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

How can you be too young for a smear? Especially after getting pregnant?

Ok it sounds like you need to go back and get it checked out properly. Especially with the previous coil issues as well. At least an ultrasound scan / smear etc. Please go back maybe write it down.

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

The receptionist can't possibly know that you'd get the same answer from another GP, and it's very irresponsible of her to say so. Push for the appointment with another doctor, preferably female.

Maybe OP is under the smear testing age (isn't there some thing about getting that lowered?)

They don't routinely test under 25 according to this www.jostrust.org.uk/information/cervical-screening/cervical-screening-under25

That page looks useful OP> there is a guide to print off for the GP

I've been having this since my DS2 was born - he's 2years 4 months. Not the UTIs but the bleeding. I am in my 30s though. The first suggestion was a smear to check the cervix, then when that came back clear the GP did another which was checked for more than the basic smear checks for. That has also come back clear so tomorrow I am going for a colposcopy to check further. If that comes back clear then i will be referred to gynae as it's simply not normal for me.

This is how it should be. Complain to the practice manager and demand to see a new GP. Also find out if they can give you a (full not basic) smear test even though you are 'too young' - ridiculous if you have had a child! This shouldn't be ignored. Good luck!

I had something similar in my 20s: it turned out to be thrush and the vaginal pain and bleeding was basically because though I'd treated the UTI every time, I never thought about my partner also treating it (which helps explain your point about "different holes") - has your DH been treated every time that you have?

@OneDay10 you won’t get invited to a routine smear test until you’re 25, regardless of if you’ve had children. I didn’t have one until my DD was almost 1 as I wasn’t old enough previously.

IME many GPs work on a 'wait and see' approach to many things - largely because many things do go away of their own accord. I also think many, also work on the premise that if it's really a problem to you then you will come back - but if it's a minor irritation you won't.

Another thing, I've noticed is that they seem to have the approach that the 'problem' only dates from your first appointment with them.

So however long you have already done the 'wait and see' approach, that time is discounted.

To me, anything under a 'wait and see' approach should be reviewed at least every 2 weeks - or soon if the condition worsens or gets more symptoms.

I don't think any doctor will be annoyed if you go back after 2 weeks but, a different doctor will give a different perspective so, it is well worth seeing a different one.

I would also emphasise the pain and bleeding after sex.

I would get a smear test booked in with the practice nurse. It may be too 'early fir a routine smear but with these symptoms the cervix should be checked.

To reassure you, my sister and I have both had similar things and in both cases it was cervical erosion (which sounds horrific but there’s no actual erosion - it’s cells that usually sit above the cervix growing on the cervix itself, they are sensitive and bleed easily, totally benign). We both had to have colposcopies to have the area treated - she’s had it several times, only once for me.

So there are totally benign causes for this which can be treared, but whatever the cause, abnormal bleeding needs investigation and it’s appalling that a GP hasn’t even done an examination, taken swabs etc.

I would be speaking to a sexual health nurse. This is not to say you have any sort of STD/STI but they can do an overall health check of you. I have a condition where my cells on the inside of my cervix grow on the outside which can cause bleeding during sex & can cause it to be quite painful.
A sexual health nurse is trained in a lot more than infections & disease so before going down the route of changing GPs, I'd get an appointment with one. Also, please don't compare your period now to pre-birth as childbirth can dramatically change your period frequency and flow.

No the too young for a smear is nonsense. That age is a guide for women and girls who are having no issues. If you are having symptoms, such as pv bleeding you should get a smear carried out. I had to have abnormal cells and loop removal at 21 years old and then had further complications. I dread to think what would of happened had they made me wait till 25.

I'd go to the sti clinic and even consider moving surgery if need be. I have been going to docs for over two years now repeatedly with symptoms that they kept saying was anxiety, panic attacks, lung infection, offered anti depressants. Finally a new gp started who done an ecg and referred to cardiology and it is actually my heart. When it comes to your health, do whatever it takes. Bleeding every day, bleeding after sex, recurrent uti's etc are not normal.

I would get a smear test booked in with the practice nurse. It may be too 'early fir a routine smear but with these symptoms the cervix should be checked

Hi OP - A patient usually won't be able to book in with the practice nurse for a smear if they fall outside of the smear test programme (too young or not due a smear yet). A GP route is best. The smear testing programme is population wide screening. The situation the OP is in would/should be classed as symptomatic and therefore GP led - also it ensures that other testing (not just smears) can be ordered and accessed. So do push for a second opinion from another GP and I hope it all works out for you.

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

Phone again and just ask for an appointment with a different dr. If reception say this again just say “nevertheless, I still wish to have a second opinion. When is the next available appointment?” Also take a urine sample with you. You can still have a UTI and not be symptomatic

I had this exact problem when I was too young for a smear. After a lot of pestering i was diagnosed with PID. If you can spare £50 you can order home HPV tests online, which the NHS are moving towards using for smears.
www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/smear-test-kits-nhs-cervical-cancer-screening-home-women-health-jade-goody-a8832861.html%3famp

Intermenstrual bleeding and post coital bleeding are red flag symptoms and need a two week wait to Gynae.

Are you up to date with your smears?

Get the NICE guidelines printed out and go back to the GP and read him the riot act.

Of course you as a woman can tell if the bleeding is vaginal or urinary. FFS. Your GP has made me mad!

Just seen the end of your post about pain during sex. It’s really not good enough that you’re being fobbed off.

Painful sex is called “deep dyspareunia” and it’s another red flag symptom.

In situations where you aren’t old enough for a smear via the normal screening program you must be referred to gynaecology so that they can sanction a smear outside of the normal program.

I would go back to the GP and say this “I have intermenstrual bleeding, post coital bleeding and deep dyspareunia (dis-pie-rune-ee-uh), you must refer me to gynae and I will not leave until you do”.

I agree with PPs, try a GUM clinic. They have been so much better for over the years compared to GP surgeries.

Definitely push for another appointment or go to the sexual health clinic. I've been in and out with recurrent erosion since having my second child and a lot of the symptoms sound similar to what you have had, particularly pain and bleeding from sex.

I'm sadly not shocked at your surgery trying to fob you off. I was lucky with my gynae issues but when I presented with persistent and widespread pain last year the first GP I saw told me to think of myself as a pot plant and be a better gardener (lose weight and practise self care as she was absolutely certain it was down to my long controlled anxiety). I got another appointment, insisted on a different GP and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after having many, many blood tests, checks and even an ultrasound in case it was a hidden gynae issue.

I hope you get some help soon. This is a miserable place to be.

Your GP is an absolute dick OP, please push for a second opinion either via the GP practice or local GUM clinic

Has anyone visually examined your cervix?

I had very similar bleeding, a constant small amount with a lot of mucous & much more after sex.

My smear was almost due at the time & the nurse said she could see a small polyp on my cervix. Cue referral to gynaecology.

Turned out to not be a polyp but a cervical mucosal prolapse. Apparently this is a bit of a misnomer, it basically means that the cells that would normally grow on the lining of your womb and that line the cervix are beginning to grow and 'peep out' of the entrance to your cervix and into the vagina.

Short procedure to remove this, ( bit unpleasant but that's the worst I coud say) no problems since.

Just seen previous poster mentioning cervical erosion (also called cervical ectropion) ... my cervical mucosal prolapse is basically a form of cervical erosion but with a cherry on top.

Please get yourself seen OP ,

No see a different doctor! They don’t all give the same advice (even though they should). Asked to be referred.

Definitely get into another doctor! Your doctor is an ass