Query about bleeding
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| Sun, 12-05-2004 - 3:06am |
I'm not sure if this is the correct board to post this question, but I couldn't find another more suitable.
I'm 25, recently married, and I've been having a strange problem for just over a year now. I have IBS, and as a result I sometimes get quite constipated. If I find that I have to strain to go to the bathroom, I get a bloody vaginal discharge similar to a few days into my period. It normally goes away within a few hours, but I'm a little concerned about whether this is normal or if it's something I should get checked out.
I live in England where they only do pap smears once every 3 years, and I've never had a pelvic exam. I had my last smear when I was 20, I've gone back since but they were unable to get a good culture, and since it requires time off work due to the hours the nurse works I haven't been able to get back since (too much time off this year already).
I guess my main concern is whether this indicates that my cervix doesn't close properly, or some other issue that may affect my ability to have children, since my husband and I were planning to start a family within the next few years. I know that it is definitely not a sexually transmitted disease, since I was a virgin until I met my husband, and his sexual history is similar.
The thing is, this isn't something that I can discuss with friends, so it could even be normal, I really don't know.
Anybody have any advice?
Thanks.

Hi femfatale, welcome to the U.S. Sexual Health board!
Bloody vaginal discharge while straining for a bowel movement is not normal. You need to be examined by a doctor. If you have never had a pelvic exam now is the time to get one to find out what's going on. If you can’t get in to see your doctor during regular hours perhaps a Family Planning Association (FPA) clinic near you has a schedule that will work for you. The FPA clinic finder link is below. Hon, it may be nothing serious but you need to be seen by a doctor to find out for sure and get treatment.
Family Planning Association (UK) clinic finder: http://www.fpa.org.uk/helpnow/where/index.htm
Though you have been diagnosed with IBS this is a link to a list of other things that can cause pelvic pain. Your IBS symptoms could be masking another problem. http://www.ivillagehealth.com/library/nwh/content/0,,215912_542485,00.html
Symptom solver: Bleeding between Menstrual Periods
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/tools/ss/bleeding/content/0,,592539_593593,00.html
You might also want to post to out Gynecology board to see if members there have had similar experiences. iVillage (U.S.) Gynecology board
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhgynconcern
Hon, you need to find a way to see a doctor. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?
Good luck,
Jill