Hello!

I’ve had a bit of a scare this past week as I’ve noticed a hard lump on my cervix during a routine self check (I’m able to feel my cervix, and regularly do so to check in with where my cycle is at as it sits lowest when my period is due).

it’s smaller than a pea, but very firm. I’ve also noticed over the past 4-6 months or so that my periods have changed. I have always been heavy and painful but relatively regular. My periods are now showing up quite late, and I have intermittent spotting (ranging from pink to brown to red) several days before my period starts. This has been confusing and a little bit annoying but I didn’t really feel cause for concern until I found the lump.

I’m quite anxious about my health as a rule but have never really had anything like this. It’s made me think back on other symptoms I’ve brushed off previously, such as consistent pain in my legs, vaginal dryness and a sharp pain in my pelvic region if I don’t brace my core when I sneeze. I also had a relatively mild UTI recently, which isn’t a common occurrence for me, but i did experience some blood in my urine as well as passing some small pieces of tissue and tiny blood clots. This was dismissed by my GP and I was made to feel quite silly for not just seeking antibiotics from the pharmacy. 

I’m aware that I’m below the age of 25, so smear tests and screenings aren’t something I’ve been offered yet, and won’t be for the next two years. I think the reason I’m so shaken up by this, alongside the obvious fact of a lump being quite scary, is because I became sexually active before I was vaccinated against HPV and I’m really afraid that something serious could be going on. This is something that is causing me a lot of distress so I would really appreciate any information from anyone who can speak on a similar experience, or a professional who has any advice or guidance. I have only told my partner and a friend so far. 

I’d also just like to add, although it might not be relevant, that I don’t seem to have any symptoms such as weight loss (I’ve actually just started on a low dose of weight loss medication in the past month as I really struggle to lose weight, and whilst I am very physically active and quite healthy, I fall into the overweight BMI range for my height.) or bleeding after intercourse, and aside from a general lower amount of discharge, I haven’t noticed any unpleasant changes there either.

I’ve arranged to speak to my GP over the phone this week, and I’m going to get in touch with a local reproductive health service to see if they can offer me any support or an exam or something. 

thanks for reading, so sorry about the length. 

sincerely,

a very nervous gal!