Concerned - Cancer: Breast Message Board

_CJ_ · 04-08-2005, 10:15 AM

About a year and a half ago, I had some spotting in between periods...to the extent of bleeding every day with only the occassional day "off". I went through this for about 6 months and at the time I was not having sex. I went and had my pap smear done with all the tests and it came back normal. They checked all STDs, my thyroid, hormone levels, and lymph nodes. For some reason, after that, I didn't have any issues again for 6 months.

Suddenly it came back with a vengence this past August. I was bleeding more and more and started having heavy periods for the first time in my life. Clots the size of silver dollars were coming out of me. I had brown blood discharge, cramping, small clots, etc. outside of my actual period. I was bleeding on a daily basis. I went in and have had 2 vaginal ultrasounds, and was put on birth control (Ortho-TriCyclen) about 4 months ago. The birth control has helped a little bit (meaning I don't bleed at all for about a week and a half). And my doctor seems pleased with that result. I should be grateful, but am still disheartened since they seem to find nothing wrong with me other than "unexplained vaginal bleeding".

I went back for this years' pap smear and it came back with a "low-grade abnormality". I was also diagnosed with a mild case of bacterial vaginosis & given meds to treat it. My doc explained also that the "HPV" test she did as part of my physical, hasn't come back yet. I am scheduled to have a colposcopy done in the next couple weeks (try to schedule one of those when you aren't bleeding...hahaha). I was told this is just another vaginal exam with a scope.

All of this concerns me because I'm 30 years old and hope to someday be able to have children. My doctor doesn't show concern in that aspect other than alleviating my fears and scheduling various tests to rule things out and ease my mind. But I don't understand why they can't find any cause. I know that HPV could cause some bleeding but I've never heard it to the extend that I have the bleeding.

I guess I should wait until after the results of the colposcopy, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice?

Lvnglf · 04-08-2005, 06:42 PM

About 6-7 yrs ago I did experience simularities with the bleeding problem. (I'm also 30). The difference here, I was determined not to go see a doctor. I never did. "It" cleared up on it's own, without birth control or nothing. I do say though, I had started eating better (?).

Last dec. went for my first pap in over a decade. Came back same as yourself, mild with shift in flora consistant with bacterial vaginosis.

Had a colposcopy on the 22 of last month (not a big thing-I listened to the others in here and took 2 ibuprophene an hour before- oh ya, eat before hand.).

Only advice here, try not to worry too much. From my research and what we seem to share, you should have no problem bearing children.

The waiting game is a tough one!! We seem to all share in here. Keep posting, let us know how things are going ok.

God bless.

_CJ_ · 04-11-2005, 12:12 PM

Thanks Lvnglf!