Another very personal ladies only question

[ChrisnSteph]

I recently saw a doctor for several female problems, including a new one I'd never had before. I've been bleeding after being intimate with my dh. It started in late December, and I saw my gynocologisty right away. I had a pap done, and it came back normal. I've been looking things up on the internet (I know, the worst thing to do) and I'm now convinced I have cervical cancer. I worry because in 1995, I had to have a LEEP procedure done for cervical dysplasaia. Can anyone offer any advice? I'm a nervous wreck. I have a colposcopy scheduled for next week, and I'm scared to death.

 

[luckywife]

Do you have endometriosis? I experienced bleeding like you described and that was the reason behind it.

 

[korbbec]

Perhaps some KY? Seriously- I'm not trying to be fresh. It could help, barring any other medical problem. Good luck to you next week. You will be fine.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Do you have endometriosis? I experienced bleeding like you described and that was the reason behind it.

Yes I do, but I don't know to what extent. I had a lap in 2001 and that's when it was discovered, but it wasn't that bad at the time.

Perhaps some KY? Seriously- I'm not trying to be fresh. It could help, barring any other medical problem. Good luck to you next week. You will be fine.

Thanks, but I'm positive that's not the problem. I tend to be a worrier when it comes to my health, so I'm a freaked out mess.

 

[kdudley3]

The only thing I can say right now is that you're worrying and losing sleep over something that hasn't happened yet, that you are wasting energy on something that might not exist. I've learned not to worry until there's something to worry about.

I just went through ER, stress test, appt. for a heart cath. (there's a 90 percent chance that 2 arteries are blocked). Thank god for the Cleveland Clinic !!!

There's nothing wrong with me, but there were some symptoms that related to something else. No big problems.

You're on the right track. You're seeing doctors about you problems. Let them figure it out. Educate yourself yes. But don't waste precious energy worrying too much, your body needs that energy right now.

I've said a prayer for you. Please stay strong and keep us up to date.

Best Wishes!!!!!!!!!

 

[CathrynRose]

Do you have endometriosis? I experienced bleeding like you described and that was the reason behind it.

Or Fibroids will do this too - trust me...

If it indeed was cervical cancer, it really should have shown up on your PAP.

 

[Maleficent13]

Bleeding such as you describe is very common in early pregnancy, too.

 

[phillybeth]

Is it every time or only occasionally? Does it happen at certain points in your cycle? Are you on hormonal birth control? Does it only happen after intercourse? Is it fresh red blood, or brownish? Knowing this can help your doctor figure out what is going on.

Some hormonal BC can cause breakthrough spotting. If you're not on hormonal BC some women can experience mid-cycle spotting related to ovulation. If it occurs right after 'that time', it could be old blood from your last period. Some women also get small benign polyps (almost like a pimple)on the cervix at certain points in their cycle and they can bleed if they are irritated. And as other posters have said, fibroids and endo can cause this as well.

EDITED TO ADD: are you sure it is coming from you? DH might be the source.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Is it every time or only occasionally? Does it happen at certain points in your cycle? Are you on hormonal birth control? Does it only happen after intercourse? Is it fresh red blood, or brownish? Knowing this can help your doctor figure out what is going on.

Some hormonal BC can cause breakthrough spotting. If you're not on hormonal BC some women can experience mid-cycle spotting related to ovulation. If it occurs right after 'that time', it could be old blood from your last period. Some women also get small benign polyps (almost like a pimple)on the cervix at certain points in their cycle and they can bleed if they are irritated. And as other posters have said, fibroids and endo can cause this as well.

EDITED TO ADD: are you sure it is coming from you? DH might be the source.

It happens every time. It's bright red. I'm not on BC pills, and it's definitely coming from me. At my last exam the doctor didn't notice any polyps. I don't have any pain, just the bleeding.

Thanks for all your advice!

 

[PlutoLuvr]

I just had a pap about a month ago, and I'd been dealing with the same as you, bleeding after sex. Not heavy or anything, but there nonetheless. It had been happening since around Thanksgiving, but the with holidays and everything, I just figured I'd wait until my annual in January. Plus, I've just sort learned over the years to wait a cycle or two to see if things fix themselves.

