Does womb cancer cause persistent pelvic pain?

Womb cancer begins in the lining of the womb. As it develops, it may cause discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Pain can be dull, aching, cramping, or intermittent, and it may occur alongside unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain during sex, or changes in urination or bowel movements.

Persistent pelvic pain also has non-cancer causes, including period-related pain, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian conditions, urinary problems, and pelvic infection. The pattern, duration, examination findings, and other symptoms help a clinician decide which tests are appropriate.

Arrange an appointment with a gynaecologist or family doctor if pelvic pain continues, returns repeatedly, or affects sleep, movement, sex, or daily activities. Record where the pain is, when it appears, what makes it better or worse, and any bleeding, discharge, fever, urinary, or bowel symptoms.

Assessment may include a medical history, abdominal or pelvic examination, and imaging such as an ultrasound. If the womb lining needs closer review, the clinician may recommend a sample. These steps distinguish womb cancer from other pelvic conditions and guide the next decision.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, fainting, heavy vaginal bleeding, a high fever, repeated vomiting, or a swollen and tender abdomen. These signs can reflect an urgent pelvic or abdominal problem and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Contact a clinician promptly for pelvic pain with bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, or unusual discharge. These symptoms do not confirm cancer, but they warrant examination.

Ask what causes are being considered, whether your pain pattern suggests a pelvic examination or ultrasound, and which bleeding or discharge changes should be reported. You can also ask what to expect from any womb-lining sample and when you should receive the results.