It’s fairly typical for people to mix up fibroids vs. polyps with fibroids with uterine polyps. To guarantee that you can take care of your health by making educated decisions, it is crucial to recognize the difference. To help you understand the distinctions and similarities between polyps and fibroids, read on.

These are both uterine tumors. The primary distinction? The tissue found in fibroids and polyps is substantially different. Fibrous tissue that is thick and connective makes up fibroids. Polyps are formed of endometrial tissue, which is the tissue present in the uterine lining (the term “fibroid” is derived from “fibrous”).

Why is it crucial to distinguish between them? Although both forms of development can lead to severe bleeding, unreliable bleeding, or problems with fertility, fibroids are not by definition malignant. On the other hand, uterine polyps can develop into cancer. As a result, your doctor should keep an eye out for any changes in size or in your symptoms.

Unless something seems awry, most people don’t give much thought to their uterus. It then becomes the main focus. Uterine fibroids and polyps can deceive you into believing that you must put up with that uneasy sensation.

Endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids both develop in the uterus. Both uterine fibroids and endometrial polyps commonly go unnoticed, even though they are frequently found when a woman complains of issues with her monthly cycle or struggles to conceive.

Reviewing uterine fibroids vs. polyps in this article will also include a review of:

  • Risk elements 
  • Symptoms 
  • Potential remedies

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Why do uterine fibroids occur? Non-cancerous growths that form in or on the uterus are known as uterine fibroids. Smooth muscle cells and connective fibrous tissue make up fibroids, which can vary in size, location, or quantity.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, up to 80% of women will acquire uterine fibroids by the time they reach age five.
Fibroids are NOT cancer, which is the first thing to understand about them. When a patient receives a diagnosis, they frequently experience stress. In fact, fibroids are a benign kind of tumor. Even though they may result in painful and incapacitating symptoms, they are often curable without surgery.
A benign growth known as a fibroid can develop inside the uterus or even outside of it. Around 75% of women will have fibroid development at some point in their lives. Most will not show any symptoms. Numerous fibroids will naturally disappear. Yet, they can cause a broad variety of painful and bothersome symptoms. So, it’s crucial to manage your treatment options so that you don’t just passively endure the problems that fibroids might cause.
  1. suffering and a lot of blood
  2. fertility problems
  3. abdominal enlargement and weight increase
  • urinary incontinence or problems
  • Less intense sex and less sex drive
  • Isolation and depression-like emotions
  • Anemia and weariness caused by anemia
  • anxiety brought on by symptoms that can’t be managed, like unexpectedly excessive bleeding
Noncancerous growths called uterine fibroids can develop inside or outside of the uterus. They come in a variety of sizes, from those that the human eye cannot see to those that are the size of a grapefruit.
In most situations, uterine fibroids develop slowly. Depending on their size and placement, they may have an impact on conception or pregnancy. Uterine fibroids may also diminish after estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline during menopause.
Uterine fibroids affect an estimated 26 million American women between the ages of 15 and 50. More than 15 million women will have symptoms from them.

Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

Many women don’t frequently have any fibroids-related symptoms. Yet, depending on their location or how big they get, fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids:
  1. cramping or discomfort in the abdomen
  2. excessive or extended times
  3. abdominal bloating
  4. Fatigue
  5. Pain during sexual activity
To discover whether you require a fibroid diagnosis, try our symptom checker.

How Do Uterine Polyps Occur?

Compared to fibroids, uterine polyps are significantly different. In place of the typical shedding that occurs during menstruation, the uterine lining starts to generate polyps. In essence, polyps are an excess of cells that would typically be eliminated as part of the endometrial lining’s normal build-up and shedding by the female body. While sharing the same location (uterine tissue), it’s crucial to understand that fibroids and polyps are two quite distinct kinds of growths.

