What causes cervical polyps?

Cervical polyps are benign, finger-like growths that arise from the endocervical canal—the mucosal-lined passage connecting the vagina to the uterine cavity. They most commonly result from chronic inflammation of the cervical epithelium, often secondary to recurrent infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, or cervicitis), hormonal influences—particularly elevated estrogen levels—and vascular congestion in the cervical stroma. Estrogen stimulates glandular proliferation and vascular hyperplasia, which can lead to localized outpouchings of endocervical mucosa. Additionally, local tissue repair responses following trauma (such as childbirth, cervical procedures, or instrumentation) may contribute to polyp formation. While the vast majority are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during routine pelvic examination, some may cause symptoms including intermenstrual spotting, postcoital bleeding, or mucoid vaginal discharge. Histologically, they typically consist of fibrovascular cores covered by columnar or squamous epithelium, and although rare, malignant transformation is possible—hence histopathologic evaluation after removal is standard practice.