A bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing

[NotABanana]

I read an article on ovarian cancer last night and have some symptoms.

Keep thinking there are a couple of men I should not have slept with as I have clearly got it through not being a good girl.

DH asked what I am going to do about it and I told him nothing and hope it goes away.

GPs don't like you self diagnosing do they and I am sure they think I worry to much.

are you ok? why on earth would you thikn that you have ovarian cancer and that you caught it from sleeping with men you should not have slept with?

if you do think you have something taht serious you need to be checked out.

what are your symptoms?

TBH I am having a bad day. (DS1)

I thought you got it from lots if partners? (Single figures but still more than I would have liked.)

Bleeding mid cycle
Change in bowel movements
Internal pains
Big tummy
Excessive tiredness

Sounds silly and trivial written down. Sorry.

I didn't think sexual history had any relevance to ovarian cancer - in fact, I think (someone will tell me, no doubt, if I'm wrong) that having babies lowers your risk?

But if you are worried - go to your GP - that's what s/he's there for and it's better to go and be told you are worrying needlessly than to fret about this for months.

Don't panic. The likelihood of you having ovarian cancer is very slim. Why don't you see your Gp or go to a well woman clinic for a checkup?

Ovarian cancer can not be cause. Doctors have discovered a virus that causes cervical cancer and that is why they want to vacinate girls before they before sexually active.

If you are suffering or in pain, please go to your GP

I meant caught - doh

could it be IBS? endometriosis?

i would get those symptoms checked out but i doubt , very , very much it is cancer

do you think the stress with DS1 is making you more anxious and worried?

"Pregnancy exerted a strong protective effect against ovarian cancer, which increased with the number of live-born children" from a cancer journal.

Ovarian cancer is rare.

Are you very stressed at the mo? I remember getting convinced I had colorectal cancer after doing a research paper on it...

TheMadHouse - Sorry, I don't understand your point Ovarian cancer can not be cause. Doctors have discovered a virus that causes cervical cancer and that is why they want to vacinate girls before they before sexually active.

I feel really silly now.

I am incredibly stressed. I can't get motivated. Every day is the same. I nearly crie din the loo this morning.

Try not to worry - ovarian cancer is fairly rare {about 6000 women a year } and especially so in women under 40. I think I read somewhere that many gps don't ever get to see a case of it. If you did get it from sleeping with unsuitable men then it would definitely be more prevalent.

I think most of us would say, looking at a list of the symptoms,we have had some of them at one time or another, as they are fairly vague.

Always best to get things checked out, though, if you are concerned though.

I get it now. It can't be caught!!

It was more the number of men, not there unsuitability but I take your point and thank you. I hate myself for not waiting for hubby and I know I am being daft.

Don't feel silly. It is very easy to get worried about health issues especially if you are stressed already. Perhaps you need to see your gp about how you are feeling ?

nab, we all have a past, no point beating yourself up about it now x

I never find they take me seriously as I am quite dismissive as not confident when I go and see them.

Could you take someone with you ? I think it can help both give you confidence and make them take you more seriously.

Also writng down how you feel/what the problems are can help make sure you get your point across and if needs be you can always just give your gp the list to get the conversation going.

The article said a lot of GPs think the symptoms are related to IBS and to mention the possibility of cancer if still worried.

How would I know if I had IBS? I know a while ago I used to get bad stomach pains very soon after eating toast but I haven't noticed it lately. I just want to feel well.

Number of sexual partners has no bearing on ovarian cancer. It may be for some types of cervical cancers because of their link with a virus which is sexually transmitted. Your symptoms are very non-specific anc could be a number of things (including stress)- ovarian cancer is very unlikely. I'd still go to the doctor to put your mind at rest.

Thanks.

Awww, i think you're feeling low and are looking for things to beat yourself up about, i do it all the time, for a start as other posters have said ovarian cancer is nothing to do with how many people you have slept with, that is cervical cancer. And secondly, dont feel bad for not waiting for your husband, look at it this way, if you had remained a virgin you might of later in your marriage found yourself wondering what it would be like to sleep with a different man, which obviously has the potential to cause major marital problems, at least now you have 'sown your wild oats'

LOL

I need a giggle.

Thanks.

Is it possible you could go to a sexual health clinic, rather than your gp? My concerns were dismissed by my gp, so I went to the clinic and they referred me to a gynaecologist.

It's easy to say 'don't worry' I know, but unless there's a family history of ovarian cancer it's VERY unlikely.

If you go to your GP and mention the bleeding midcycle they should take you seriously and send you for tests. I had to have blood tests and was sent for an Ultrasound that showed all was well. Turned out to be a blip and all is well now. I hope the same is true for you.

I had a smear after another mid cycle bleed and that was all okay.

Am wondering if it is IBS type thing.

Hmmm, have just had pasta for dinner and now have really bad tummy ache. Feels a bit like wind. Is that a sign of IBS?