Warning: a TMI question!

anne

Anyone know the answer to this?

I have been having some spotting nearly everyday between periods, and the doctor said to (among other things) get a pap smear, which I was due for anyway.

BUT - from previous times they've not been able to do them (or rather, use the results) if there was any bleeding.

When should I go?

7 years ago

Off Topic

24 replies

Latest reply was from Helen11

Lyn D.

Veteran

I don't have an answer Anne, but I hope this is sorted out for you soon!

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

A pap smear can be done if it is only spotting. Tell the doc and she can say what to do when.

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

I forgot to ask the doctor, and I was trying to get by without making an appointment just to ask when to make an appointment! I couldn't find an answer online. Maybe I should ring Healthdirect (this free health line we have in Australia)

7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Rachy said. Goodluck. (Oh, the joys of being a woman).

7 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

Anne, I hope your doctor figures out what's going on soon. Best of luck to you.

7 years ago

crazyone

Veteran

I don't have an answer, but just wanted to wish you well. I hope it's nothing serious. But if it is, better to find out soon.

7 years ago

Anonymous

I had the same problem. They did multiple tests, including ultrasound, and never found a problem. They then put me on a very low dose birth control pill, and it works. Thank God, because there were very few days each month that I wasn't bleeding. I hope you find a resolution to your problem.

7 years ago

BrieN

Veteran

I don't have an answer to your question but lots of empathy. Similar situation here last year. for me (peri-menopause) progesterone made a world of difference. Even the progesterone cream you can buy at the health food store made a difference....

7 years ago

Robin

Active Member

You can always call the doctor's office and tell the person who answers the phone that you have a quick follow-up question, and could you please talk to one of the nurses. Most medical offices deal with this sort of thing all the time. You usually won't be able to talk to the doctor directly, but the nurse will either be able to answer your question or ask the doctor and get back to you. Good luck!

7 years ago

Anonymous

I was just going to add that if you are peri menopausal spotting between periods is normal. But it is good to get checked out.

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks for the sympathy C1, Lyn, Jaileen, and BrieN, and the reassurance that a pap smear is possible, Rachy and Angie.

Robin - I'll try your suggestion

Danusia - I hope I'm not perimenopausal. But I'm in my early 40's so it is possible.

BrieN and BC - sounds like you both went with hormonal treatments. I don't think I'm losing much blood so not sure if I'd want to go there - I haven't taken the pill in years.

For background, I've had some spotting for years, usually after exercise, and I had an ultrasound around 5 years ago that showed benign cysts that were apparently the cause and nothing to worry about. So I'm not too worried. I just mentioned to him that the spotting has increased to almost every day. I'm having a thyroid test as well as the pap smear, and depending on those results, another ultrasound.

7 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

haha, l love TMI questions.

First off, my sympathy -- spotting every day is so annoying. I've been there. In my case, it was caused by a large fibroid which eventually needed to be removed surgically.

Have they done an ultrasound to see if you have fibroids? They are very common. Or maybe your cysts have grown. I have a friend who had a gigantic ovarian cyst that caused her all kinds of uterine trouble (not sure how that works, exactly, because the cyst wasn't in her uterus, but I know spotting was an issue). Either way, there are surgical options, and often it can be minimally invasive.

I also agree with BrieN that it could just be one of the effects of perimenopause. The gyno doc told me that perimenopause usually starts in your early 40s, and the symptoms vary hugely.

7 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I second Aziraphale.

7 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

Hormonal imbalance pre-menopause--happened to me.

Cervical polyp easily removed in doctor's office. Yep, that one too.

There are other possible causes and you should definitely get it checked out.

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks for everyone who has chimed in on this. (thanks for the reassurance to Arizaphale) It's not hard to find information online on spotting, for sure.
While I'm getting up the courage to ring the Doctor's about the "when to have a pap smear when you have spotting" question, does anyone apart from Rachy and Angie have experience with that exact issue?

7 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

If you are afraid to ask your healthcare provider difficult questions, then you are at risk of inadequate care or at the very minimal unease on your part due to unanswered concerns.
Healthcare providers are not mind readers, and we are not your doctor.
Trust me they've heard all sorts of questions.

7 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

Bleeding between periods should always be checked out. There are lots of causes as you have already seen.
An examination can be done at any time to try to find the cause. A pap smear sample can be sent as a liquid -based specimen and that lets the lab remove any blood cells or other that might make the traditional pap smear slide harder to read. This test may not be covered by Medicare, though. If you are not comfortable talking about this with your usual GP then you might have a women's clinic or family planning options in your city.
PM me if you like, if you want more details of what to expect, or questions to ask your Dr.
I know making appointments is a hassle, but it's important to look after you!

7 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I've had it done while having light spotting. As long as there are not too many blood cells, it's easy to sort them out.

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks to everyone who replied to this - I've been away this weekend.

Anna's question gave me pause, because I did initially think "I'm not scared, I just forgot to ask!! [about this issue]" but I then remembered that I did not have the guts to ask about an iron infusion because I was afraid the answer would be no so, yes guilty as charged - will try to speak up. I have been brave enough to ask for a printout of my blood results, which took a bit of bravery I thought!

I tried to ring the surgery 4 days ago, but not getting through to speak to a nurse there, I rang Healthdirect and talked to a nurse there, who was very knowledgable. I also appreciate Helen11's and Diana's help.

Anyway, the spotting seems to have stopped for a bit, so I'm hoping to get in there while it lasts and get it done on my next day off.

Thanks again

7 years ago

Anonymous

In complete agreement with Anna, while the number and variety of women at this site makes it a great place for information sharing, it surprised me that your doctor would tell you to get a pap smear because you're spotting but you can't have one because you're spotting?

Maybe you could find a doctor whose communication skills synch better with your own?

I haven't had this exact problem but I've had other whacky world of hormones type events. I try to focus on doing whatever is necessary to shorten the amount of time I'm worried or distracted from the rest of my life.

These things are so annoying!

7 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

Hey, Anne, have you made your appointment yet?
Just making sure you're looking after yourself.
(Do you remember the TV ad "Nan, it's reeeeaaally important"?! )

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

Helen you are so kind to check up on me! (I don't remember the ad actually - I've missed out on lots of ads!)) Yes I have not only made my appointment but had it last Thursday. The dr took two smears, because after the first one she realised (she isn't my normal dr - I went to her because I'm more comforable seeing a women for that) about the spotting and said she needed to do a different type. So I think that's sorted!

Thanks to everyone who wrote in

Isobel, I will have to find a new doctor as the one I usually see is leaving the practice anyway. I don't expect much of my practice actually, but it bulk bills (ie is "free" - this is a good side effect of living in not such a fancy area!) and I can get appointments fairly easily. So I do need to be proactive. There is another new practice opening up nearby that DH suggested we move to, but I'm not sure.

7 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

Good for you!
I hope you get good results to go forward with.
It is always hard finding a new Dr. Is there anyone else at the practice you're comfortable with? And do you know if your Dr is changing to another nearby practice - sometimes they won't be far away.
Bulk billing sure makes life easier, doesn't it.

7 years ago

Helen11

Veteran

Oh, forgot to add. There was a TV ad which must have been produced in the 90s as the pap smear/ cervical screening program was implemented, encouraging women to have their pap tests. It has stuck in my mind. Can't find it on YouTube for you, sorry!

7 years ago

Category