Post Menopause Bleeding

Obviously, only the doctors can diagnose following tests, but if you found the examination very difficult, it is possible you have vaginal atrophy. I found my last smear test very painful and it was some time after that I was diagnosed with vaginal atrophy (along with a prolapse).

She was definitely not gentle! I’ve not had any problems with having smears over the years but this was awful, of course I then tensed up which made it even worse.

Waiting for these appointments is dreadful, I’m so worried

MrsA164 I'm sure you are worried but I think may find the gynae dept at your local hospital to be more practiced at procedures and more understanding and informative and the sooner you get the app so you can get some treatment and put this behind you the better so dont think of cancelling will you? (and what *Grandmoira said*)

I certainly wouldn’t cancel, I just want the appointments as soon as possible...

I have sent you a pm.

MrsA1964 snap I could of written your post. Had an appointment with my doc yesterday for the same problem. Mine was very gentle and has referred me to hospital, let’s hope that we don’t have to wait too long for appointments

It’s important that you keep this appointment.
Probably nothing serious but don’t let the fear of being hurt put you off attending.

There are many things it could be, apart from cancer! Get yourself along to that appointment and please try not to worry - "Sufficient unto the day" and all that!

I had something similar MrsA1964. The doctor who examined me said it was small benign polyps which grow and then break off. It seems from other posts that there are other benign reasons for PM spotting. Getting it checked out will certainly be the best thing all round.

I have had the same problem. The ultra sound at the hospital was no problem although I had worried about it’. The staff were fantastic and very considerate of me. Plus the result was through that evening and my doctor phoned me. Don’t ignore it. Your doctor does not sound at all considerate where mine was lovely.

I wish I had seen the male GP now..when it first happened back in January i saw the senior nurse who had no problems at all, I think the GP yesterday could do with some additional training! You can quite understand women who go for their first smear and have a similar experience not returning for further ones can’t you?

Thank you for all your replies and PM’s. I really do appreciate it x

I should add I’ve never had any discomfort from my regular smear tests, but I guess the nurses do them all the time and that probably makes it easier.

I will definitely be going for the scan and hospital appointment once they come through.

The NHS policy on Post Menopausal bleeding is for urgent referral for a ultrasound scan and assessment by a a Gynaecologist within two weeks. I have just been through this for the second time (the first was 2014). I looked at the research and although it can be a sign of endometrial cancer, in 80+% of cases, no explanation can be found. Fortunately, I am in the 80+% group! Even if the result shows cancer, the research, and the Gynaecologist I saw, both reasured that it’s an easy one to cure. Because the whole area containing it can easily be removed by hysterectomy, no other treatment is usually required (chemo etc).

I hope this is reassuring for you. It was to me. Good luck!

I had the same. It was a harmless polyp. I had it removed under general anaesthetic and afterwards was shown the photo! No problems since.

I had a benign uterine polyp. A nuisance and it was sent for biopsy but came back benign. Very common, apparently. Waiting for the results wasn't fun. Do as many fun things as possible until then!

My last smear test was a disaster because the nurse couldn't find my cervix (which has never happened before) but kept prodding around for about ten minutes before I told her to stop!

Re the bleeding - as others have said, there are many benign reasons possible, but whatever it is, getting an accurate diagnosis has to help. It doesn't help that every other advert on the telly seems to be about things that could be signs of cancer, nowadays.

I am sorry for your concerns but was glad to read that I am not the only woman with a "missing" cervix! When I went for what was supposed to be my last smear test, the nurse tried and tried but couldn't find it! At another visit, a (gentle) female doctor tried again, and scraped something up there which was a dark colour smear. I was subsequently sent for scans which showed up ovarian cysts (very odd in post menopausal women) but they have determined that they are fluid filled, not anything worrying (although I still worry). Meanwhile the missing cervix has been forgotten about.

Have you a close friend, sister or cousin who you could take with you to the next appointment? I find I am less worried and better able to relax if I don't have to confront a gynaecologist on my own!

We all know that post-menopausal bleeding could mean something serious, but you could just have scratched yourself in your sleep.

You don't mention whether you are still enjoying sex with your husband. If you are, too much enthusiasm can cause bleeding, so can a benign infection in a mucous membrane in the vagina.

Please try not to worry, and do go to the appointment,

Sadly nobody close to take with me as my sister lives abroad.

No sex at the moment as I’m recovering from new knees and he from new hips (what a pair we are) ??‍♀️

20 years ago I had this problem. They found polyps which were benign. Then about a year later I had a further problem and the polyps were found to have 'aggressive' cells, which are pre-cancerous. I had a full hysterectomy and have had no problems since. No smears needed since then either!!

You could get some Replens MD to use. Will help if it's atrophy and won't interfere with any tests. I, too, was worried when it happened to me but was told I had a 'very angry vagina' due to atrophy. And it's good to have all of that part of your body checked out so anything treatable can be sorted. I was getting UTI's as well.

Are you on HRT by any chance? A certain type of HRT made me bleed post menopause.

its funny you saying that . i have the same, i have had a cervix scan (2102) only to be told its secondary bleeding ???? nothing to worry about. ok it went away .but last week it was back.like you high up seems to be the problem ok i know i have a very thin wall on my womb.but blood ,well i'm off back to the doctors. i dont think you have cancer but its worth getting it checked out.as i will......

No HRT, never offered it, but then again I don’t think I needed it. I never had any problems really gong through menopause thankfully