Latest news with #AzizaSesay
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
6 signs you need to see a doctor about your period
Periods are a routine – though often unwelcome – part of life for millions of women and people who menstruate. And for some, symptoms can affect everyday life. A recent study found more than a third (36%) of girls said they missed 1.7 days of school a year as a result of heavy or prolonged bleeding. And a survey by UK charity Wellbeing of Women found over half of women say periods are negatively impacting their lives. Yet, despite this, many of us are reluctant to see a doctor if we're struggling with our menstrual cycle. "The stigma and shame around periods mean many women delay seeking help for treatable symptoms," Janet Lindsay, CEO of Wellbeing of Women, tells Yahoo UK. "Our 'Just a Period' survey found that women wait nearly two years from the onset of issues like pain or heavy bleeding before speaking to a doctor," she adds. This wait can not only affect your daily life but may lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts or, in rare cases, some forms of cancer. Understanding what's normal – and what's not – is key to getting help sooner. Here are six signs it might be time to speak to your GP about your period. Mild cramping at the start of your period is common. But pain that leaves you curled up on the floor, vomiting, or unable to function isn't something to brush off. "A period that stops you from living is not normal," says Dr Aziza Sesay, a GP and ambassador for Wellbeing of Women. "Whether that's going to school, work, or even just walking around – that's a red flag." "There's this narrative that women are just made to suffer," she continues. "But just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal." Intense pain around your period could be a sign of conditions including endometriosis – where cells similar to the womb lining grow elsewhere in the body, causing inflammation, pain and scar tissue – and adenomyosis, where the womb lining grows into the muscle wall. Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in or around the womb, can also cause painful periods. Changing a pad or tampon every one to two hours is an indicator of heavy menstrual bleeding – what Dr Sesay calls 'flooding'. "That's where you're frequently changing products, wearing both [a tampon and a pad] together, or even needing to sleep on a towel,' she explains. 'And it's not normal. A tampon should not fill up every 60 minutes, for example." This level of bleeding can impact your iron levels, leading to anaemia, which may cause tiredness, dizziness, headaches or shortness of breath, she explains. She advises speaking to your GP if you need to change products frequently or are regularly passing blood clots larger than 2.5cm (around the size of a 10p coin). While heavy periods can be normal for some people, they can also be caused by conditions including fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to the NHS. Unexpected bleeding can be a sign that something isn't right. This includes spotting between periods, after sex, or bleeding post-menopause. This type of bleeding might be linked to cervical polyps (small, usually benign tissue growths on the neck of the womb), infections, or more serious conditions such as endometrial or cervical cancer, Dr Sesay explains. While cancers are less common, she stresses early diagnosis is key. "Bleeding between periods, after sex, or post-menopause should always be investigated," Dr Sesay continues. "It could be a sign of something hormonal, but it might also indicate cervical or womb-related conditions. The sooner we know, the faster we can rule these out." Everyone's cycle is slightly different, but it's worth paying attention if yours changes noticeably or becomes unpredictable. Periods that suddenly become heavier, more painful, or arrive less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart could indicate an issue, according to Dr Sesay. "Conditions like thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work – or even early perimenopause can all affect your menstrual rhythm," she says. When your period starts skipping without an obvious reason, such as pregnancy, contraception or menopause, it might be time to investigate. One missed period isn't always a cause for alarm, but Dr Sesay says, "frequent irregularity without explanation" is a red flag. "Stress, excessive exercise, weight loss or PCOS are common culprits,' she explains. "Track your cycle and bring that information to your GP. It makes the appointment more effective, as your doctor will be able to see your patterns clearly." Thanks to hormonal shifts, feeling low, anxious, or irritable before your period is common. But when emotional symptoms become extreme, disruptive, or hard to manage, it could be more than premenstrual syndrome (PMS). "There's a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and it's far more serious than regular PMS," Dr Sesay explains. PMDD is a little-known hormone-based condition that affects around one in 20 people who have periods worldwide. Symptoms include depression, anxiety and irritability, as well as reduced motivation, focus and libido. It can also be life-threatening: 34% of women with PMDD have attempted suicide, according to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD). Dr Sesay stresses it's important to seek help and support as soon as possible if you're struggling with any of these symptoms. "Please don't delay visiting your doctor. We want to help support you; it's what we're here for. You don't have to suffer," she says. