Signs to Watch and When to See a Doctor
Unusual Bleeding and Other Signs of Cervical Cancer
The early stages of cervical cancer might not come with any noticeable symptoms. However, the most popular symptom experienced by many women is unusual vaginal bleeding.
This condition could imply anything like a faint pinkish or clear vaginal discharge or very heavy menstruation. This condition also comes with vaginal bleeding after intercourse, bleeding during menstruation, or frequent bleeding after menopause.
Other Unnoticeable Signs of Cervical Cancer:
- Feeling full or bloated
- Pain in the pelvis
- Pain, surrounding the back or leg.
- HPV puts you at a higher risk of having cervical cancer
Your HPV status is an important factor when checking for symptoms of cervical cancer. HPV, also known as the Human Papillomavirus can cause different kinds of cancer in both women and men, such as cervical cancer.
If you test positive for HPV or have an unusual Pap test result, it is crucial to remain up to date with your checkups.
If Eligible, Get an HPV Vaccination
Every individual between the ages of 9 and 26 should be vaccinated against HPV. Also, this vaccination can help prevent other HPV-related cancers such as throat cancer, penile cancer, vulvar cancer, vagina cancer, and most cervical cancers.
If you are between the ages of 27 and 45 and have yet to obtain an HPV vaccine, reach out to your physician about the advantages of getting the vaccine. According to research, the vaccine can help prevent and fight up to nine strains of HPV infection that are associated with genital warts and cancer.