Bulky Cervix

Body: 

Hiya, first time posting here but seems a lovely site. I have been getting a little pelvic pain for a while so Dr sent me for an abdominal ultrasound suspecting a cyst. My ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus are all clear and normal looking but it showed a bulky cervix. I have a Dr's appointment in 3 weeks time to discuss this. I of course have googled and see cervical cancer mentioned everywhere so I am petrified.

I am in my early 30s, never had sex and don't have any bleeding between periods. I do get recurrent thrush but haven't told my Dr as for some reason forgot everytime I've gone but I do get red raw with it.

I am just petrified that I have to go down that test route checking for cancer when I really don't want to let myself go there as I suffer from terrible anxiety. I've never had a smear test as Dr always told me it wasn't worth putting me through it with my anxiety when I've never had sex.

Is there anything I can do to help myself or any less serious things I could be tested for like a swab for an infection? All blood tests are normal, fbc didn't show anything.

Thank you.

Hi Mothernature - I'm just wondering why your doctor would not suggest a smear, just to rule out cervical cancer. I've had a few of these in my day, and I don't find them to be much of an ordeal. It might just put your mind at ease. - Surviving

I guess it depends what you are really worried about.

If you are really worried about cancer:
The cervical cancer virus is most frequently caught via the sexual act, maybe this is why your doctor has not considered a cervical smear. But to put your mind at rest, it might be advisable to ask for one. If your vagina is sore the doctor can use a lubricant to help slide the speculum. She can take a swab of your thrush and send it for diagnostic tests.

There is a vaccine for the virus, but if you are against vaccines the smear would be the way to go to allay your anxiety one way or another.

If you are worried about the medical examination:
Thrush is unpleasant and it is frequently advised that you look to your diet and avoid sweet things and hot foods like chillies while it’s on. The discharge from thrush is usually described as being thick, cream or white in colour and looking like cottage cheese. Sometimes the discharge is not obvious, but the intense itching is its signal. The skin of the vulva and perineum may be involved as well and you can experience a rash, swelling and soreness and as women have described here burning and sometimes splitting of the skin.

Don’t make the mistake of overcleansing the vagina. Christine’s suggestions of bathing in apple cider vinegar and then restoring health with a dab of raw honey could be followed to your advantage.

Otherwise, the doctor will prescribe an anti fungal cream which you can buy without prescription over the counter, but make sure you continue to use it well after the thrush has gone or it will return.

Hope this helps, Fab

Thank you for your replies. I have been advised to have a smear but am a little scared as even tampons hurt me and I know I would tense up with the expectation of pain making it much worse. Silly I know :(

not silly. Totally natural to anticipate and want to avoid pain.

Your worry is completely natural. I think it is a good idea though and although you may be tense about it, it should take only a little drop of time and it will be over. For most of us it is not painful. If you can share your worry with your doctor I think it would help. Best wishes to you!

Thank you, I will mention it to my Dr and be brave and have the smear. I guess it's highly unlikely it's cancer so I hope it's something which I can treat easily and if possible with natural products as I prefer this to medicines prescribed

Hey Mothernature,
It is all very well for us seasoned childbearers, who have been prodded and poked 'down there' for much of our adult life, to just tell you to do and do it. Yes, we can see that you are anxious about it. You have three weeks to prepare yourself. I suggest that you look at all the ways you can think of to make this a less stress experience.

Could I suggest that you take a trusted woman with you, to hold your hand and allay your fears during the examination. You don't have to do this by yourself.

Also, please let the doctor know beforehand that you are very anxious about it. He will benefit from knowing that, and will probably pick it up anyway, but this is another way that you can prepare yourself.

Do some reading about it, so you know exactly what will happen.

Take some headphones and music to distract yourself if necessary. I am sure that the doctor will want you as calm as possible.

Lastly, give yourself a treat after you have had the smear. You will be so proud of yourself, and rightly so! Then next time it will be much easier.