I had not had a physical partner in about nine months. Recently, I had met with someone, and we had sex. It was (to my discomfort, emotionally, you know what I mean...) we "got together" around the last day of my period. We used a condom. Normally, my periods are very light and short. Four days max. Anyway, after we had sex, my period was extended (though still light) for about four days. Being almost thirty, and since I had started my female development very early, I just thougt it was premenopause changing my body. However, we got together again almost two weeks later and I went straight home afterwards. I sat down to pee, before taking a shower, and I noticed when I wiped that there was "end of period" type blood on my tissue. Kind of brownish, and mixed with discharge. I immediately was concerned and thought, well, its been awhile...although I didn't really think that at my age with two kids I would actually bleed after sex. I swept two fingers along the outside edge of my vagina and there was nothing. Then, I recalled my extra long period and thought, "Oh, no, I left a tampon in there!" Very concerned, (sorry to be so gross, girls) I put two fingers inside myself, and felt around. Glad not to feel a tampon, I pulled my fingers out, and they were coverd in bright red blood. I have been in a state of constant panic since, because I know that this is a sign of cervical cancer. I have not had a pap in about four years. Can anyone tell me at what stage do you start bleeding? I have a pap on Wednesday (finally) and I can't even sleep nights. I am terrified to leave my three year old inthis world alone. Also, I have a fairly constant pain in my left side. (Just noticed it since the bleed.) I am so scared. Has anyone else had symptoms like this before? Is it always cancer? Is there anything else it could be? When I googled "bleeding after sex" and found all of the cervical cancer sites, I almost passed out. I know you all have been through an awful lot to have to spend time allaying my fears, but please respond if you can give me some hope that I may be okay after all. Thank you, and take it easy.
Melissa