Symptoms of Cervical Cancer After Menopause

Cervical cancer is frightening, whether a minimal or major problem. The exact cause of cervical is still unknown although it is believed that certain things increase the risk. For example, HPV, which is the Human Papilloma Virus, has been connected to 95% of all cervical cancer cases. This particular virus is passed through sex and because it is rare for symptoms to appear, treatment often comes late. Another possibility for cervical cancer could be women having sexual intercourse at a very, young age or having multiple partners. Then, hormone replacement therapy has received negative press in recent years. In this article, we want to address symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause so it is not overlooked.

First, it is important to understand what the cervix is. The cervix is the next of the womb, located at the top of the vagina. When a woman has cervical cancer, the cel4ls become abnormal, growing out of control. Because of this, cervical cancer can spread to other parts of the body so early detection and treatment are crucial. The problem for women going through the change of life is that symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause are generally non-existent. Therefore, proper screening is imperative. Keep in mind that even when the monthly menstrual cycle has stopped because of menopause, that does not mean a woman cannot get cervical cancer.

Now, one of the symptoms of menopause is a change in bleeding cycle. During the early years of menopause, called peri-menopause, periods become irregular, sometimes heavier, sometimes lighter, and eventually, they stop altogether. However, while most women assume this abnormal or unusual bleeding is a normal part of menopause, which it can be, it could also be a sign of trouble. Therefore, any symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause should be checked. Remember, everything is probably fine but it is far better to check with your doctor than not.

Other symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause could be pelvic pain, increased vaginal discharge, and bleeding after intercourse. Unfortunately, because symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause are uncommon, we see a rise in numbers of women battling this disease. The good news is that the number of women succumbing to cervical cancer has dropped in recent years through better testing and information just like this article. The more women know what to look for regarding symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause, the better chance they have of living a long, healthy life.

If you should experience symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause, then your doctor will likely use laboratory testing to check for abnormal cells. In most cases, a small sample of cells is taken from the surface of the cervix in what is called a pap smear. This test is painless, quick, and is done in the doctor’s office. The recommend timeline for this test whether you are having symptoms or not and whether you are going through menopause or not is every three to five years. Once the test is done, if abnormal cells are found, you have excellent options for treatment. Therefore, do not assume anything when it comes to menopause. If you have concerns or should show any symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause, have it checked.