Hi, my name is Lauren, I'm a 20 year old female. For the last 13 (almost 14 now) days I have had bleeding, for the first 5 days it was just spooting, then I got my normal period for 6 days, now the last 2 days I've still been spotting. This is VERY abnormal for me and I'm worried sick. I haven't had an exam since my son was 6 weeks, which he is now 18 months. My mom had cervical cancer when she was 22 which puts me at higher risk. i haven't been to the Dr. because I don't have any insurance. if anyone could tell me if this is infact a symptom please tell me, and other sypmtoms I should look out for, thank you...

Lauren.

Hi Lauren,

Go to your local health clinic to get pap smear and ease your mind. Usually, at no cost to you.

Thanks for responding! I have set up an appointment at my Dr's for the 25th. They won't let me just have a pap, i need a whole physical, which is probably for the best anyhow. Surprisingly it will only cost around $225. I'll keep you all updated.

Lauren, just a quick note on your situation: cervical cancer is in no way hereditary. It's caused by a virus that is contracted sexually so each person who has it got it from someone else. It's just very unfortunate coincidence that your mom had cervical cancer and that you "may" have cervical dysplasia. The only link may be that you have the same type of immune system which isn't able to supress the virus once it has entered your body.

I agree, dont waste money on a physical you dont need. Contact planned parenthood or your local health clinic. Its free, most of the time

HMMM.. i thought most types of cancers had something to do with family history. And my last pap my Doc. asked if I had any family history with cervial problems, at that time I forgot my mom did, so I said I don't thnk so. So I'm just wondering why Dr.s ask that kind of stuff if it doesn't have any affect, you know. O-well, thanks for clearing that up.

I think planned parent hood works on income, which I am not eligiable for, but thanks anyways. Plus I'd feel more comfortable with my Dr.

There are a lot of other reasons why a pap can be abnormal ,and other problems/infections/cysts etc etc in the area that CAN be hereditary.... HPV/'Cervical Cancer isnt one though, Ive read 98 percent of cases are from hpv so theoretically 2 out of 100 would just 'get' cervical dysplasia w.o hpv....very rare though