Cervical polypectomy

Summary

Cervical polypectomy is the removal of a polyp — a small, almost always benign growth — from the cervix (the neck of the womb). It is one of the quickest gynaecological procedures: many polyps are removed in the clinic without any anaesthetic; larger ones are removed as a short day procedure.

• The polyp is gently twisted or snipped off at its stalk and sent to the laboratory.
• In clinic it takes a few minutes; under anaesthetic it is often combined with a hysteroscopy to check the womb cavity for further polyps.
• Light bleeding or spotting for a few days is normal; most women carry on with their day.

This information supports discussion with your healthcare team. Reading, saving or printing it does not constitute consent to surgery.

About the operation

Cervical polyps are common, especially after childbirth and around the change of life. Most cause no symptoms and are found at a routine examination or smear; some cause bleeding between periods, after sex, or a watery discharge. Nearly all are benign, but every removed polyp is examined in the laboratory to be sure.

Because polyps on the cervix sometimes have companions inside the womb, your consultant may recommend removing the polyp under anaesthetic together with a hysteroscopy — one sitting, both questions answered. Endometrial (womb-lining) polyps are covered in our hysteroscopy, EUA and D&C guide.

Why it is performed

• Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause traced to a polyp
• Discharge caused by a polyp
• Found on examination — visible polyps are usually removed even without symptoms, so the laboratory can confirm they are benign

Benefits

• Symptoms usually stop once the polyp is gone.
• Certainty — the laboratory confirms the polyp is benign.
• Minimal disruption — a few minutes, usually no anaesthetic, no time off.

Alternatives

• Leave and observe — reasonable for a small, symptomless polyp in a younger woman, though most gynaecologists prefer removal for certainty.
• Removal with hysteroscopy under anaesthetic — when the polyp is large, its base is broad, or the womb cavity also needs checking.

Preparing for surgery

For clinic removal, no preparation is needed — it can often be done at the same visit the polyp is found. Make sure your smear history is up to date. For removal under anaesthetic, the usual day-procedure preparations apply: fasting from 6 hours before (water up to 2 hours), a medicines review, and someone to take you home.

The day of surgery

In clinic: the procedure is explained, your verbal consent is taken, and it is done there and then — you can ask to stop at any point. As a day procedure: the team confirms your identity and the plan, you meet the anaesthetist and surgeon, and you sign the consent form. You can still change your mind at this point.

During the operation

A speculum (as for a smear) shows the cervix. The polyp is grasped with fine forceps and gently twisted free at its stalk, or snipped; the base may be lightly cauterised to stop bleeding. Under anaesthetic, a hysteroscope is usually passed first to inspect the womb cavity and remove any polyps inside. Everything removed goes to the laboratory.

After the operation

• Spotting or light bleeding for a few days is normal.
• Cramping is mild and brief, if any.
• Clinic patients go straight home or back to work; day-procedure patients go home the same day.

Recovery at home

• Normal activity straight away (a day or two of rest after an anaesthetic).
• Use pads rather than tampons while spotting; avoid sex until it settles — a few days to a week.
• Results: the laboratory report takes about 1–2 weeks; you will be told the result and whether any follow-up is needed.

Risks and complications

Expected, temporary effects

• Spotting and mild cramps for a few days

Complications

• Bleeding from the polyp base — usually minor and easily controlled (uncommon).
• Infection — treated with antibiotics (rare).
• Recurrence — new polyps can form over the years (fairly common; report new bleeding).
• An unexpected laboratory finding — rare, and the reason removal is worthwhile.

When to seek help

After you go home, seek medical advice the same day if you notice:

• Heavy bleeding from the operation site or vagina
• Fever (38 °C or higher) or feeling increasingly unwell
• Worsening pain not controlled by your painkillers
• An offensive-smelling discharge

Preparing for your consent discussion

Consent is a conversation, not a signature. Before agreeing you should feel you understand why this procedure is recommended for you, what the realistic alternatives are, and which risks matter most in your case. Print this checklist and bring it to your consultation.

Sources and review

This page was drafted against the published guidance below. Each reference was live when checked; dates will be confirmed at clinical review.

1. National Health Service (UK). Cervical polyps and abnormal bleeding — patient resources. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/ [last checked 12 August 2026].
2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Patient information — browse all. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/ [last checked 12 August 2026].