Fibroids and spotting between periods

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the womb. A fibroid that bulges towards the womb cavity can interfere with the lining and lead to light bleeding outside a period. Bleeding may also relate to hormonal contraception, pregnancy, infection such as chlamydia, cervical changes, polyps, or a problem in the womb lining. A symptom does not identify one cause by itself.

A clinician may ask when the spotting occurs, whether it follows sex, how heavy it is, and whether you have pain, unusual discharge, or pregnancy possibility. Examination and tests can help distinguish fibroids from other causes.

Arrange a medical appointment for new, repeated, or unexplained spotting. Record dates, the amount and colour of bleeding, associated pain, medicines, contraception, and any chance of pregnancy. Bring information about known fibroids and previous scans. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, examination, blood tests, infection testing, or an ultrasound. Treatment depends on the cause, the fibroid's position and size, bleeding severity, and pregnancy plans; options may include observation, medicines, or a procedure.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy or rapidly increasing, you feel faint or weak, have severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fever, or could be pregnant. Contact a clinician promptly for bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex, or spotting that keeps returning. These signs need assessment because causes other than fibroids can require treatment.

Could the fibroid's position explain the spotting? Which examination or scan is appropriate? Should I have a pregnancy or infection test? What changes in bleeding should trigger urgent help? Which treatments fit my symptoms and future pregnancy plans?