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Doctor Aziza Sesay| MBChB DRCOG MRCGP DFSRH (@talkswithdrsesay) Tracking your cycle, checking your body and trusting your instincts are all important ways to catch any issues early, according to Dr Sesay. "It's about asking yourself, 'what's my normal?' so that you know when your body feels off," she says. She advises using a tracker like the Wellbeing of Women Period Symptom Checker if you've noticed any changes in symptoms, saying, 'it only takes a few minutes to use and can help prepare you for what to tell your doctor". She also advises being persistent when it comes to menstrual issues."If someone dismisses your concerns, ask again," she says. "See another GP. Don't give up." Beyond recognising red flags, looking after your general health can also help keep your cycle stable. "What we do in our lifestyle will have an impact on our overall health – and that includes our cycle," she says. She recommends avoiding smoking and vaping, keeping alcohol under 14 units a week, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress. Read more about periods: Locked Loos And Leaks At School: Students Are Facing Too Many Barriers On Their Periods (Huffpost, 4-min read) What you need to know about menstrual cups, as doctors issue warning (Yahoo Life, 8-min read) What is PMDD? Vicky Pattison diagnosed with condition after 'feeling insane' for years (Yahoo Life, 4-min read)
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
One in three ignore signs of deadly gynae cancers – the red flag symptoms of 5 killers you must check immediately
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALMOST one in three women have put off seeing their GP about worrying gynaecological symptoms that could be signs of cancer, a leading charity has warned. There are five cancers affecting gynaecological organs, causing symptoms like unusual discharge, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, lumps and pain during sex. 4 Women might put off getting gynaecological cancer symptoms checked out of embarrassment The Eve Appeal - a gynae cancer charity - warned that many women may ignore these red flag signs or delay seeing a doctor about them out of embarrassment. A survey of 1,070 women found that one in three had postponed seeing a GP about possible cancer symptoms. Nearly one in three respondents also said they would feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about gynaecological health issues. Another 25 per cent revealed they'd feel embarrassed speaking to their GP about such symptoms. Sixty per cent of the respondents said that seeing a female GP would help them feel more comfortable about getting gynaecological symptoms checked. Knowing their GP specialised in women's health (46 per cent) and previously having had a positive experience with their GP (40 per cent) would also prompt them to get symptoms checked more quickly, they said. Another one in four women said they'd feel more comfortable getting symptoms checked if they saw a GP they knew (24 per cent), and if the GP prompted them to open up by asking questions like 'Is there anything else bothering you?' (23 per cent). Dr Aziza Sesay, GP, said: 'As a GP, these statistics don't surprise me. "I've seen so many women who come in with one issue, and then once they feel more comfortable, they open up about something else they've been struggling with for a long time, usually in silence - often too embarrassed to mention it at first. "From symptoms of prolapse and urinary incontinence to bleeding after menopause and vulval swelling. Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases "Sadly, in some cases, the delayed presentation has led to a cancer diagnosis at a later stage. "Destigmatising conversations around these symptoms and breaking the taboo can quite literally save lives.' Gynaecological cancers - which include womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer - affect 22,050 women and people with ovaries each year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, this amounts to 60 people a day receiving a diagnosis, and sadly 22 of them will die from their cancer. 4 So picking up these cancers early and getting possible signs of them checked as soon as possible can make a real difference As it launches its annual Get Lippy campaign for May, The Eve Appeal is raising awareness around red flag symptoms of the five diseases. 1. Ovarian cancer Nearly 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, making it the sixth most common cancer in women. It's most frequently diagnosed post-menopause, but it can affect anyone with ovaries at any stage of life. The five main ovarian cancer symptoms are: Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain Unexplained change in bowel habits Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous Needing to wee more regularly Sufferers may also experience back pain, fatigue, weight loss and pain during sex. 2. Womb cancer 4 Bleeding between periods can signal womb cancer Credit: Getty Womb cancer may also be referred to as uterine or endometrial cancer. It's also the fourth most common gynaecological cancer, with over 9,700 people diagnosed every year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, cases have increased by 12 per cent in the last decade. