To not be worried about bleeding between periods?

[HoumiLoomi]

I seem to have a period then 2 weeks later some brown spotting for a day or two. This is something that has only started happening in the last year and I’ve had the contraceptive implant for 2 years. I’ve always assumed it was a side affect of that. I happened to mention it in passing to DH who is insisting I see a GP and seems annoyed I haven’t taken it seriously. AIBU to think it’s just a side affect of the implant and he’s being a bit of a worrier?

I'm glad they've taken it seriously and are investigating it OP! It's good you've already got a gynae referral too. Hopefully all is ok, but it's definitely something which needs to be checked out

Don't panic. They are just taking a closer look at your cervix. It's good that they are investigating it properly. If they thought it was anything worse, you would be getting an appointment within 2 weeks (if the 2-week target still stands? Someone else may know).

You've done the right, brave thing. I know it's easy to say but please try not to worry in the meantime.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy I think they are referring me under the 2 week wait. Hence the panic. It’s really shitty timing too. I start a new job at the start of June.

Ah, I see. Well, they have to do this is anytime there is even the tiniest risk; I had this with a dodgy mole last year which ended up being absolutely fine. Maybe keep a diary this month if you get any spotting Can you remember the dates from the past couple of months? The more info they have the better.

I'm still sure everything will be fine.

At my first colposcopy appt the nurse had a look, took a biopsy and then had a second appt with loop excision. Both under half hour appointments. Annual smears for 9 years, now back to 3 yearly.

OP there are lots of us that have had bleeding in between periods then referred for investigations with normal results. Your GP is right to refer you because he can’t tell on his own what’s causing it.

NoSauce I hope everything is ok. I’m just worried that this mid cycle bleeding has been going on for ages, so if it is bad it’s had time to get really bad.

I’ve gone from not being worried at all to Googling survival statistics for cervical and uterine cancer. ☹️

OP please don’t worry. It’s just that it’s impossible for the GP to say exactly what is causing this so it’s great they are taking a closer look.

Hormonal contraceptives do odd things to your cycle and with a recent smear it’s more than likely nothing.

You’ve done the right thing.

DOI I’m a doctor (not GP though)

Thank you singme. I know the clear smear test is a positive sign. I suppose I’m more worried about the uterus stuff. DH has gone from being annoyed that I’m not taking it seriously, to being fed up I’m getting too worried.

OP uterine cancer is typically affects older women, the average age is 62. It’s rare below the age of 45 so keep that in mind. It’s good that your last smear is normal too.

Does anyone know how urgent referral letters work? Will they call or write? I’m not staying at home at the moment and don’t want to miss a letter. (In the middle of job/ house move).

They will probably write. Is there a way for you to get your mail regularly?

Please go to the GP. Probably nothing but could be. Much easier to treat things in early stage.

I called today and they said to call again on Tuesday because I won’t get an appointment before Wednesday anyway, (because of the the bank holiday). At that point they will be able to give me an update if there is one on there system.

Don’t google!

Not for a moment suggesting you have it but cervical cancer is one of the slowest developing. Can take years. Breathe deep, go to your appointment. Statistically, it will very probably be nothing to worry about and it’s excellent that you’re being checked so quickly,

Thank you Langrish, I’m not having a good night tonight I’m terrified. This is my timeline:

June 2017 had bleeding after sex went to GP several times in next few months.

December 2017 went to private consultant. Diagnosed with CIN 2 and received treatment.

June 2018 - Clear smear & HPV. Stated to have bleeding every 2 weeks.

December 2018 - had started to have some bleeding again after sex. Went back to private consultant. Said it was an ectropion and treated. Had smear repeated. Clear.

All of this just doesn’t look good. I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid as to not push for more tests and to be so complacent with my health. I just thought clear smears meant no cancer. On googling apparently that isn’t always the case and I’ve had problems since June 2017. Which is two bloody years. If this is cancer I can’t see how it will be treatable.

Although I suppose the colposcopy/ loop procedure I had done in December 2017 would have caught any cancer I had then. So it’s only had 1.5 years to develop. If it is bad. Every cloud and all that.

Oh HoumiLoomi I hope you're doing ok. Obviously, I hope all will be very well. Bu just in case...my sister has just been diagnosed with cervical cancer so if I can help at all please do say.

I've had this for the last few years, but I'm 45 and GP says it's perimenopause.
Good that your GP is taking no chances.

myrtleWilson I’m sorry about your sister. I hope that any treatment she has is successful.

Hi Houmi, I bleed between periods. It could be multiple reasons. I went to the Drs about mine 3 years ago. Had a smear and results were abnormal cells and had the loop procedure. I was still bleeding which prompted further investigation. This lead to me being diagnosed with PCOS and a fibroid. Neither of which are sinister. Just wanted to post to reassure you that it maybe something that is not scary. Good luck at Colcoscopy x

OP I had something very similar and it ended up being a polyp in my womb.

There are other things it could be, please try and not think the worse. I know it's difficult but there are plenty of other things rather than cancer especially at your age.

Thanks all. I think my problem if it turns out to be bad news the guilt I feel at having ignored this for so long. I had the impant fitted in August 2017. I had no periods for months and months. When they returned within a few months I had this 2 weekly bleed as well. Because it was only a tiny bit for maybe a day or two, not even enough for a pad, I put it down to the implant and kind of ignored it. I’m hoping it could still be the impant.

My appointment is next Thursday afternoon. I wish I had gone a year ago when symptoms first appeared. I’d be a lot less worried now.

I hope everything goes well HoumiLoomi. Try not to worry that you haven't gone sooner, hindsight vision is 20/20 as they say. The main thing is you're doing it now