyps are non-cancerous. But you should have them removed because there is a small risk that they become cancer.

Your general practice can usually remove the polyps. It should not hurt as they have no nerve supply. 

Your healthcare provider will send the polyps to a laboratory to check they are not cancerous. 

Sometimes the polyp is too big for your healthcare provider to remove. If this happens they will refer you to the hospital for an assessment with a gynaecologist. 

You can get polyps again. They can normally be removed again by your healthcare provider.

After your cervical polyp is removed

  • Any bleeding after they are removed is usually quite minor.
  • You may have some slight cramping for a few days.
  • Do not use tampons or have sex until after the bleeding and discharge has stopped — this means the area where the polyp was removed has healed. This will depend on the size of the polyp removed, but may be up to 2 weeks.
  • You may need a cervical screen 3 months after the polyp is removed, even if your previous screen was normal.