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of womb cancer, around nine out of 10 sufferers are diagnosed after their abnormal bleeding was investigated. This irregular bleeding might be: Vaginal bleeding after the menopause Bleeding between periods Bleeding that is unusually heavy Vaginal discharge that is blood-stained (pink, brown, red) 3. Vulval cancer Vulval cancer is rare, affecting around 1,350 people a year in the UK - mostly women over the age of 60. But younger women are also being diagnosed with the cancer, so they should know to look out for: A lasting itch on the external genitalia (vulva) Pain or soreness on the external genitalia Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the external genitalia An open sore or growth visible on the genital skin A mole on the external genitalia that changes shape or colour A lump or swelling on the external genitalia 4. Vaginal cancer 4 Persistent pelvic and internal pain can be a sign of vaginal cancer Credit: Getty Vaginal cancer is rarer, with 250 people diagnosed with it in the UK each year. Almost half (40 per cent) of cases are spotted in people over 75. The most common signs include: Abnormal bleeding, eg. between periods, after menopause Discharge with an unpleasant smell or blood stained Pain during penetrative sex An internal lump or growth that you or your doctor can feel An internal itch that won't go away and pain when urinating Persistent pelvic and internal pain 5. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which connects the womb and vagina - this is also sometimes referred to as the neck of the womb. It can affect patients at any age, but the incidence is highest in women aged 30 to 34. Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year, but there are still around 3,250 new cases in the UK annually, The Eve Appeal warned. The symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious, and it may not cause any at all until it's reached an advanced stage. But you might notice: Unusual bleeding, often after sex Pain and discomfort during sex Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge Previously offered only to girls, the HPV shot is now available to all 12- and 13-year-olds regardless of gender, and can provide a a vital defence against eight types of cancer - including cervical. Cervical cancer screening Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer. All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers and genital warts. You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS Know your normal Athena Lamnisos, The Eve Appeal CEO, said: 'We know that health prevention and early diagnosis are key when it comes to cancer and that's a two-way street. "We need patients to feel informed and confident and we need doctors to support open conversations and dispel embarrassment. "Throughout May, we'll be highlighting this issue and providing tips and information which will stop women thinking 'it's probably nothing' and ignore possible symptoms and get them checked.' Shalisha James-Davis, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says: 'The fact that I am a young woman played a huge part in my delayed cancer diagnosis. "I know I still do not look like a cancer patient but that should not be a reason for my symptoms to not be taken seriously. "I now know what I need to look out for and what is not my normal and I'm hoping to encourage other young women to get to know their own bodies so that they can advocate for themselves. "Remembering that if something doesn't feel right, get it checked out.'
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
One in three ignore signs of deadly gynae cancers – the red flag symptoms of 5 killers you must check immediately
ALMOST one in three women have put off seeing their GP about worrying gynaecological symptoms that could be signs of cancer, a leading charity has warned. There are five cancers affecting gynaecological organs, causing symptoms like unusual discharge, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, lumps and pain during sex. 4 The Eve Appeal - a gynae cancer charity - warned that many women may ignore these red flag signs or delay seeing a doctor about them out of embarrassment. A survey of 1,070 women found that one in three had postponed seeing a GP about possible cancer symptoms. Nearly one in three respondents also said they would feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about gynaecological health issues. Another 25 per cent revealed they'd feel embarrassed speaking to their GP about such symptoms. Sixty per cent of the respondents said that seeing a female GP would help them feel more comfortable about getting gynaecological symptoms checked. Knowing their GP specialised in women's health (46 per cent) and previously having had a positive experience with their GP (40 per cent) would also prompt them to get symptoms checked more quickly, they said. Another one in four women said they'd feel more comfortable getting symptoms checked if they saw a GP they knew (24 per cent), and if the GP prompted them to open up by asking questions like 'Is there anything else bothering you?' (23 per cent). Dr Aziza Sesay, GP, said: 'As a GP, these statistics don't surprise me. "I've seen so many women who come in with one issue, and then once they feel more comfortable, they open up about something else they've been struggling with for a long time, usually in silence - often too embarrassed to mention it at first. "From symptoms of prolapse and urinary incontinence to bleeding after menopause and vulval swelling. Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases "Sadly, in some cases, the delayed presentation has led to a cancer diagnosis at a later stage. "Destigmatising conversations around these symptoms and breaking the taboo can quite literally save lives.' Gynaecological cancers - which include womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer - affect 22,050 women and people with ovaries each year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, this amounts to 60 people a day receiving a diagnosis, and sadly 22 of them will die from their cancer. So picking up these cancers early and getting possible signs of them checked as soon as possible can make a real difference As it launches its annual Get Lippy campaign for May, The Eve Appeal is raising awareness around red flag symptoms of the five diseases. 