Turns out I had a case of cervicitis of a non-bacterial cause. Basically "just one of those things." Doc did a pap, as well as a biopsy there, so everything bad was ruled out.

His suggestion was to refrain from intercourse for three weeks, as well as tampons, to let my cervix hopefully heal on its own. If it hadn't and the bleeding persisted, he was going to suggest a LEEP, which, I understand from friends, is no big deal at all -- at least if you don't have the worry about cancer mixed with it. The procedure itself I understand is not painful, but you can bleed for a good bit after (up to six weeks).

Anyway, the "break" on my cervix did the trick. If you've had your pap and it's okay, at least the worst is ruled out. And the biopsy would not have shown cervicitis ... it only would have shown the bacteria/virus/STD that can cause it. Cervicitis is not always caused by a bacteria/virus/STD. He was able to see a spot of inflammation with his eyes when he did his exam.

Hope you get it fixed soon!!!

 

[Laura]

I have no advice, just wanted to give you a hug.

I know when people have cancer in the family or among friends or had it themselves, everything that could be wrong with them is cancer. You had a good pap, though, so that's awesome. The bleeding could be several things, so just try to relax. The not knowing is the worst. I'm getting a test done in a couple of weeks, and while I don't think cancer is my problem, it's still there in the back of my mind worrying me. I know I'll feel better when they tell me it's nothing serious.

 

[ILUVMYBRIT]

Had this same problem and had a biopsy done...doc said I have fryable(SP??) tissue there that just bleeds easily. Good luck...my problem seems to have just gone away with no reason just the same as it came.

 

[ziggystardust]

It could be something called Cervicitis.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001495.htm

 

[hentob]

Have a trans******l ultrasound done! It is painless and gets up close!

ETA--Are you bloated? Gassy? Back/leg pain? Could be an ovarian cyst.

 

[jel0511]

I had this problem a couple of years ago. I was diagnosed with *aginal polyps. They were removed and I haven't had any problems since. They're not common in those under 35, but they do sometimes happen. They do tend to bled after intamcy when they're located near the cervix, where mine were found.

 

[NYPOOH]

I recently saw a doctor for several female problems, including a new one I'd never had before. I've been bleeding after being intimate with my dh. It started in late December, and I saw my gynocologisty right away. I had a pap done, and it came back normal. I've been looking things up on the internet (I know, the worst thing to do) and I'm now convinced I have cervical cancer. I worry because in 1995, I had to have a LEEP procedure done for cervical dysplasaia. Can anyone offer any advice? I'm a nervous wreck. I have a colposcopy scheduled for next week, and I'm scared to death.

I had this problem about two months ago, I was freaking out because my pap also came back abnormal and had to be done again. I also looked on the internet and was convinced I had cervical cancer. It turned out to be a bacteria infection, my gyno told me there is no rhyme or reason why you get them it just happens occasionaly. I was on a gel medicine for about a week (also could not be intimate with my fiance or use tampons) and then went back. Everything cleared up and it was fine.

Don't stress yourself out, it is probably just something minor! Everything will be ok!!!

 

[mommasita]

I experienced this a few years ago. I had a D & C (due to other reasons), a colposcopy done at the same time. I was a wreck, so to you, I know how you must be feeling.

It turned out that my endo had grown and my doctor removed lots of tissue that had grown, and sent it in for testing. Thankfully it turned out negative for everything. I pray the same for you...

I do agree with the poster who mentioned that it should have turned up by now.

Also, stop reading. It is the worst thing we do, but I am a maniac..

again, please keep us updated.

 

[mickeyfan2]

No advice but just a .

 

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

I had this happen to me once a few months ago after intercourse. It was not menstrural blood; it was quite red and there was quite a bit of it. We figured out that it belonged to me and not my partner. I was a little worried but I figured maybe the position we tried or the force had something to do with it (although nothing seemed out of the ordinary). I decided to wait it out and I've had two periods since and it hasn't happened any more. I figured it was a one time thing but now you have me worried too.

 

[RNMOM]

I was noticing blood after intercourse and thought it was me but turned out it was in DH's semen, he had prostatitis, a mild infection that didn't cause any other sx yet. He had course of antibiotics and a cystoscopy to be sure all was well and it went away. Just a fyi. If they can't find a reason in you, suggest he have an exam too.