Can endometrial polyps cause bleeding between periods?

An endometrial polyp is an overgrowth of tissue from the lining inside the uterus. It may cause light spotting, bleeding after sex, heavier periods, or bleeding that appears between expected periods. Some polyps cause no symptoms. The pattern alone cannot identify the cause: hormonal changes, fibroids, infection, some medicines, pregnancy-related problems, and changes in the cervix can also produce unexpected bleeding.

A clinician may ask when the bleeding occurs, how much you notice, whether it follows sex, and whether your cycles have changed. Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, assessment may include a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, blood tests, or imaging such as an ultrasound. An ultrasound can show a possible polyp, but further examination may be needed to confirm what is causing the bleeding.

Arrange a medical appointment if bleeding between periods is new, recurring, or different from your usual pattern. Record the dates, whether the bleeding is spotting or a flow, any pain, and any relationship to sex or contraception. Tell the clinician if pregnancy is possible, if you take blood-thinning medicine, or if you have reached menopause. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve monitoring, medicine, or removal of a polyp when appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy or rapidly increasing, or if it comes with fainting, marked dizziness, severe lower abdominal pain, fever, or unusual weakness. Seek prompt care for bleeding during pregnancy or any bleeding after menopause. These situations need assessment because the symptom may have causes that require attention beyond an endometrial polyp.

You could ask: Could a polyp explain the timing and amount of my bleeding? What examinations or tests are suitable for me? If a polyp is found, should it be monitored or removed? Which symptoms should prompt urgent help while I wait for assessment?