Uterine Fibroids Risk Factors

The likelihood of getting fibroids can be impacted by:
  • Race: Fibroids are more likely to form in African American women and do so earlier in life. They have a higher propensity to generate many, bigger fibroids, which worsen symptoms. Fibroid development is less prevalent in Asian women.
  • Genetics: You are more likely to have fibroids if your mother or any of your sisters do.
  • Obesity: Women who are overweight have a two to three times higher risk of developing fibroids than women who are of typical weight.
  • Diet: Uterine fibroids are more prone to form in women whose diets are high in red meat and ham.
Risk elements that lessen the chance of getting uterine fibroids include:
  • Number of term births: Ladies who have had several term births are
  • Use of oral contraceptives for a long time: Using birth control tablets for a long time lowers the risk of fibroids.

    Certain uterine fibroids don’t manifest any symptoms. Others may develop a habit of bothering you and giving you grief, discomfort, and annoyance. 

    The diagnosis of uterine fibroids

    Typically, an OBGYN will diagnose and find uterine fibroids during a normal pelvic exam. The doctor could suggest particular testing and recommend the patient to a fibroid expert to confirm a diagnosis. Our fibroid specialists at USA Fibroid Centers are interventional radiologists, which means they have experience diagnosing and treating fibroids utilizing cutting-edge imaging methods.
    An ultrasound can determine whether fibroids are present and gauge their size. To identify if you have anemia or any other problems, bloodwork may be required. While ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool, if further tests are required, the doctor may employ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing to offer extra information. 

    Uterine Polyp Symptoms

    Some women never suffer symptoms from polyps. Polyps can develop and then spontaneously disappear. It’s crucial to be aware of warning indications that might point to symptoms brought on by persistent polyps that are continuing or becoming more aggressive. See a doctor who is knowledgeable about the distinction between polyps and fibroids. Polyp-related symptoms include:
    • irregular periods of menstruation
    • bleeding that occurs between periods
    • disproportionately thick menstrual cycles
    • bleeding after menopause in the vagina
    • Infertility

    What Are Uterine Fibroids’ Symptoms?

    The following list of signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids:
    Fibroids and Polyps Moreland OB/GYN
    • periods of change
    • heavy phases
    • stretches of time longer than a week
    • In between periods spotting
    • tummy pressure
    • Frequent urination or trouble emptying the bladder may result from pressure on the bladder.
    • A rectus pressure may make it challenging to pass a bowel movement.
    • discomfort or pain while having sex
    • fertility problems
    • tiredness caused by anemia due to significant blood loss during menstruation
    • aching legs and back

    How do uterine polyps work?

    Endometrial polyps, sometimes referred to as uterine polyps, are abnormal growths that develop inside the uterus. These growths, which are made up of glands, stroma, and blood vessels, originate from the endometrium, the tissue that borders the uterus. The top of the uterus, or fundus, which lies opposite the cervix, is where uterine polyps most frequently develop. They can, however, also be seen on the cervical opening.
    Uterine polyps can afflict any woman during her reproductive and post-menopausal years, while they are most frequent in women between the ages of 40 and 49. Although the exact etiology of polyps is uncertain, several experts think hormone levels are a factor. Each month, as you go through your menstrual cycle, your estrogen levels

    Why Is It Essential to Know the Different Between Polyps and Fibroids?

    To begin with, it is crucial to understand everything that is taking place within your body. Knowing more can help you maintain your general health and modify your food and lifestyle accordingly. Yet, it is crucial to understand the differences between polyps and fibroids since polyps can cause major health problems like:
    • Cancer
    • Unstable “normal” cycles and irregular menstrual cycles
    • Uterine bleeding
    • Infertility
    Although some of these conditions can also be caused by fibroids, they are simply addressed with non-surgical embolization. Although severe polyps can often only be removed surgically, they can still be treated.

    Therapies for Uterine Fibroids

    In order to decide the best course of action for your unique circumstance, your Moreland OB-GYN practitioner will discuss your symptoms and medical history with you, and do a physical, an ultrasound, and blood testing.
    • Some advice from your provider can be:
    Lifestyle adjustments: Keeping a healthy weight while increasing the consumption of green vegetables, fruit, and dairy products may help prevent the development of uterine fibroids in women.
    Period control may be aided with oral contraceptives or other non-hormonal drugs.
    Iron and vitamins: They prevent anemia brought on by excessive menstrual flow.
    Surgery: To treat fibroids, your doctor could advise surgery. The pros and cons of various solutions will be discussed by you and your doctor.

