Spotting in between periods

[GVR0510]

I'm new to mumsnet so apologise for any mistakes! I'm writing this thread to offload and to see if anyone else has had a similar experience..

I had my baby over 1 year ago via C Section. Few months after returning to my normal period cycle - I started spotting in between my periods. A year on and it's still happening (happens every month). Sorry if it's TMI but it's normally dark red/brown discharge when I wipe but recently it's been bright red.

I went to the doctors as soon as it started happening. They said to monitor and it's probably hormones. I was waiting for smear test results which came back as abnormal but thankfully no treatment was needed. They didn't think the bleeding was linked to the results.

I've had an ultrasound scan as well to check for fibroids and/or cyst which came back normal. I don't think they thought the womb lining was too thick as hadn't been referred but I've recently pushed for further investigation. I have been referred to a gynaecologist and have an appointment soon.

I'm scared now they may find something sinister and that fills me with so much anxiety. Has anyone else had a similar experience and in the end turned out normal?

Just to add: I'm not on the pill and my cycle is regular too

Hi OP

Just wanted to share that I am going through something similar. I've been having little bits of spotting between cycles and now am bleeding after sex. I haven't had an abnormal smear though. I'm also waiting for a gynacologist referral to come through.

It's scary waiting for some sort of resolution but try to remember that rates of cervical cancer diagnoses are really low! I was looking at the stats on the NHS website and only a couple of thousand women a year were diagnosed. There are lots of other reasons you (and me) could be having this bleeding.

@Pinkroses21 do not allow them to say you're too young! I had bleeding in between periods and constantly got turnt away for a smear as I was 22 aswell until I finally saw my own doctor who actually explained that if the lab get a smear test from anyone under 25 it goes in the bin. She sent me for a colposcopy which is the stage after an abnormal smear. Thankfully all was fine. Ask for a referral for a colposcopy and do not take no for an answer.

But today wiped and have blood there. I have a smear test booked for Monday, worried is an understatement.

@PixieDustt thank you for your advice. I will definitely be more adamant. It's very stressful. Especially if you're already someone who gets anxious about everything. It doesn't help that they tell me my scan is abnormal and then make me wait over a month for an appointment. Wish me luck. x

Honestly don't let them push you around. Don't even leave until they send a referral, make your voice heard. They will always talk about how the risks can be low but it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Its ridiculous! I'm such an anxious person aswell and always think the worst of everything. Good luck x

@Rosecat22 thank you, that is reassuring. I hope your appointment comes through soon! Update us if you can.

@Pinkroses21 try not to worry too much and keep yourself busy until the appointment - I know it's easier said then done. I hope the gynaecologist gives you some reassurance on Wednesday. I agree with @PixieDustt - if you're not happy with what they tell you, continue to push! Ask the gynaecologist on Wednesday if they could refer you or if they can ask the doctor to refer you to colposcopy. Also, at your appointment on Wednesday, ask as many questions as you need to!

@PixieDustt did they say why you might have been spotting? Try and keep busy until Monday - will this be your first smear test?

No second smear.
No, no reasons they thought I might have had PCOS sent for a scan etc and that was all fine.
Still have a bit of blood today when wiping but I think I may have a cut there TMI sorry.
I dread the worse before anything has been done

So I started bleeding again last night! I've been tracking the dates it happens and I'm bang on ovulation day. All of my other bleeds (except after sex last weekend) have also been on ovulation day too. Do any of you ladies track your cycles? I might be ovulation bleeding for you too...

Had my smear today. Nurse said I could be waiting upto 4 weeks for results but no news is good news. She said if anything is wrong the lab will phone the GP who will then phone me. Urgh. I hate the waiting. I'm such a worrier anyway and will get worried every-time my phone rings 😭. Praying for good results with no further action 🤞🏼. Good luck to all having your appointments.

@Rosecat22 they say it could be normal to bleed on your ovulation day don't they?
I just started to track mine. Never usually bother but noticed some days I'd have a bit of pain like yesterday and the app said I am ovulating.

@Rosecat22 I've started to track mine too but I don't know if I'm ovulating when it says I am.

@PixieDustt I've got my fingers crossed for you too!! Keep positive.

@Pinkroses21 How did your appointment go today?

Hi everyone. Hope everyone is okay today. @GVR0510 I got referred for a hysteroscopy x

Thank you!