DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF UTERINE POLYPS FOR IMPROVED FERTILITY OUTCOMES

Uterine Polyps and Fertility Treatment: What You Need to Know

If you are trying to conceive, especially through IUI, IVF, or embryo transfer, undiagnosed uterine polyps or fibroids may silently interfere with your chances of success. At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), we specialize in diagnosing and removing uterine polyps that impact fertility. Our goal is to create a clear, receptive uterine environment to improve embryo implantation and optimize your outcomes during active fertility cycles.

FERTILITY EVALUATION

What Are Uterine Polyps?

Uterine polyps, also called endometrial polyps, are soft, non-cancerous growths that form within the lining of the uterus. While often small and asymptomatic, they can reduce your chances of getting pregnant, especially during fertility treatment.

These growths:

Range from a few millimeters to several centimeters
Can distort the endometrial cavity and interfere with embryo implantation
They are commonly discovered during fertility evaluations, particularly after failed In vitro Fertilization (IVF), Embryo Transfers (ET) or Intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles.

Polyps are not the same as fibroids or cysts and require targeted evaluation during pre-treatment planning. While not always symptomatic, uterine polyps can cause irregular menstrual bleeding and interfere with your chances of getting pregnant. Many people confuse polyps with fibroids or cysts, but these are distinct conditions that can impact fertility in different ways.

Understanding the difference between a polyp and a fibroid is key. Polyps are usually soft and form inside the uterine lining, while fibroids are firmer, muscular growths that can grow inside or outside the uterus.

FERTILITY FACTORS

Why Polyps Matter in Fertility Treatment

Even small polyps can:

Disrupt the structure of the uterine lining
Interfere with embryo attachment
Trigger inflammation or bleeding that affects implantation
Be missed if imaging isn't timed correctly

Whether you are preparing for a frozen embryo transfer (FET), intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in vitro fertilization (IVF), the condition of your uterine lining plays a critical role in fertility success.

WARNING SIGNS

Symptoms That May Indicate Uterine Polyps

Many fertility patients have no clear symptoms. However, if you are actively pursuing treatment and experience any of the following, polyps may be a factor:

Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding
Spotting between cycles
Bleeding after embryo transfer
Thin or inconsistent uterine lining on ultrasound
Multiple failed embryo transfers or early chemical pregnancies

UNDERSTANDING CAUSES

What Causes Uterine Polyps?

The exact cause of uterine polyps is not always known, but estrogen appears to play a key role. Polyps often form when the uterine lining grows excessively due to hormonal stimulation.

You may be at higher risk if:

You are in your 30s or 40s
You are using fertility medications that increase estrogen
You have irregular cycles or unexplained treatment failures

While polyps can resemble fibroids or cysts on imaging, a detailed evaluation is necessary to identify them correctly.

DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH

How We Diagnose Uterine Polyps at AFCT

At AFCT, we use advanced, fertility-focused diagnostics to evaluate the uterine lining before treatment. Your provider may recommend one or more of the following:

Transvaginal ultrasound during your cycle's optimal window
Hysteroscopy to directly visualize and remove polyps

These tests are timed to assess the uterine cavity before embryo transfer or ovulation induction.

TREATMENT PROCEDURE

Polyp Removal Before IVF or IUI

If a uterine polyp is found, we typically recommend hysteroscopic removal before proceeding with:

Frozen embryo transfer (FET)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Egg retrieval (TVA)

This is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed at our Houston–Memorial City or The Woodlands–Spring locations. Most patients recover quickly and can resume treatment.

Ready to Get Answers?

If you're actively trying to conceive and suspect uterine polyps may be impacting your results, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists at Advanced Fertility Center of Texas. Let us help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a better chance of a successful pregnancy.

Schedule a Consultation Today Call (713) 467-4488 to schedule your private consultation.