Hello Doctor,
I would like to ask how long I should wait after cervical polyp removal surgery before resuming sexual intercourse. Thank you, doctor.
Phạm Thị Kiều Ngân (born in 2004)
Answered by: Dr. Huỳnh Công Tấn, Specialist Level I, Deputy Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital
Dear Ngân,
To address your concern, "How long should you wait after cervical polyp removal before resuming sexual intercourse?" here is our detailed explanation:
Cervical polyps are the overgrowth of cells in the uterine lining (also known as the endometrium). These polyps are typically round or oval in shape and range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Most uterine polyps are benign. However, some may be cancerous or have the potential to become cancerous. This abnormal cell growth can significantly impact a woman’s fertility and menstrual cycle.
The surgical removal of cervical polyps involves eliminating polyps that protrude from the cervix, especially if they cause bleeding, infection, or require pathological examination. While this procedure is generally safe, some rare cases of excessive post-operative bleeding may require hospital admission for treatment.
Sexual activity should only be resumed after a follow-up examination confirms that there is no more bleeding or inflammation. In most cases, this healing period takes about 2-3 weeks. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor for a thorough assessment and personalized advice before resuming sexual activity.
If you have further questions about how long you should wait after cervical polyp removal before resuming sexual intercourse, you can visit a Vinmec healthcare facility for professional guidance. Thank you for trusting Vinmec with your inquiry. We wish you good health.
Many women feel concerned about the recovery period after surgery and wonder how long they should abstain from sexual activity following cervical polyp removal. To address this question, patients can refer to the detailed information provided in the article below.
1. What Are Cervical Polyps?
Cervical polyps are an abnormal overgrowth of cells in the uterine lining, also called the endometrium. These polyps are typically round or oval in shape and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
While most cervical polyps are benign, some may either be cancerous or have the potential to develop into cancer. This cellular proliferation can significantly affect fertility and disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle.
2. How Long Should You Refrain From Sexual Activity After Cervical Polyp Removal?
The treatment for cervical polyps depends on the clinical symptoms of each individual. If the polyp does not cause any symptoms, no intervention is necessary.
However, for polyps that cause symptoms, are large in size, or have a risk of progressing to cancer, the doctor may recommend the following procedures:
- Medication: Used to alleviate polyp symptoms. However, the recurrence rate is high after stopping the medication, making this option neither long-term nor optimal.
- Surgical Removal of Polyps: Methods include laser cauterization, polypectomy, or using a loop excision to remove them. This process involves removing the polyp outside the cervix to prevent complications such as bleeding or infection, as well as to perform histopathological analysis. Generally, this procedure is safe, except in rare cases of severe postoperative bleeding, which may require hospital treatment.
Regarding the question of how long to refrain from sexual activity after cervical polyp removal, patients should follow their doctor’s advice. Typically, the surgical site is re-sutured post-procedure to stop bleeding and reduce the risk of recurrence. After a recovery period of 2–3 weeks and a follow-up examination, patients may resume normal activities, including vigorous physical activity and sexual intercourse, if the doctor confirms stable recovery.
During the follow-up, if the doctor verifies that the surgical site has fully healed, the sutures have dissolved, and there are no signs of infection, the patient can safely resume sexual activity.
(For the question of how long to avoid sexual intercourse after a cervical polyp removal, the patient should refrain from sexual activity for 2-3 weeks to allow the stitches to heal and prevent infection)
3. Caution for polydectomy
Here are some recommendations to help you recover more quickly and minimize complications:
- Wear loose-fitting underwear: This reduces pressure on the surgical site, promoting better healing. Avoid tight clothing that may cause discomfort.
- Refrain from using tampons for at least two weeks post-surgery.
- Plan for adequate rest and a balanced diet can support faster recovery.
- Avoid sexual intercourse or other forms of deep douching that might disrupt the healing process, especially shortly after the procedure. Consult with your doctor and follow the recovery guidelines before your next follow-up appointment.
- Maintain proper hygiene by cleansing products prescribed by your doctor to keep the surgical area clean and prevent infection.
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