HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Cervical polyps
Ngene waha kōpū
A cervical polyp is a common, usually benign (non-cancerous) growth on your cervix, which is the entrance to your womb at the top of your vagina. They're most often found during a routine cervical screening test.
Usually, there are no symptoms with cervical polyps, but sometimes they cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods, or changes in your vaginal discharge.
It's important to see your general practice team if you have any abnormal bleeding or discharge, so they can investigate. You may need some further tests to rule out any serious problems.
Treating cervical polyps
Almost all cervical polyps are benign, but you should have them removed because there is a small risk of malignancy (cancer).
Your general practice team can usually remove the polyp themselves. It shouldn't hurt, as polyps have no nerve supply, and it's not common to experience heavy bleeding after they're removed. Your general practice team will send the polyp for histology testing, so the cells and tissues will be examined to check it is not cancerous.
If the polyp is too big or difficult for your general practice team to remove, they will refer you to the Hospital Gynaecology Outpatient Department for an assessment.
Make sure you do not use tampons or have vaginal intercourse (sex) for two days after the polyp is removed.
You may need to have a cervical screening test three months after the procedure, even if your previous test was normal.
Polyps can reoccur. If this happens, they can normally be removed again by your general practice team.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2021.
Review key: HICES-20461
