Bleeding on pill after years of none

I am 35 and been on cerelle/desogestrel for nearly 5 years. I never bleed at all. Suddenly last week I started bleeding and still am. It is accompanied with really bad cramps and is as heavy as a period. I also have pains in the tops of my legs aswell as my lower stomach. I have health anxiety and have myself worried sick. I did have CIN3 9 years ago but all smears clear since. My last one was a year ago and was normal. 

Has anyone else had this happen? After not bleeding in so long its just very abnormal for me and I'm such a worrier. Any advice would be helpful. 

 

Thank you

  • I started bleeding in between periods and I ended up having an ovarian cyst and fibroids. Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, so can ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts. 

    I'm on the pill (Yasmin). I was put on it after I was diagnosed with the ovarian cyst. Sometimes, I still experience bleeding which is awful. It's improved a bit since I've lost weight but any time I eat something higher in calories like flaxseed, I end up bleeding again.

    My bleeding was painful, like a heavy period. I ended up bleeding for 2 full weeks constantly. Before that, my period got heavier and longer (increased to 7 days when it was always 5 days). 

    I would ask your GP for a Ca125 blood test. Explain your symptoms. Mention how long you're having them, that you're worried it could be an ovarian cyst. Are you experiencing abdominal bloating that is persistent? I don't think smears can detect ovarian cysts or ovarian cyst..smear test can only detect cervical cancer. There's no specific test for ovarian cancer or ovarian cysts. I also experienced changes in digestion- constipation as well as fatigue, lower back pain and cramps when I overate that were akin to period cramps. I would say you'll need to be referred for an ultrasound scan tbh. 

     

     

     

     

  • Saw the doctor today. She wasnt too concerned and said it was probably just from the pill. She did a swab and told me to come off the pill and see does the bleeding stop. I asked her for a c125 blood test which I'm getting next week. Smear was last year so she doesnt feel another one needs done but I did have cin3 9 years ago so that worries me too. She couldnt check my cervix because there was blood on it. I've decided I'm going to pay private for a pelvic ultrasound as I'm honestly not happy just assuming this is the pill. The pains are so bad and this isnt normal for me at all

  • If it is an ovarian cyst, the bleeding will come back the minute you're off the pill. Or at least that's my experience anyway.

    I think getting a smear test and physical exam is a good idea tbh. My gynaecologist couldn't perform a smear test on me as I was bleeding- bleeding would contaminate the results, it has to be clear.

    I think you're right to get an ultrasound..if anything shows up like an ovarian cyst, you'll probably need an MRI pelvic scan and to have surgery to remove the cyst. If it's a small cyst, I think they can do watchful waiting but if you're getting really bad pain, I would guess that it's a large cyst. A lot of ovarian cysts are benign so just take it one step at a time. I had lower back pain, really bad cramps..very similar symptoms to what you describe. At one point, I was taking solpadeine to relieve the pain! If it's a large cyst, it can twist on itself and cause blood haemorrhaging so it's important to get it removed. Hope I'm not worrying you by telling you this but I really think your doctor is dismissing your symptoms so be assertive and keep pushing to get the medical care you need. 

    Hope you get on okay with the ultrasound.