Uterine polyps are growths of the lining inside the uterus (womb), also called endometrial polyps. Some cause bleeding changes; others are found on a scan when there are no symptoms. Most are non-cancerous, but a suspected polyp needs assessment in the context of your symptoms and health history.
This guide is for adults. Cervical polyps grow on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and are a different finding. Fibroids develop from the uterus's muscle layer rather than its lining. Healthdirect explains polyps and uterine fibroids.
Last updated 30 October 2026
On this page
When to seek help sooner
Call 000 for an ambulance if you are bleeding very heavily, feel faint or think you may pass out. Go to an emergency department for sudden or severe pelvic pain. Do not wait for a routine appointment or scan. Healthdirect's bleeding advice and NSW Health's gynaecological emergency guidance explain these warning signs.
If pregnancy is possible and you have vaginal bleeding, seek prompt medical assessment. A known polyp does not establish the cause of new bleeding or pain.
What bleeding changes need checking?
Polyps can cause heavy periods, bleeding between periods or bleeding after sex. These symptoms have other possible causes, so arrange a GP assessment rather than assuming a polyp explains them. Healthdirect describes causes and assessment of vaginal bleeding.
Bleeding after menopause needs assessment even if it happens only once or is just a little spotting. Arrange a prompt medical appointment. Most causes are not cancer, but checking matters because bleeding can be an early sign. The NHS explains when to seek help for bleeding after menopause.
How can HerDoc help through telehealth?
A HerDoc GP can discuss when bleeding started, its pattern, your periods, pregnancy possibility, medicines and previous test results. Where clinically appropriate, they can order pathology tests and refer you for an ultrasound. Your symptoms and history help your GP decide whether to arrange an ultrasound, an in-person examination or both.
You attend a local pathology collection centre or imaging provider for the requested tests. HerDoc can review the results with you, discuss whether they explain your symptoms, plan follow-up and arrange specialist referral when needed. Examination, hysteroscopy and polyp removal require local in-person care.
What can an ultrasound tell me?
A pelvic ultrasound may suggest a polyp and assess the uterine lining. It may involve a probe over your abdomen, inside your vagina, or both. An internal scan needs your consent; ask what it involves and discuss concerns or alternatives beforehand.
Ultrasound findings alone cannot confirm that a suspected polyp is non-cancerous. Your doctor may recommend examining a tissue sample, depending on your bleeding, scan findings and risk factors. Persistent or recurring bleeding needs follow-up even after an initially reassuring assessment. Cancer Australia explains ultrasound and tissue tests, and Healthdirect describes assessment after menopause.
Will I need a hysteroscopy or biopsy?
Not everyone needs a hysteroscopy. Your doctor may recommend one to investigate bleeding, examine a suspected polyp or remove it.
Hysteroscopy uses a thin camera passed through the cervix to look inside the uterus. A clinician may take a small tissue sample (biopsy), remove a polyp, or arrange removal separately. Removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination. The Royal Women's Hospital explains hysteroscopy and polyp removal.
Discuss the benefits, risks and alternatives before consenting, including what additional procedures are proposed. Hysteroscopy can be painful, sometimes severely. Ask beforehand about pain relief and options involving local anaesthetic, sedation or general anaesthesia; the setting and suitable options vary. If you are awake, you can ask to stop. RCOG explains consent, pain relief and choices.
Can a polyp be monitored instead of removed?
Sometimes observation is appropriate. The decision depends on symptoms, scan findings, medical and family history, menopause status and pregnancy plans. Bleeding or concerning features may make removal and tissue examination more appropriate. Most polyps are non-cancerous, but the association with cancer is higher when there is bleeding or after menopause. Cancer Australia discusses endometrial polyps and risk.
Polyps may affect fertility. Discuss pregnancy goals before deciding on care; removal does not guarantee pregnancy. If monitoring is agreed, ask when review is needed and which changes should prompt an earlier appointment. ISUOG explains individual decisions about observation and removal.
Preparing for an appointment
If helpful, have previous scan reports and a medicines list available. You can note when bleeding happens and how it affects you. Useful questions include: “Do I need tissue testing?”, “What are my pain-relief options?” and “Who will review my results and arrange the next step?”