1. Ovarian cancer Nearly 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, making it the sixth most common cancer in women. It's most frequently diagnosed post-menopause, but it can affect anyone with ovaries at any stage of life. The five main ovarian cancer symptoms are: Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain Unexplained change in bowel habits Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous Needing to wee more regularly Sufferers may also experience back pain, fatigue, weight loss and pain during sex. 2. Womb cancer Womb cancer may also be referred to as uterine or endometrial cancer. It's also the fourth most common gynaecological cancer, with over 9,700 people diagnosed every year in the UK. According to The Eve Appeal, cases have increased by 12 per cent in the last decade. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of womb cancer, around nine out of 10 sufferers are diagnosed after their abnormal bleeding was investigated. This irregular bleeding might be: Vaginal bleeding after the menopause Bleeding between periods Bleeding that is unusually heavy Vaginal discharge that is blood-stained (pink, brown, red) 3. Vulval cancer Vulval cancer is rare, affecting around 1,350 people a year in the UK - mostly women over the age of 60. But younger women are also being diagnosed with the cancer, so they should know to look out for: A lasting itch on the external genitalia (vulva) Pain or soreness on the external genitalia Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the external genitalia An open sore or growth visible on the genital skin A mole on the external genitalia that changes shape or colour A lump or swelling on the external genitalia 4. Vaginal cancer 4 Vaginal cancer is rarer, with 250 people diagnosed with it in the UK each year. Almost half (40 per cent) of cases are spotted in people over 75. The most common signs include: Abnormal bleeding, eg. between periods, after menopause Discharge with an unpleasant smell or blood stained Pain during penetrative sex An internal lump or growth that you or your doctor can feel An internal itch that won't go away and pain when urinating Persistent pelvic and internal pain 5. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which connects the womb and vagina - this is also sometimes referred to as the neck of the womb. It can affect patients at any age, but the incidence is highest in women aged 30 to 34. Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year, but there are still around 3,250 new cases in the UK annually, The Eve Appeal warned. The symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious, and it may not cause any at all until it's reached an advanced stage. But you might notice: Unusual bleeding, often after sex Pain and discomfort during sex Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge Previously offered only to girls, the HPV shot is now available to all 12- and 13-year-olds regardless of gender, and can provide a a vital defence against eight types of cancer - including cervical. Cervical cancer screening Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer. All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers and genital warts. You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS Know your normal Athena Lamnisos, The Eve Appeal CEO, said: 'We know that health prevention and early diagnosis are key when it comes to cancer and that's a two-way street. "We need patients to feel informed and confident and we need doctors to support open conversations and dispel embarrassment. "Throughout May, we'll be highlighting this issue and providing tips and information which will stop women thinking 'it's probably nothing' and ignore possible symptoms and get them checked.' Shalisha James-Davis, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says: 'The fact that I am a young woman played a huge part in my delayed cancer diagnosis. "I know I still do not look like a cancer patient but that should not be a reason for my symptoms to not be taken seriously. "I now know what I need to look out for and what is not my normal and I'm hoping to encourage other young women to get to know their own bodies so that they can advocate for themselves.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
One in three ignore signs of deadly gynae cancers – the red flag symptoms of 5 killers you must check immediately
ALMOST one in three women have put off seeing their GP about worrying gynaecological symptoms that could be signs of cancer, a leading charity has warned. There are five cancers affecting gynaecological organs, causing symptoms like unusual discharge, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, lumps and pain during sex. Advertisement 4 Women might put off getting gynaecological cancer symptoms checked out of embarrassment A survey of 1,070 women found that one in three had postponed seeing a GP about possible cancer symptoms. Nearly one in three respondents also said they would feel nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable speaking to a doctor about gynaecological health issues. Another 25 per cent revealed they'd feel embarrassed speaking to their GP about such symptoms. Advertisement Read more on cancer Sixty per cent of the respondents said that seeing a female GP would help