Post coital bleeding

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I've recently been to see my GP about some bleeding I've experienced after sex.

He obviously did an internal examination, which was just the same as a smear, and there was a large (in the medical sense) 'growth' - which the gp said they weren't expecting as I only had a smear last year and there wasn't any sign of it then - and I've now been referred onto the urgent 2 week pathway, with a suspicion of cervical cancer, but it could be a 'polyp' apparently.

Has anyone been in this situation personally, or know anyone who has, and have you got any words of wisdom, as my brain is in overdrive?

I have had the same and went to gynae. He said immediately that he was very confident it wasn’t cancerous but nevertheless removed it sent it for testing which confirmed it was cervical ectropion.

the 2 week pathway is necessary but does not mean that you have cancer. For the huge majority that aren’t referred, they don’t have cancer - the odds are completely in your favour.

lots of luck for a good outcome and try not to panic until you definitely have something to panic about.

Oh my goodness. I'm incredibly grateful for your -speedy- reply. I'm please to hear your personal story. Did you have long to wait for your results? From what I've read in our area, they have to either tell you it is or isn't in 28 days, which sounded strange to me, but given they told you straight away, that indicates it's possible.

My head has been spinning ever since as I've only ever known of people going to Gynae for cervical changes from a smear test.

Do you know if they usually remove 'it' there and then for testing, or is it a further appointment?

I'll keep telling myself the odds are in my favour. I think when you first hear it, it hits you in the face, then panic sets in.

No the results were through quite quickly, although I can’t remember quite how long - sorry.

Download the nhs app as there are often updates on there such as appointment times before you get a letter.

I think it’s pretty usual to remove there and then or to do what they call a cervical punch biopsy - I will say that this was unpleasant and I felt quite woozy afterwards. I needed to spend the afternoon doing not much and would suggest paracetamol before and something sweet after. I drove myself to the appointment and would recommend not doing that if it’s a possibility.

for reference I was referred for a colposcopy. The staff were so great and asked me if I was nervous to try and put me at ease.

Apologies for not responding sooner. The day ran away with me. Thanks for sharing your experience.

It's all moved very quickly as the hospital phoned me and I'm booked in for a colposcopy today.

I'm obviously feeling quite nervous but would rather get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

Oh that’s great, the less time to fret the better. Wishing you all the best.

How did it go? I find the colposcopy team are excellent and tell you their thoughts there and then. Hope all good OP x