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Cervical cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, changes to vaginal discharge, discomfort during sex and pain in your lower back or pelvis. If you have symptoms, you should contact your GP.
On this page:
- What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? >
- Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you >
- Changes to vaginal discharge >
- Pain or discomfort during sex >
- Unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hipbones >
- What to do if you have symptoms of cervical cancer >
- How we can help >
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms or the symptoms may not be obvious. The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods
- changes to vaginal discharge
- pain or discomfort during sex
- unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis).
It is important to remember that these symptoms usually happen for reasons other than cervical cancer. But it is also important to contact your GP straight away, so they can give you reassurance and support.
We have separate information about symptoms of advanced cervical cancer >
Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you
If you have regular periods, unusual vaginal bleeding happens any time outside of your regular period. It may happen:
- between periods
- during or after sex
- after the menopause.
Although this may be worrying, remember there are many different reasons for unusual bleeding that may not be related to cervical cancer. These include hormonal contraception (birth control) and cervical ectropion. Whatever type of unusual vaginal bleeding you have, it is important to contact your GP. They can examine you and make sure everything is okay.
Go to the Eve Appeal website for tips on tracking vaginal bleeding >
Vaginal bleeding after the menopause (post-menopausal bleeding)
If you are over 45 and haven’t had a period for more than a year, you may have gone through the menopause. After the menopause, any bleeding from the vagina needs to be checked by your GP, even if it is light or just happens once.
Read more about post-menopausal bleeding on the NHS website >
Changes to vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is a fluid (mucus) that cleans and protects the vagina. Most women have it, but it is good to be aware of any changes. Those changes may be:
- looking different – for example, becoming much thicker or changing colour
- smelling different – particularly if it smells unpleasant.
Vagina discharge can change for lots of reasons that aren’t related to cervical cancer, such as an infection or changing hormones.
It is important to tell your GP about any changes so they can put your mind at ease and make sure you get the care you need.
Pain or discomfort during sex
You may find sex painful or uncomfortable. This is sometimes called dyspareunia.
Sex may be painful for lots of reasons, both physical and psychological, that aren’t related to cervical cancer. There are things that may help, such as using more lubrication or seeing a counsellor that specialises in sex therapy. But to reassure you and so sex can become more comfortable, it is important to contact your GP and tell them about the pain.
Unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hipbones
Sometimes we feel pain in our lower back or between our hipbones (pelvis) for a reason, like pulling a muscle or having a period. But it is a good idea to tell your GP about this pain if:
- there is no obvious reason for it
- it is affecting your day-to-day life
- it lasts for 2 to 3 weeks or longer.
What to do if you have symptoms of cervical cancer
All of the symptoms we talk about on this page often happen for a reason other than cervical cancer. But if you have any of these symptoms or are worried about anything else, it is best to contact your GP as soon as possible.
