Terrified cervical cancer?

[cait19997]

I’m going to book an appointment tomorrow but I just want some advice. I’m 24 years old, not old enough for a first smear yet so never had one. Basically a few weeks ago I bled after sex, never happened before but then the next day I came on my period so I’m not sure if it was unrelated or due to my period being due. Anyway, my period lasted longer than usual, 2 whole weeks but I put this down to using the mini pill as I’ve never used it before so it might have messed up my hormones. The bleeding finally stopped, everything was fine and I came off the pill because I was having bad side effects with it. Had my usual withdrawal bleed, lasting 4 days. However I’ve been noticing a lot of milky/white discharge ever since coming off, slightly tinged with blood. I would put this down to ovulation as I’m used to slight bleeding when I ovulate, but it’s been going on for a few days now. I’m so scared I have cervical cancer, I wish they would lower the age for smears that way I would have been able to get one years ago. I’m terrified if it is cc that it’s already advanced because I’m showing symptoms

I have had CIN 3 and carcinoma in situ and let me try and reassure you that it doesn't really sound like cancer to me.

The mini pill is notorious for causing bleeding (I tried it and bled for 4 months solid until I gave it up). All this seems related to your pill taking more than cervical cancer. You could pay for a private smear test if it would put your mind at rest, but I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about.

Try not to worry too much - it's easy to go to the worst case scenario, but that oftentimes isn't the case. The fact that you're using different birth control can play with hormones and therefore with bleeding. Sometimes sex can irritate the cervix and cause it to bleed, sometimes the odd period lasts longer than normal.

My advice is to get it checked out by the GP and they will refer you to a specialist if they're concerned. A trip to the STI clinic might also be helpful - no judgement here, I just used to go a lot as I thought they'd have probably seen more cervix than the average GP!

I had a similar problem when I was your age - a cervical ectroptian, which is completely harmless but the cervix is very sensitive and prone to bleeding. It's often caused my hormonal contraception. Only a doctor can say what you have, so do get checked out.

I agree about the cervical smear, because I wanted this too and kept getting denied. I did manage to convince the specialist at the hospital though once I was referred and it was all clear.

Essentially, don't be frightened, but absolutely do get it checked out!

Try not to panic hun. Deffo ask to be checked by a Dr but the pill is known for making your cervix more prone to bleeding after sex. It happened to me. At one smear my nurse even said ‘I can tell you are on the pill’ and I bled during the procedure. Deffo get it checked though but I’m sure you are fine x

I’m the same age and had something a bit similar before. It ended up being a cervical ectropion aka definitely not cancer. Easily sorted and didn't reoccur