Spotting / Cervical Cancer

[WildBlue]

Good afternoon all,

Just wanted to get some insight on something. I'm 25, active sexually, started having sex a year and a half ago, and have had only one partner. I have been on Loestrin Fe since October 2008. Twice this month I have had some light spotting. It first started two weeks ago and lasted about three days. It started again two days ago, with usually a dull red or brown discharge. I have taken two pregnancy tests (did have some unprotected sex recently, but partner used a condom for ejaculation), which both were negative.

I suspect (and hope) this is just a random event of breakthrough bleeding, but I have some concerns. I had skin cancer at 15 years old, and had a benign breast lump at 20. There is also a strong history of cancer in my family. I have heard that spotting and brown discharge can be symptoms of cervical cancer. I had a pap smear in October 2009, which came back normal. I am seeing my doctor OB tomorrow afternoon regarding this issue.

Am I worrying for no reason? I started a new job right about when the spotting first started, and have been stressing about other things recently as well. I am active, and had been working out 5/6 days a week between the gym and ice hockey. But the last two weeks I have only been on the ice due to my schedule, and haven't seen the gym. Could the stress and change of exercise routine be a cause?

Looking through the other spotting threads has helped put my mind at ease (thank you, Brandye!), but given my personal history with cancer, I now tend to overreact a little. I'll get to the bottom of the issue with my doctor, but hearing a little more about cervical cancer symptoms or just having some reassurance would be good.

Thank you for your time.

[Brandye]

You should be concerned with a history but, fortunately, this is only a very remote possibility. Relax. Your annual pap smear will detect issues long before bleeding will show up from cervical cancer.

Many women experience breakthrough bleeding from time. It may be epiphenomenal or it may be that you and your doctor should explore other pills. The dull color represents old blood that did not completely slough off during your last period. If this persists a few months, talk to the doctor about a different pill.

[WildBlue]

Thank you, Brandye. I appreciate the insight. After speaking with my doctor, we've decided to try a different pill next month, as she feels that my body as acclimated to the Loestrin (my usual pill) after a year and a half of being on it. She suggested I try the new pill (with higher estrogen level) for a month, and return to the Loestrin to see what happens. She assured me it was normal. I'll be going in for an ultrasound next week just to check and make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary. That's mainly because of my personal and family history.

Thank you once again.