    Uterine Polyp Symptoms

    The most typical sign of uterine polyps, occurring in 68% of all affected women, is abnormal uterine bleeding. Fibroids can sometimes cause heavy or protracted menstrual bleeding, although polyps don’t usually have the other signs of fibroid disease that were previously noted.
    • Uterine polyps can cause the following symptoms:
    1. irregular cycles
    2. bleeding in between cycles
    3. significant period bleeding
    4. After menopause, bleeding
    5. Infertility
    The easiest approach to distinguish between uterine fibroids and polyps, which have symptoms that are similar, is to get a diagnosis from a physician.

    Treatment of uterine polyps and fibroids

    There is a misperception that the only therapy for uterine fibroids is hysterectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the uterus. Obviously, this is untrue. For women who wish to avoid surgery and maintain their capacity to produce children, there are several therapies available.
    Embolization of uterine fibroids (UFE) is a non-surgical method of treating fibroids. The fibroids’ blood supply is stopped during a UFE operation, which helps to reduce symptoms and causes the fibroids to gradually decrease. The fact that this treatment method keeps fertility intact is one of its main advantages. 
    Another advantage of UFE over surgery is the speedy recovery: with UFE, patients can return to their usual activities in as little as one to two weeks, whereas a hysterectomy may need six to eight weeks.
    Mild to aggressive procedures can be used to treat uterine polyps. Women with minor polyps may benefit from hormone-releasing drugs. These can aid in symptom relief, but if the drug is stopped, the symptoms can come back. The same techniques that doctors employ for diagnosis and polyp removal, including hysteroscopy or curettage, are frequently used. A curette or other tiny surgical instrument is put into the vagina and cervix during these operations to remove the polyps. You could need surgery to remove the polyps if cancer cells are discovered in them.
    Uterine Fibroids and Polyps May Be Treated by Your Moreland OB-GYN
    Don’t err on the side of complacency if you have any of the risk factors or exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned above. They are not a new “normal” or a symptom of aging.
    Schedule a consultation with your Moreland OB-GYN to talk about your worries. Prior to the appointment:
    • Maintain a symptom journal.
    • Make a list of all the drugs you take.
    Make a note of all the inquiries you have regarding your symptoms, fibroids, and polyps.
    Fibroids and polyps in the uterus are treatable. Don’t let them constrain you. To help you get back on track to being your best self, your Moreland provider may go over your treatment choices with you.

    Comparing Uterine Polyps and Fibroids

    While uterine growths can develop in identical places, polyps and fibroids are not the same. Physically speaking, polyps develop on distinct tissue from fibroids. Particularly, endometrial tissue along the uterine lining is where polyps develop. The majority of the time, they don’t expand much beyond a few millimeters in diameter. They can, however, also shrink and regress on their own. Despite the fact that polyps may not necessarily result in cancer, they can nonetheless be dangerous. We advise removing and testing one or more in order to determine the situation.
    On the other hand, fibroids come in a wide range of sizes, with some reaching incredibly massive proportions. Set Up Your Consultation Right Away
    Once you have received a diagnosis of polyps or fibroids, start formulating a treatment strategy that will keep you secure and healthy. We at the Fibroid Treatment Collective have provided non-surgical uterine fibroids embolization to innumerable ladies in need of relief from fibroids. You can avoid surgery with this unique method. Nevertheless, it should not be used to treat uterine polyps.
    Get in touch with us right away to arrange a consultation if you suspect you may have uterine polyps or fibroids. We’ll go to work with you to identify the root of your problems and the best course of action to address them. The greatest approach to stop the uncertainty and worry that keep women trapped in a cycle of dread and ill health is to act right away.