What does bleeding between periods feel like with cervical cancer?

Intermenstrual bleeding can range from a few pink or brown marks to flow that resembles a period. It may happen once or return between cycles, and cramps are possible but not required. Cervical cancer may also cause bleeding after sex, watery or blood-stained discharge, pelvic pain, or pain when passing urine. Many other causes can produce bleeding between periods, including hormonal changes, contraception, infection, polyps, and pregnancy-related problems. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause.

Book a medical appointment for new, repeated, or unexplained bleeding between periods. Note the date, amount, colour, duration, pain, discharge, contraception, pregnancy possibility, and any bleeding after sex. A clinician may examine the cervix and discuss pregnancy or infection testing and other investigations. Keep taking prescribed medicines unless a clinician tells you otherwise.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pain, faintness, dizziness, fever, or shoulder pain, particularly if pregnancy is possible. Arrange prompt review for bleeding after menopause, a persistent change in periods, foul-smelling discharge, or pain that is getting worse.

Ask whether you need a cervical examination, pregnancy or infection tests, or further investigation. Ask how to track bleeding, which result or symptom needs follow-up, and when to seek urgent help.