Fibroids and polyps
What are fibroids and polyps? Fibroids and polyps are typically non-cancerous growths, and a common women's health condition. What are fibroids? Fibroids are benign tumours that grow in and around the uterus. Around one in five women between 30 and 50 years have fibroids. What are the symptoms of fibroids? Fibroids usually don't cause any symptoms and most women and people wi
What it is
Fibroids are firm masses of uterine muscle that grow within the wall (intramural), bulge into the cavity (submucosal) or hang into the abdomen (subserosal). Polyps are softer outgrowths of the womb lining itself. The location and size — not the existence — determines whether they cause symptoms.
Symptoms and signs
- Heavy or prolonged periods, sometimes with anaemia.
- Bleeding between periods or after intercourse — particularly with polyps.
- Pelvic pressure, bloating, or a palpable lower-abdominal mass (large fibroids).
- Frequent urination or constipation from a fibroid pressing on bladder or bowel.
- Difficulty conceiving or recurrent miscarriage, where the cavity is distorted.
How we investigate
Pelvic examination, transvaginal pelvic ultrasound, and — for any fibroid that may distort the cavity or for evaluation of polyps and abnormal bleeding — outpatient hysteroscopy with on-site polyp removal in the same visit where appropriate (our preferred "see-and-treat" model).
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Watchful waiting — asymptomatic fibroids found incidentally rarely need treatment.
- Medical management — Mirena IUS, tranexamic acid, hormonal therapy and selective progesterone receptor modulators for symptom control.
- Hysteroscopic resection — outpatient removal of submucosal fibroids and endometrial polyps under local anaesthetic, with rapid same-day discharge.
- Uterine artery embolisation — interventional-radiology pathway to shrink fibroids without surgery; coordinated with our partner centres.
- Myomectomy — surgical removal of fibroids preserving the womb, for women wishing to maintain fertility.
- Hysterectomy — definitive option for completed-family patients with severe symptoms.
What is the difference between a fibroid and a polyp? +
Fibroids are firm growths of uterine muscle, which can sit within the wall, bulge into the cavity or hang outside the womb. Polyps are softer outgrowths of the womb lining (endometrium). Both can cause heavy or irregular bleeding but they are different structures with different treatment options.
Do fibroids always need treatment? +
No. Asymptomatic fibroids found incidentally rarely require treatment. The decision depends on your symptoms, their size and location, and whether you want to preserve fertility. Watchful waiting with an annual scan is often the right choice.
Can fibroids or polyps cause infertility? +
Submucosal fibroids and polyps that distort the uterine cavity can interfere with implantation and increase miscarriage risk. Removing them hysteroscopically (outpatient, same-day) typically improves outcomes before IVF or natural conception.
What is the 'see-and-treat' hysteroscopy at The Vesey? +
At The Vesey, outpatient hysteroscopy means that if a polyp is found during the diagnostic examination, we remove it in the same appointment under local anaesthetic — no second procedure, no general anaesthetic, home within an hour.
Pricing at a glance
Initial consultant gynaecology consultation £260. Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound from £240. Outpatient hysteroscopy with polypectomy from £1,650 (all-inclusive). Major surgical pricing on written quotation. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
See us if you have been told you have fibroids but no one has explained your options, if you have heavy bleeding affecting daily life, or if you are pre-conception and fibroids may be relevant to your planning.
Cost and pathway
Initial consultant gynaecology consultation £260. Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound from £240. Outpatient hysteroscopy with polypectomy from £1,650 (all-inclusive). Major surgical pricing on written quotation.
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