To ask if this is normal? Possibly TMI

[LilyKiwi]

I've had a little bit of light bleeding inbetween periods for the past two months, right in the middle of my cycle and accompanied by light period cramps, very slightly uncomfortable. I went to a doctor (living abroad for a few months) and she said it's nothing to worry about unless it becomes very heavy and causes me a lot of pain, and that it's very normal to bleed between periods due to hormone changes etc (have also found my normally clear skin to be a bit spotty on forehead and jawline so hopefully this is it) I had a clear smear when my baby was 3 months old so at the end of September this year. Does this all sound like sound advice? Google is not my friend. Should also say that my maternal grandmother died young of cervical cancer so am a little more on edge.

Get a smear done then.

Even though I had a clear one in September? Will ask for one again, she seemed to think it wasn't needed but will go back.

Breadmaker
I'm guessing that getting a smear is not so easy and/ or expensive.

I know nothing and hormonal changes sounds the obvious cause, but given your anxiety I'd get one and not feel one iota of guilt about the cost.
I've never heard of any genetic link to cervical cancer btw.

Could it be ovulation? I'd get a smear test to be on the safe side. Also it will stop you worrying.

I will, it is expensive here but obviously worth it. The doctor just seemed really surprised I was concerned about it, so thought maybe I had misunderstood and most women have this at some point.

Please get it checked out. Mid cycle bleeding isn't usual and certainly if it's never happened before. Any such symptoms including pain, bloating, frequent need to urinate need to be checked. It probably is nothing at all but better to know for sure. Consider a second opinion if you don't feel you've been taken seriously. Good luck OP.

Sometimes smears aren't always accurate unfortunately. It's not normal to bleed between periods. Go back to the doctor.. Ask for another smear or a gynae referral.

Just a thought- are you/were you breastfeeding? And have you changed contraceptives since having your baby? Because both of those can cause hormonal changes that could affect your cycle.

If you had a clear smear 9 months ago, it's highly unlikely that it's anything sinister. I went to a gynaecologist because of bleeding after sex, she wasn't concerned at all as I'd had a clear smear in the 2 years previously. She performed a colposcopy though- you might want to see if you can get one of those done rather than a repeat smear, as they actually look at the cervix and might gain more info for you.

Cervical cancer is thought to be almost entirely a lifestyle induced cancer (HPV infection primarily) not one with a genetic link - see here, if that helps somewhat to put your mind at rest. So it might not be a smear that you need but I'd certainly get it checked out.

While I understand that some women get mid-cycle bleeding on a regular basis the fact that you don't means it's not normal for you.

And the "it's just hormones" HCP response is just inadequate, frankly. Of course it's bloody hormones, almost all bodily processes are mediated by some kind of hormone - they need to try harder.

I'd ask for a gynae referral rather than a smear test.

Get a smear

I had exactly the same symptoms and had a clear smear around 2 years ago

They have found abnormal cells plus HPV. Have to have an urgent colposcopy and an op to get a biopsy from further up as there are other concerns now too.

I nearly didn't go too but thank goodness I did

I have it every month (have had a scan and all is fine). It started after I had my second child, and is always day 10 of my cycle.

I'm a practice nurse. If you've had a negative smear in the last 3 years you do not need another. In fact, the lab wouldn't process it anyway. regardless of new symptoms. It's not appropriate. You need to see your GP for swabs to rule out infection, and if these are negative then a referral is likely.
It may be due to ectropian (previously called erosion) at the cervix. Whatever, don't waste time booking a smear but see your GP.

Thank you all so much. When I had my smear she did say my cervix looked slightly inflamed but not to worry and she did say I had a fibroid. A couple of months ago I did also have some slight bleeding after sex. Maybe I will go back to another doctor, and ask for a second opinion. Confused via the smear though, what would the other exam be looking for? Sorry I know far less than I should and am avoiding google. LeeMee really hope all hoes well for you

This will be nothing I think. But I think you need to go the next level above a smear and have a camera take a look. This would come after an internal exam which is just like a smear and done by your gp before the referring you.

With a clear smear 9 months ago I am sure its nothing and if it was cancer or pre cancerous cells then it will have been caught very early.

Good luck op. Hope you get sorted.

I used to get this and had all sorts of investigations but I the end the consultant just said I had "crap hormones" and put it down to stress. That was nearly 20 years ago. It stopped and I had no more problems fora while but going on the mini pill caused it to happen again.

They told me it was my hormones but it wasn't. It probably is nothing but why take a chance?

Btw even though I had a clear smear less than 3 years ago, I didn't have an issue getting one so no lab refused to look at it and lucky they did look really!

Thank you all so much, I really appreciate the time it's taken all of you to reply, it really means a lot to have the feedback, especially as I'm a bit isolated abroad at the moment. I will book another appointment (and swallow the cost!) and see what the next step is. I'll let you know how it goes, sending you loads of luck and good wishes LeeMee.

From last year, I started getting this - almost exactly as you describe. I had a smear, internal ultrasound (presumably to rule out ovarian cancer) both clear. Some months it doesn't happen, some it does - I assume it's hormonal.

Just wanted to reassure you that there isn't always a sinister cause. Good to get it properly checked out though.

Really quick sorry but could be endometriosis

you need a referral to a Gynae, they will run the correct tests and rule things out. FWIW I have been told by all HCP that mid cycle bleeding is NOT normal and should always be looked into. All symptoms of cervical cancer are same as Endo so don't panic.

See a Gynae don't waste time with GP, mine told me there was no way I could have Endo as it couldn't be seen on a scan (bollocks), Gynae actually laughed at this. I have stage 4 Endo (most severe).

What sort of blood is it you re getting mid cycle - dark brown old blood or new bright red blood?

I have heard of ovulation pain and I have heard of people getting dark or old blood with that.

Ps it is recognised

www.webmd.com/women/guide/mittelschmerz-pain

Thanks Lily

Had my first op yesterday where they have taken a biopsy of my endometriosis too. Fingers crossed it was all caught in time. Colposcopy in around 4-8 weeks and will know more then.

Good luck and I hope it's nothing serious x

Endometrium not endometriosis! (Automatic spelling!)

That's very interesting as it is slap bang in between my cycle, so would make some sense. It was a small amount of brown blood yesterday and a tiny bit of bright pink blood today, but literally tiny amount. I feel like as long as it isn't anything life threatening I really don't care. It's been a very stressful year so that might have something to do with it. Thanks so much everyone and sorry for all the gross information!

I'm so glad you got it checked out LeeMee, must have been a very frightening time. Good luck with it all, it all sounds really positive x