Ayurvedic management of Uterine Polyp: A case study

Uterine polyps are localized hyperplasic overgrowths of endometrial glands and stroma around a vascular core that form a sessile or pedunculated projection from the surface of the endometrium. Single or multiple polyps can occur that range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size with prevalence rate of 10 to 24%. The likelihood of an endometrial polyp harboring malignancy is 2-3%.

This is a case study of 36 year old female patient with a history of abdominal pain, vaginal spotting after intercourse and mid-cycle vaginal spotting for one year. The SHG performed on July 2007 revealed the presence of a 3.5 cm long polyp nearly filling the dorsal aspect of the endometrial canal and arising near the lower uterine segment. Regular approach of surgery was suggested, but patient denied surgery and came to University clinic for an Ayurvedic treatment. The therapeutic protocol included Ayurvedic herbal formula Ashoka arishtam 3 teaspoons 2 times a day and Kanchanara guggulu 2 tablets 2 times a day. Two follow up sessions was done in every 30 days. After 5 months of treatment, patient states that she no longer has any post-coital spotting or the mid-cycle spotting and right lower quadrant discomfort. A repeat ultrasound done on November 2007 showed stable pelvic structures with a 2.0 cm polyp in the endometrial canal. The patient refuses surgical intervention and is willing to continue Ayurvedic therapy. This paper tries to evaluate the potential role of Ayurvedic treatment in management of uterine polyp.