GP dismissing my concerns completely

[londonfql]

I've suffered with recurring UTI's since my DS was born.

I had a break from not getting any, then 6 weeks ago I got another one. The antibiotics didn't work so I was put on another lot. They did the trick!

I went to the GP three weeks ago because I keep getting abnormal bleeding. I haven't had a period for 2 months now, which is fine, that can be put down to whatever for now. But it's the irregular bleeding that worried me.

I bleed like a light spotting all the time. I go to wipe myself and every other day I'll be bleeding a little bit, all the time.

After sex I'm having quite a big bleed This has never happened to me before. And it's actually very painful.

GP says this is all UTI related and the blood may just be from my UTI urine. But it's a completely different hole ffs

And, the bleeding is thick and mucusy at times because it's from the vagina (do apologies for these details).

AIBU to change GP's?! As in see a different one. I phoned the reception today and requested a different GP. She told me I'd just get the same answer as they are all very good, and that they often liaise with each other anyway. She was very matter of fact but not unkind.

I'm really unsure where to go from here but the bleeding is really annoying me now and I'm sick of painful sex that I've never had before. I know sex isn't a must have but it's awful and really emotionally upsetting me

is there a sexual health clinic in your area you could go to?

I couldn't read and run. You poor thing, that sounds awful!

Yes, I would ask for a different GP, and try to push to be referred to gynaecology for some examinations to find the source of the bleeding. Explain that you really are very concerned, if they say they won't refer, ask why.

Hope all goes well for you

YANBU see another GP!

Yes definetly go and see a different GP

Pain after sex is not normal, it could be a sign of PID or some sort of infection

YANBU at all. Find another GP ASAP.

I phoned the reception today and requested a different GP. She told me I'd just get the same answer as they are all very good, and that they often liaise with each other anyway. She was very matter of fact but not unkind. Put that in writing to the Practice Manager! You are fully entitled to a second opinion within the practice an should NEVER be put off doing so! The reception team may need a quick reminder...

So do make an appointment with another GP or, if you have a GUM nearby, go and see them.

My DD has PSOC and it was hormones that was causing her recurrent UTIs, she also had bleeding as you describe.

So it could be hormonal.

How old is your DS, have you started contraception?

Either way you need to see another GP.

Absolutely get another opinion. Your instincts are telling you something is wrong. You know your body better than any GP. I have absolutely no medical knowledge whatsoever but surely she should be suggesting a smear or something similar?

I’d def get a second opinion and as others have said a referral for further checks would not be an unreasonable expectation in this case, for peace of mind if nothing else. It’s very bad service to try deter you from a second opinion, and it’s not nice for you either it leaves you feeling worried, your issue unresolved and honestly it’s very unprofessional of them. You have nothing to lose with a second opinion and everything to gain!

Thanks all for the swift replies

My GP wants to take a wait and see approach. He said he will try 'another avenue' if the problem is still present in another few weeks. For now he's happy to wait as I have no UTI pains like tummy pain or pain when I pass urine.

I do have a sexual health clinic in the area. Yes. Would they see me for this? And if it isn't STI related (which I'm almost certain it isn't since I've only slept with presumably faithful to the best of my knowledge DH in the last however many years), then could then investigate further or would they send me back to my GP once they rule out anything sexual health related?

DS is 2 years 3 months

Definitely see a different GP. The receptionist is talking bollocks.

Change surgeries if you need to. But you shouldn't have to. Tell the receptionist (politely) that it's none of her business who you see. Hope it all works out.

That’s awful OP! You have every right to a second opinion or as a pp said is there a sexual health clinic in your area? That might be a better option.

Complain to Practice Manager, ask to be reviewed by whomever in the practice has a gynae interest and push for a referral.
How old is your DS?
Are you on contraception?
Could be hormonal. Could be nothing. Could be endometriosis. Or a number of other things and they should be listening to you and taking it seriously.
Good luck OP.

X posted. Yes a sexual health clinic would see you, I’ve been before for similar. All was fine btw, but definitely see someone.

When was your last smear? I'd get one done with those symptoms.

I've never had a smear (too young)

I would rather go to a gynae for that. They will be able to do more investigations. This gp sounds useless.

Yes do, my friend's similar concerns were ignored and she had cervical cancer. She had had 5 clear smear tests which on investigation by NHS (due to her cancer the smears were rechecked) and it turned out the clear results were reported incorrectly.

I would ask for a referral to gynae ASAP and if they refuse ask for private referral.

Post coital bleeding (bleeding after sex) should always be taken seriously, swabs should be sent to exclude infection and a referral for colposcopy is the usual next step. The chances are it’s something simple Op, but the bleeding can be a sign of serious disease and should be investigated.

Gynae referral asap. Demand it. They cant refuse. Even if you just have a consult for £180 with Spire they will then treat you under the NHS.

If you are sexually active, and especially if you have had a DC, you should be having regular smears (every 5 years). As I was taking contraception in uni, the Uni dr recommended starting smears then also and were able to do it themselves, so I have been getting them ever since. A DFriend has had problems which were detected in her very early 20s before she ever was sexually active - due to a diligent GP insisting on smears getting started - and those problems were able to be dealt with and treated before they became major problems (like, life-threatening problems!).

Are you by any chance on mini pill / miners as these could cause spotting and irregular bleeding? Also they told me this kind of thing can happen at perimenopause.

I had some heavy bleeding and they sent me for an extra cervical smear which came back clear. Are you up to date on your smears?

If you look on the GP's website on mine you can see the specialisms on the GPs. You could maybe go back to one specialising in woman's health

mirena

Second everyone else, second opinion needed.

Orange No smears yet as I'm too young. I'm not on any contraceptives (condoms only) after getting pregnant on the coil (twice )