Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage.
Unusual bleeding
Unusual bleeding from your vagina is usually the first symptom of cervical cancer you may notice.
This includes bleeding:
- outside of your normal periods
- during or after sex
- after you have been through menopause
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you experience any type of unusual bleeding from the vagina
Bleeding from the vagina is very common. A lot of things can cause it.
Unusual bleeding from the vagina does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. But it needs to be checked out by your GP.
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- vaginal spotting or unusual discharge
- pain during sex
- pain in your pelvis (anywhere between your belly button and the top of your thighs)
These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have cervical cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.
What happens at the GP appointment
Your GP will ask you about:
- your symptoms
- any contraception you are using
- your last screening test
They may also ask you about your medical history if they do not know it.
You may prefer to attend a female doctor for your appointment, if one is available.
GP may examine you
The GP may ask to examine you. You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
Then the GP may:
- look at the outside of your vagina (vulva)
- feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy (they will be wearing gloves)
- gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see your cervix
- take a sample from your cervix. This is to check for infection
It should not be painful, but you may find it uncomfortable. Talk to the GP if you're feeling uncomfortable.
You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during your exam if you want.
You are in control and can ask the doctor to stop at any time.
If your cervical screening test is due, the GP may do the test during your appointment.
A screening test may not find the cause of your symptoms. But it is important to have a screening test when it is due.
Referral to a specialist
The GP or practice nurse may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital. They will do this if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
