ABSTRACT
The presence of endometrial polyps is being increasingly recognized following the introduction of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and outpatient hysteroscopy. The prevalence of endometrial polyps in women presenting with abnormal pre-or postmenopausal bleeding is around 25 per cent, although rates between 10 and 40 per cent have been reported. The prevalence of polyps in asymptomatic women is uncertain, but generally thought to be 10 per cent. Small uterine polyps can regress spontaneously, whereas larger polyps are more likely to persist and are associated with abnormal uterine bleeding. Tamoxifen and cervical polyps are independent risk factors for endometrial polyps. The role of other factors such as age, menopause and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is less clear as published data are conflicting.
