Does cervical polyps cause bleeding between periods?

Cervical polyps are small growths from the cervix. Their surface can be fragile, so spotting may occur between menstrual periods, after sex, or after a pelvic examination. The bleeding may be occasional or recur. Other explanations include hormonal contraception, ovulation-related spotting, infection, vaginal or cervical irritation, fibroids, and pregnancy-related causes. A symptom cannot confirm a polyp, and a clinician may need to examine the cervix to identify where the blood is coming from.

Book an appointment if intermenstrual bleeding is new, recurrent, or unexplained. Record the dates, amount, colour, relation to sex or your period, and any pain or discharge. Tell the clinician about contraception, medicines, pregnancy possibility, and recent cervical screening. Examination may include looking at the cervix and testing for infection or pregnancy when appropriate. If a polyp is found, the clinician will discuss observation, removal, or follow-up based on its appearance and your symptoms.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, faintness, marked dizziness, or fever. Seek prompt assessment if you may be pregnant, have bleeding after menopause, or develop foul-smelling discharge. Persistent spotting should be reviewed even when it is light, because several conditions can produce the same pattern.

Could a cervical polyp explain my spotting, and can you see its source on examination? Do I need pregnancy or infection testing? If a polyp is present, what follow-up or treatment do you recommend?