Should I see my GP?

[healththrowawayx]

I have recently been experiencing bleeding after sex, a bit of random spotting, and clear/slippery discharge. All on/off. This is unusual as I don’t have menses due to my contraception

At a STI check up, my cervix started to bleed when the speculum was opened. The speculum exam hurt, more than normal, it was sharp with a stinging sensation. Was told to see what my results were then take it from there to rule out any STIs

My results all came back clean/normal, so what could this be? Should I be more concerned about this? Feel a bit embarrassed speaking to my GP. The bleeding is on/off so it isn’t a major concern

[Morningchorus]

Please don’t be embarrassed to see your GP.

This is not an uncommon problem but can have serious underlying causes so really important to get it checked.

They will want you to see them about things like this. Doesn’t necessarily need to be an urgent same day appointment but you do need to make one.

All the best 😊

[over50andfab]

Hi OP, can I ask if you shared your concerns with your GUM clinic and what they suggested if the STI results came back clear but you were still experiencing bleeding. I had some problems and after a check up at my GUM clinic vaginal atrophy was diagnosed and I was given something to help.

I would certainly say to see your GP for further advice and to address any concerns. They can go over a few things with you - regular cervical screening etc.

If you haven’t seen it, you might find this helpful www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-causes-a-woman-to-bleed-after-sex/

[healththrowawayx]

Thanks, I booked an appointment for 4 weeks time.

If I’m being honest, I think the practitioner assumed that I had an STI; they just said to wait for my results & didn’t really discuss other possibilities. Said it was normal for this to happen with certain STIs etc. Also attributed the stinging to the products I use in the shower.

I’m in my 20s so haven’t had menopause, I haven’t had a cervical screening test yet either. This may sound silly but I’m absolutely dreading having another speculum exam as the last one really hurt

[over50andfab]

Shame the practitioner just assumed STIs and didn’t advise further. It’s true that some bath/shower products can cause irritation - only water ever goes near my fanjo when washing!

Hopefully you will get more advice and reassurance at your GP appointment. As in the link I posted, it’s advised to get something like this checked out, so don’t be embarrassed to do so.

Do share any concerns with your GP re speculum exams. My DD had similar and her GP was so gentle and careful she barely felt a thing. I have found it helps to take a couple of painkillers beforehand, then try to relax all the lower stomach area by placing my hand somewhere round my tummy button and focusing on my breathing.

For future STI testing you can always take DIY swabs - no speculum needed.

[healththrowawayx]

Thank you so much for your advice! Really helpful.

I have just had sort-of-pink and light bleeding, it’s weird. Getting myself worried when googling, 4 weeks feels like such a long time!

[Wenttoseainasieve]

How old are you, are you too young for the cervical screening programme?

Either way, you need to see your GP and ideally be referred to gynaecology for colposcopy. This means the docs can look properly at your cervix to see what's going on.

An ectropian is likely, where some of the cells of the inner cervix overgrow slightly into the outer part. They are delicate and bleed easily. It's harmless and a variation of normal, especially in young women using hormonal contraception. I have this and bleed after smears every time.

[healththrowawayx]

I’m under 25, so I still have a few years to go before that yes. A colposcopy seems like it may be painful, I could barely handle the normal speculum exam!

I’m not sure if I’m overreacting or not. I have had extremely sharp pain in my stomach all day when walking (sort of like a really intense stitch, I have had to stop walking at points) and I am still bleeding. I’m wearing a pad but weirdly the pad has stayed clear as the blood is sort of staying put?

I am due for another depo injection next month, maybe it’s that?

[over50andfab]

Cervical screening invites start to go out in the year preceding your 25th birthday. I’ve had a colposcopy. It was like a smear test but just took a bit longer.

I think a speculum exam can depend on who is doing it. My GP surgery had the same nurse for many years doing it who was brilliant. The next one wasn’t so good so now the GP does it..

Irregular bleeding can be caused by any contraception I think, depo injection included. I have the Mirena coil and while initially it stopped my periods dead, every so often - possible every month? - I get some dark brown discharge, which will be old blood - like yours it stays inside though.

Sorry to hear about the stomach pain. If it’s bad how about phoning 111 for advice?