Cervical polyps are small, typically non-cancerous growths on the cervix or in the cervical canal, which is the passage connecting the uterus to the vagina. They are often discovered during a routine pelvic exam and may cause symptoms like abnormal bleeding or discharge. The removal of a cervical polyp, known as a polypectomy, is usually a quick, minor outpatient procedure. Understanding the expected recovery process is important, as it involves temporary physical sensations and restrictions to allow the cervix to heal fully.
Common Physical Sensations
The most common physical experience following a cervical polypectomy is mild cramping, often described as similar to menstrual period pain. This discomfort results from the cervix reacting to the manipulation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, are typically sufficient to manage this cramping, which should subside quickly within the first few hours or days.
Light vaginal spotting or bleeding is also expected, as the polyp base is a small wound on the delicate cervical tissue. This discharge may be light red, pink, or brownish in color and is generally minimal. While it may last for a few days, light spotting can continue for up to one to two weeks. A change in vaginal discharge is common, sometimes appearing watery or slightly blood-tinged while the site heals. If the polyp required removal using a specialized technique, such as a heated wire loop, light bleeding might extend up to four weeks.
Resuming Normal Activities
To prevent infection and ensure proper healing of the cervical tissue, certain temporary restrictions on activity are recommended. The most important guideline involves avoiding placing anything into the vagina for one to two weeks, or until all spotting or discharge has completely stopped.
This means abstaining from sexual intercourse to prevent irritation or damage to the healing site. Similarly, the use of tampons should be avoided; sanitary pads must be used instead to manage post-procedure discharge. Avoiding tampons prevents the introduction of bacteria and mechanical irritation.
Limitations on strenuous activity are also advised for the first week to ten days post-procedure. Activities like heavy lifting, intense exercise, and swimming should be paused during this recovery window. Strenuous activities can increase pelvic blood flow and pressure, which may increase the risk of bleeding or slow the healing process.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Follow-Up Care
While most recoveries are smooth, it is important to recognize signs that may indicate a complication requiring prompt medical attention. A key warning sign is heavy, excessive bleeding, defined as soaking through one or more sanitary pads in an hour for two consecutive hours. Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication should also be reported immediately.
Signs of a possible infection include a fever above 100.4°F, a foul-smelling or discolored vaginal discharge, or increasing pain in the lower abdomen. These symptoms suggest bacterial colonization at the healing site and require a medical assessment, often leading to a course of antibiotics. It is important to differentiate the expected mild cramping and light spotting from these more severe symptoms.
A standard component of care involves sending the removed polyp tissue to a laboratory for histopathological analysis. This examination is performed to confirm the benign nature of the growth and rule out the rare possibility of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells. The results of this analysis are usually available to the patient’s healthcare provider within one to two weeks.
Based on the pathology results and the patient’s recovery, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled with the doctor. This consultation ensures the healing process is complete, addresses any lingering symptoms, and discusses the final results of the polyp analysis. The timing of this follow-up will depend on the specific procedure performed and the doctor’s protocol.