Bleeding/spotting between periods- cervical cancer?

So for the last two years I've had a few things going on with my health but the most annoying and worrying thing is the spotting/bleeding between periods.

im In my early 30s and these issues started a year after giving birth. 

I initially rang GP surgery June 2020 and due to covid they gave me antibiotics incase it was an infection. They were not worried as I'd had a clear smear 6 months before. A few months later I went back and given an examination. All looked ok and given swabs which showed bad thrush infection so was given a six month course of thrush treatment.

to cut a long story short it continued and I was reffered for an ultrasound. Had normal pelvic ultrasounds and also a trans vaginal ultrasound and all ok. 
 

a year down the line I was fed up with it all so GP finally agreed that I could be referred to gynaecology.

gynecologist took a quick look with a speculum and had a chat (wasn't reassuring in the slightest as I think I was in and out in 10 mins!) and sent me on my way with a recommendation of seeing my GP again for a prescription for the pill.

 

took a few months for the hospital letter to arrive at the GP and for the GP to decide which pill might be best, which takes us to October 2021

when thankfully I seem to go to having regular periods no spotting etc for three cycles! (This hasn't happened before ever, I've always had somewhat irregular cuticles!) so I decided against the pill and would continue to monitor. 
 

just been to the loo and I'm spotting again only a tiny bit though, just when wiping and a very small amount. I only came off my period last week.

im fed up. Would the ultrasound and speculum exam be enough for my symptoms? This has been going on for 18 months and I just can't take the worry but I keep being told it's hormonal or in my head as another symptom Is painful sex- unfortunately for my husband our sex life has been on hold for the last 10 months due to the pain- which the gynaecologist told me to get CBT for

 

anyway just wondering if anyone had any advice or reassurance, I have a follow up phone call in a month or so, it will be interesting to see what they come up with next.  
 

Would cervical cancer be seen by the naked eye or a transvaginal scan? Still worrying about it even though things have slightly improved I'm on edge all the time incase it starts up fully again! 
 

thanks x

  • Hi charl123

    It is far more likely that there is a much less sinister explanation for your symptoms than cervical cancer.

    You have been seen by a gynaecologist who would have done further testing if your cervix looked unusual, scans have been clear, and you had a clear smear. Does none of this reassure you at all?

    It does seem from your previous postings that you have been worried about various types of cancer, so perhaps you need help with your health anxiety. It’s probably not a good idea to be on a cancer forum increasing your anxiety.

    With cervical cancer, yes it can be seen with the naked eye if it is a certain size. But your symptoms don’t sound like cervical cancer. The mind can be a very powerful thing, and once you fixate on something, you can make yourself think all sorts, and feel every twinge and niggle. It’s much more likely that your issues are hormonal as has been suggested, and seeking some cbt sounds like a good idea. x

     

     

  • Hi thanks for your reply. 
    yes I agree he would have done testing if he thought the spotting was something more sinister.

    and surely my symptoms would not have stopped for a brief period if it was cervical cancer.

    yes I do have terrible anxiety, I've had some intense CBT a few years ago when it all started but it didn't seem to help xx

  • In my personal experience of cervical cancer, and I’ve gone through it twice, the symptoms are relentless and increase-they don’t just disappear.

    You should be reassured by the testing you’ve had and try not to fixate on this. The gynaecologist is the specialist and you would have had further testing if they thought for a moment there was any suspicion of cancer. But I do think you need further help with your terrible health anxiety which must be very debilitating for you. x