Could this be cervical cancer?

[Gem222w]

Hi all,

I am currently awaiting a smear which has been delayed due to COVID but in all honesty it's been approx 6 years since my last one

I am 38 years old and since having my daughter in March 2017, I have not been on any contraception(husband has now had a vasectomy) and my periods are a pretty consistent 23-25 day cycle, menstruating approx 3-4 days med- heavy flow. At the beginning of the lockdown last year my period was approx a week late which I put down to stress, following that it resumed into its usual pattern.

Last night I began bleeding 8 days earlier than my app suggests I should be. I'm guessing it's my period based on the flow, but I'm rarely early other than by perhaps a day or two at the most. I did have sex with my husband the day previous but it was a full 24 hours after that, that the bleeding started. I have been stressed but not much more than I have been for the duration of the pandemic.

I will be phoning my doctor's on Monday to see if I can have my smear asap and asking for their advice - but wondered if any of the ladies who have been diagnosed had similar as I'm worried it's something sinister and looking at the symptoms, I'm unsure if bleeding between periods symptoms were generally spotting or have others had earlier period- like bleeds as a symptom. I haven't had any discharge or pelvic pain. I do have lower back pain on one side but have had this a long while and has been diagnosed as sciatica.

Thanks in advance.

Gemma

[LaBellina]

I have no advice for you other then my first thought was maybe early menopause?
But I'm not a medical professional in any way. I hope everything turns out fine

[Gem222w]

Thank you yes, I have had a look at menopause and I thought perhaps at 38 it was a little early but would prefer it to be that than something more sinister. Thanks for the well wishes.x

[sylbunny]

This just sounds like normal period fluctuations. Nobody is truly regular and the occasional late or early period is normal. Always a great idea to get a smear done though and if it becomes regularly irregular then I'd push the doctor for hormone tests

[myrtleWilson]

I hope it is nothing serious. I wasn't sure from your OP if you were just ringing the smear booking nurse but if so I'd suggest to ring up and ask for GP appointment for mid cycle bleeding. My understanding is that if you ask for a smear it will be slotted into the smear process (even if you're overdue a smear). If you get a GP appointment, they can arrange a smear and/or make other referrals.

[DustyMaiden]

I don’t think an early period is a sign of cancer. Symptoms of cancer usually appear slowly. You should have your smear done anyway. People are not robots sometimes periods are late or early particularly as you get nearer to menopause.
You seem very anxious.

[Gem222w]

Hi, yes I'm definitely very anxious. 😬 I think it's a combination of my usual cycle being so consistent and the fact that it's been a long while since I had a smear so my mind and Dr. Google searching has gone into overdrive. Will ring the docs on Monday and try and get a telephone appointment with the doctor and also see if they have restarted smear testing.

[Jeremyironseverything]

I've had cervical cancer. I think you are worrying unnecessarily.

[Skyliner001]

My periods have been haywire recently with a lot of stress, including skipping two earlier last year.

I don't think your symptoms sound like cervical cancer or like early menopause, I think they sound like normal menstrual fluctuations. The body is a very strange and wonderful thing. But it does scare us sometimes! I really genuinely wouldn't worry

[missmc93]

Hi I’m looking for some advice please. Really anxious and confused at the moment.

On Wednesday I had my long overdue smear done, the nurse said she could see something wrong with my cervix but wasn’t sure if it was cervix erosion a lesion ect.. I mentioned that I have had pain and bleeding during and after sex for more than 6 months. Also heavy/dull pelvic pain that spreads down my right leg (I didn’t know these were symptoms of cervical cancer until after the app i googled it). I left the doctors office and 20mins later the nurse called me and said my gp wanted to see me the next day.

I went to see my gp (nurse was there too). He done an exam and pelvic exam. Said there’s definitely something going on with the cervix but didn’t mention anything the nurse thought it was. He said it looked like flesh protruding from the inside of my cervix, could be something pressing down on it. Then he said he’s referring me to see a gynecologist. Didn’t say when the app would be & wouldn’t say what he thinks is wrong. I’m just worried as they don’t even have my smear results back yet & I’m already getting referred to a gynae. Should I be worried?

So sorry for the long post.

[ShowOfHands]

It might be worth starting your own thread so that you get specific responses to your question.

I have no experience so shall just wish you all the best.

[missmc93]

I thought that’s what I did, sorry. Don’t have a clue with this I just made an account tonight lol. Thank
You.

[ShowOfHands]

Aah welcome to Mumsnet. If you click on the drop down menu, choose start new thread rather than add post! It's a bit confusing I think.

[missmc93]

All done now thanks so much!