The cervix is located at the bottom of your uterus where it connects to your vagina. The reason why OB/GYNs stress the importance of pap smears every year is that this is the only way to detect cervical cancer in its early stages. Cervical cancer does not produce symptoms during the early stages of the disease. Genetics and the human papillomavirus – also known as HPV – are the common causes of cervical cancer. Even if cervical cancer does not run in your family, you may contract the disease if you are exposed to HPV, which is a sexually-transmitted virus. If the disease goes undetected, you will begin to experience the following symptoms once the cancer is in its advanced stages.
Vaginal Bleeding
You should never bleed between your periods or after you have entered into menopause. You also shouldn’t bleed after intercourse. If you have bleeding during any of these times, it is important to contact us right away for an appointment.
Vaginal bleeding at abnormal times is a sign of cervical cancer. It can also be a sign of other problems such as endometriosis or uterine cancer, although the former is normally resolved by menopause. Unusual vaginal bleeding is a cause for serious concern.
Bloody Discharge
Even discharge that has blood in it is cause for concern. This, too, is a sign of cervical cancer. The discharge may be something that you must deal with all the time, and it may have a noticeable and rancid odor to it. You may have to use pads to keep the discharge off your underclothing.
Excessive and foul vaginal discharge is never a normal thing. A slight discharge that is odorless is okay, but anything other than that can be a sign of something as simple as a yeast infection to something as serious as cervical cancer. Head to the OB/GYN if you have bloody vaginal discharge.
Pelvic Pain
A final sign of advanced cervical cancer is pelvic pain. You may have this pain all the time. It will also hurt when you have intercourse. Pelvic pain should be taken seriously simply because it is not normal. You should not hurt in the pelvis except when you have normal cramps during your period.
If you have pelvic pain all the time, schedule an appointment with us right away. As we just mentioned, the pain is a sign of cervical cancer and can also be a sign of endometriosis. Never consider pelvic pain a normal thing because it isn’t. Call us today to make certain everything is okay.