them feel more comfortable about getting gynaecological symptoms checked. Knowing their GP specialised in women's health (46 per cent) and previously having had a positive experience with their GP (40 per cent) would also prompt them to get symptoms checked more quickly, they said. Another one in four women said they'd feel more comfortable getting symptoms checked if they saw a GP they knew (24 per cent), and if the GP prompted them to open up by asking questions like 'Is there anything else bothering you?' (23 per cent). Dr Aziza Sesay, GP, said: 'As a GP, these statistics don't surprise me. Advertisement Most read in Health "I've seen so many women who come in with one issue, and then once they feel more comfortable, they open up about something else they've been struggling with for a long time, usually in silence - often too embarrassed to mention it at first. "From symptoms of prolapse and Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases "Sadly, in some cases, the delayed presentation has led to a cancer diagnosis at a later stage. "Destigmatising conversations around these symptoms and breaking the taboo can quite literally save lives.' Advertisement Gynaecological cancers - which include According to The Eve Appeal, this amounts to 60 people a day receiving a diagnosis, and sadly 22 of them will die from their cancer. 4 So picking up these cancers early and getting possible signs of them checked as soon as possible can make a real difference Advertisement As it launches its annual Get Lippy campaign for May, The Eve Appeal is raising awareness around red flag symptoms of the five diseases. 1. Ovarian cancer Nearly 7,500 people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the UK, making it the sixth most common cancer in women. It's most frequently diagnosed post-menopause, but it can affect anyone with ovaries at any stage of life. The five main ovarian cancer symptoms are: Advertisement Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) Persistent pelvic and Unexplained change in bowel habits Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly, or feeling nauseous Needing to Sufferers may also experience back pain, fatigue, weight loss and pain during sex. 2. Womb cancer 4 Bleeding between periods can signal womb cancer Credit: Getty Womb cancer may also be referred to as uterine or endometrial cancer. It's also the fourth most common gynaecological cancer, with over 9,700 people diagnosed every year in the UK. Advertisement According to The Eve Appeal, cases have increased by 12 per cent in the last decade. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of womb cancer, around nine out of 10 sufferers are diagnosed after their This irregular bleeding might be: Vaginal bleeding after the menopause Bleeding between periods Bleeding that is unusually heavy Vaginal discharge that is blood-stained (pink, brown, red) 3. Vulval cancer Advertisement But younger women are also being diagnosed with the cancer, so they should know to look out for: A lasting itch on the external genitalia (vulva) Pain or soreness on the external genitalia Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the external genitalia An open sore or A mole on the external genitalia that changes shape or colour A lump or swelling on the external genitalia 4. Vaginal cancer 4 Persistent pelvic and internal pain can be a sign of vaginal cancer Credit: Getty Almost half (40 per cent) of cases are spotted in people over 75. Advertisement The most common signs include: Abnormal bleeding, eg. between periods, after menopause Discharge with an unpleasant smell or blood stained An internal lump or growth that you or your doctor can feel An internal itch that won't go away and pain when urinating Persistent pelvic and internal pain 5. Cervical cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which connects the womb and vagina - this is also sometimes referred to as the neck of the womb. It can affect patients at any age, but the incidence is highest in women aged 30 to 34. Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 4,000 lives each year, but there are still around 3,250 new cases in the UK annually, The Eve Appeal warned. Advertisement The symptoms of cervical cancer aren't always obvious, and it may not cause any at all until it's reached an advanced stage. But you might notice: Unusual bleeding, often after sex Pain and discomfort during sex Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge Previously offered only to girls, the HPV shot is now Cervical cancer screening Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS Know your normal Athena Lamnisos, The Eve Appeal CEO, said: 'We know that health prevention and early diagnosis are key when it comes to cancer and that's a two-way street. Advertisement "We need patients to feel informed and confident and we need doctors to support open conversations and dispel embarrassment. "Throughout May, we'll be highlighting this issue and providing tips and information which will stop women thinking 'it's probably nothing' and ignore possible symptoms and get them checked.' Shalisha James-Davis, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says: 'The fact that I am a young woman played a huge part in my delayed cancer diagnosis. "I know I still do not look like a cancer patient but that should not be a reason for my symptoms to not be taken seriously. Advertisement "I now know what I need to look out for and what is not my normal and I'm hoping to encourage other young women to get to know their own bodies so that they can advocate for themselves. "Remembering that if something doesn't feel right, get it checked out.'
