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Bleeding after sex but clear smear test and pelvic examinati

williams88
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Hello,

Wondered if anyone has gone through the same thing has me, 3 months ago I found a lump in my left armpit and an ultrasound confirmed it was a lymph node, but they didn't think it looked suspicious. Today I've been to the doctors after concerns off cervical cancer. I've been bleeding after sex not much but just a brown discharge, had usual discharge but thought that was due to antibiotics (had chest infection)

Had my smear test a year and a half go, and came back down. 
They done a pelvic examination and said every looked okay and she will do basic tests. And said I should do pregnancy test and sti test but been with boyfriend 4 years and been using patch so not worried about that. 
I want to get a gynecologist appointment or another smear but she said I wasn't allowed. And to do these things first. 
 

Has anyone else gone through this ? 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    Lymph nodes commonly enlarge because of a recent viral or bacterial infection ( even when a person feels well ) and can sometimes be felt for several months after the infection has cleared.

    There could be a number of reasons why women bleed after sex and you can read more about this on the NHS website at this link. 

    Some of the most common causes are a cervical erosion (or ectropion) which is very common and harmless, or a hormonal imbalance. You can read more about this here.

    The NHS cervical screening laboratories are very strict and won't process smears that are not due. It is also not really a test for people who have symptoms.

    GP's are experienced at assessing symptoms and arranging tests. When your test results come through if they have concerns or are unsure about what the matter is they may refer you to see a gynaecologist who would make the decision on whether you need to have a smear test.

    Hopefully people will come along and share their experiences with you, as support like this can be invaluable. But it’s important to bear in mind that even if there are other people who have experienced similar things to you, I’m not sure that their experience will shed much light about what is going on with you. 

    I hope you know more about your situation soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Celene

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Celene

    Hello thank you for reply, I'm only 25 so trying not to worry. 
     

    Is there anyway my lymph node in my armpit could be swollen due to something more serious ? (I know I shouldnt Google but cervical cancer ?) 

    Would she off seen if I have cervical erosion at the pelvic examination ? I also bled during this examination is that normal ?  
    How do I know if I have hormone imbalance and how would the doctor find this out ? 
    i had a blood test in January would anything unusual come up on there ? 
    I had my smear test year and a half ago would anything off developed in that time ? 
    Sorry for so many questions, my doctor today didn't reassure me and I'm so worried. 
     

    Christy 

  • in reply to williams88

    Hi and thanks for getting back in touch

    Easier said than done but try not to worry and avoid googling if you can.

    As Celene said previously lymph nodes are commonly raised due to infection ( current or past) and it can take a while for them to return to normal. Ultrasounds are very good at assessing this type of thing and if there had been any doubt they would have run more tests. Also raised lymph nodes in your armpit are unlikely to linked to anything going on in the pelvis.

    During your pelvic examination the doctor would have had a good look at the cervix and you would assume she would have said if you she had seen an ectropian. Also if they had seen anything else of concern in the cervix they would be referring you to gynaecology for further checks.

    Often women do bleed or spot after an internal examination and it isn't necessarily a sign that something serious is going on, usually the cervix has just been irritated which can also happen during intercourse.

    Doctors can request blood tests to check hormone levels and thyroid function that may show an imbalance, but of course being on any form of hormonal contraception may also upset this. If any of the blood tests you had earlier in the year had been out of range i'm sure the doctor would have let you know.

    It is reassuring your cervical screening was normal and it would be highly unlikely that anything significant would change in such a short period of time, especially if everything looks normal down there.

    I understand you are worried about cancer but at your age cancer is extremely rare and there is much more of a simple and straightforward reason for the bleeding.

    I hope you have some answers soon and things settle down for you.

    Take care

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    Hi thank you for your email, 

    It has helped to calm me down, my armpit lymph node has been swollen since the covid 19 jab but you don't think it's swollen to anything bad ? I checked I don't think I have any swollen groin lymph nodes do you think this is something a doctor can check ? 

    I was also thinking after my swab tests come back maybe I should book to see a private gynaecologist for peace of mind, what would they do ? Would it be a colposcopy ? I just want something to say no it's definitely not cervical cancer. 

    As she touched my cervix with the swap would this of caused the bleed ? If there anyway my boyfriend touches it and that causing any bleeding ? 
     

    He said my blood tests were normal and something would of come up if something was wrong, but recommended no more blood tests for imbalance hormones as I'm on the patch it would give an accurate result. Do you think it would be worth coming off all contraception for a few months to see how things are going ? 

    I read up on stories on groups like this and people say they they had a normal smear test but get diagnosed with cervical cancer and it scares me that what if that happens to me ? But you said it's really unlikely. 
    My mind is just all over the place at the moment, I'm so nervous

    x 

     

  • Offline in reply to williams88

    Sorry another question, 

    is there anyway I can pay for a biopsy ? I just want to be sure to rule everything out as I've always had problems with the contraceptive pills, coils etc

     

    i know it sounds silly because everyone is telling me they are telling me it's fine but I just want that reassurance 

  • in reply to williams88

    Hello and thank you for getting back in touch with us.

    I can see how worried you are. 

    Cervical cancer in someone who is up to date with their cervical screening and was ok when it was last done does make it very unlikely that you would have cancer. I wonder if your swabs looking for infection have come back, vaginal bleeding can happen for many reasons.

    I am afraid we cannot tell you if you should come off your contraception or go for a private medical opinion.  It might be a good idea to discuss this with a practise nurse at your GP practice. I do think that if your GP was worried you would be sent more tests.  A biopsy can only be taken if there is an abnormal area that is causing concern.  You cannot just take biopsies randomly. 

    In the meantime please do stop searching the internet for a diagnosis because it will nearly always cause worry and anxiety. 

    I hope you will be okay.

    Take care,

    Caroline

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