A polyp of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), sometimes without symptoms, sometimes with abnormal bleeding such as intermenstrual bleeding, premenstrual spotting or heavy periods. A cause of infertility (and of failure of assisted conception to result in pregnancy). Diagnosable with transvaginal ultrasound.

A polyp of the canal of the cervix. A cause of bleeding after sex (postcoital bleeding). Sometimes accompanied by an endometrial polyp, which can cause infertility, and which should thus be looked for with a transvaginal ultrasound.

An examination of the endometrial cavity of the uterus by a thin fiberoptic instrument, similar to the instrument used for laparoscopy. Hysteroscopy can be done in the office, with or without sedation, to make a diagnosis, or in the operating room under general anesthesia, often in association with laparoscopy or to carry out a hysteroscopic operation, such as removal of an endometrial polyp, submucous fibroid or uterine septum.

A form of light intermenstrual bleeding consistently timed over a few days to a week before the period starts properly, although it might not happen every month. About 80 percent of the time it signals the presence of endometriosis, making it the most predictive symptom for this condition; about 10 percent of the time it means an abnormality of the uterus such as fibroids, an endometrial polyp or endometritis; the remaining 10 percent of the time there is no explanation found. It has nothing to do with premenstrual tension, which if present is a coincidence.