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Cervical polyps - Overview

Definition of Cervical polyps:

Cervical polyps are fingerlike growths on the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina (cervix).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of cervical polyps is not completely understood. They may occur with:

An abnormal response to increased levels of the female hormone, estrogen
Chronic inflammation
Clogged blood vessels in the cervix

Cervical polyps are common, especially in women over age 20 who have had children. Polyps are rare in young women who have not started their period (menstruation).

Most women have only one polyp, but some women have two or three.

Female reproductive anatomy

Cervical polyps

Uterus

Reviewed last on: 2/22/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Katz VL. Benign gynecologic lesions: Vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 18.

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Cervical polyps - Overview

Definition of Cervical polyps:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

References

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