To think mid cycle bleeding is common

[Fakinguntilyoumakeit]

Hi, I have been suffering from midcycle bleeding for 3 or 4 months. I get pain on my left side, which feels like a dull ache. It goes around to my hip and lower back on the left side. The bleeding is light, and only when I wipe and pinky red coloured. It is intimittent stopping and starting again over about 2/3 days. I am also constipated. I am 39, no pain during sex and no vaginal dryness.

What could this be? Has anybody experienced similar symptoms?

I had this. It was a large benign tumour in the uterus. Once removed it never happened again.

@Fakinguntilyoumakeit there are certain red flag symptoms that mean they have to refer you - I know it's nicest but try and remember that 9/10 referrals on the pathway don't result in a cancer diagnosis - they just have to rule it out for certain as obviously it's not something that can be left.

The 2 week pathway is for anything that could possibly be cancer even if the likelihood is slim.
My mum has ongoing stomach issues for the last 10 years causing her to have issues swallowing. She's been put on the 2 week pathway multiple times whenever she sees the GP about her swallowing being worse. They are 99.9% sure that it is the ongoing issue that is flaring up again but there is always a slim possibility that there's a cancerous mass that is causing the swallow issues and they have to act as if the worst case is potentially reality.

My fil was sent for a CT scan on the 2 week pathway and the only flag he had was previous cancer. They discovered stage 4 bowel cancer. His consultant said he wouldn't have sent him for the scan based on his symptoms so it really is best to act as if cancer is an option even if it is unlikely.

Oh dear, I’ve been having this for months and just assumed it was age as well. Had a hpv positive a couple of years ago but the following smear said it was gone. I’m on the pill and still have 2-3 week long periods every month, small bleeds in between and constant pain in my left side/pelvis. Consent burning pain in my left breast as well, but being early peri menopausal is a thing in my family. I have mentioned it to a doctor who didn’t seem that concerned! I hope everything goes as well as possible for you @Fakinguntilyoumakeit . Might have to reconsider the gp myself after reading this thread.

Forgot to say @merryandbrightdelight if you don't have the NHS appt, it is really good. You can just click on test results and it shows them, you don't need to look at your full record. It is also great for showing appointments/referrals first.
I also have a GP app for my surgery where again you can just click on results, often they show before the letter even arrives. Might be worth checking.

I've found the ANP at our practice much better at dealing with "women's issues" than the GP - it may be more productive to book a nurses appointment, especially as they can refer you for more tests if needed.

Oh sorry to hear @LostTheMarble I think especially with having the abnormality a couple of years ago, and your pelvic pain. Maybe you could ask this gp to refer you for a scan/another cervical check, or a second opinion from a nother gp. It could be hormonal, especially with you being peri men. I'm unsure if the pill would balance the hormones out or not. I would definately ask for a nother check to find out the definate cause.
I found with my last smear test 6 months ago, the young nurse did it so fast she couldn't possibly have gotten a good visual of my cervix. The visual aspect is the main reason I go to them, because the hpv test itself you can do at home (the reliability of that I don't know though; I wouldn't trust myself to do it properly either).

Thank you. The GP I saw is really good, she is very experienced and specialises in women's health. She has been extra thorough in referring for all of the tests. I am very lucky to have seen her, she is in demand! She is also lovely, and a rare find.

@Fakinguntilyoumakeit that's really good, hopefully you get a positive outcome 🤞☺️

Thank you @coffeesaveslives dh is saying the same thing.
I have been searching online for symptoms that would rule anything serious out. I am also hoping the swabs the gp took will come back before my appt, and I am hoping so much that they'll show no abnormal cells. If anything does show, hopefully it is early judging on my overall symptoms. I have energy despite taking sedating meds to control epilepsy, no heavy bleeding, no spotting in first half of cycle. The spotting hasn't been every month, this month was the first time I have had this all through the luteal phase, which coincides with the cervix visual showing the irritation on the bottom end, no abnormal discharge. My cervix hasn't had any pain, i didn't't feel much during the check.I am hoping these are good signs, and pointing hopefully towards endometriosis. Fingers crossed, worst time of year with it leading up to Christmas as well.

@Fakinguntilyoumakeit just checking in to see how everything went op

Any update op?