The Independent
11-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Nine in 10 women don't know signs of heavy periods, research says
As few as one in ten women can pinpoint signs of heavy menstrual bleeding, as one of the UK's top women's health doctors says women and girls were 'suffering in silence' from period problems, despite the availability of potential treatments. Research by the charity Wellbeing of Women found that one in two women (51 per cent) said their period negatively impacts their life, and the same proportion avoid exercise when on their period while nearly three in five (57 per cent) experienced problems at work because of their period. A Censuswide survey of 3000 people, commissioned by the charity, found that half of women also said their period symptoms had been dismissed, and just under a quarter said they felt their symptoms had been dismissed by a healthcare professional. The survey found that only one in 10 women can identify all the signs of heavy menstrual bleeding, and more than six in 10 women did not realise that avoiding daily activities because of bleeding was a sign of heavy bleeding. GP and health content creator Dr Aziza Sesay said when she posts videos talking about period symptoms that aren't normal - including having to change period products every hour and having to put towels down in bed to avoid flooding - she always gets comments and messages from women and girls who are 'stunned' to learn it. 'It's one of those things that's passed on intergenerationally: if a mum or grandmother has experienced it, she will tell her daughter, 'Don't worry, it just runs in the family',' Dr Sesay said. 'I've done some period education in schools, and it never ceases to surprise me when a young girl comes up to me and says 'I didn't realise painful periods aren't normal, my mum told me it was normal'.' On Tuesday, the charity launched a new period symptom checker to help women and girls understand more about their menstrual cycle, which could help women talk to their GP about receiving better treatment. The checker, which takes just four minutes to complete, asks various questions about health and reproductive symptoms, and at the end of the checker drafts a letter for women to give to their GP which can help open discussions about symptoms. The report and symptom checker comes after a December report from the Women and Equalities Committee of MPs concluded that many girls are leaving school not knowing what constitutes a "normal" period, and that " medical misogyny" is leading to women living with unnecessary pain for years as reproductive conditions go undiagnosed. Wellbeing of Women said many women are "putting up with" disabling levels of pain and heavy bleeding, waiting for an average of two years before seeking help. Professor Dame Lesley Regan, who was appointed as the first-ever Women's Health Ambassador for England under the Conservative government and is the chairwoman of Wellbeing of Women, said: "It is shocking that women are still suffering severe period pain and heavy bleeding in silence. "A variety of medical treatments could be offered to girls and women with these distressing conditions. "We hope that our new Period Symptom Checker will encourage women to speak up and seek help for their period problems. "It aims to promote better engagement with GPs and other community healthcare professionals by creating a letter that outlines how their symptoms are affecting their everyday lives." Wellbeing of Women said that better education about menstrual health is urgently needed to encourage women to seek treatment, which could include an appointment with their GP or community healthcare professional, or better self-care. Dr Michael Mulholland, honorary secretary at the Royal College of GPs, said: "It's never easy to hear when any patient reports not feeling as though they have been listened to. "We want all women to feel confident about turning to their GP for timely and appropriate care ... and we will continue to support initiatives like Wellbeing of Women's Period Symptom Checker to raise awareness and challenge the normalisation of period problems." Signs of an abnormal period Dr Sesay, who is also an ambassador for Wellness of Women, said if your period is 'really heavy or really painful' that is not normal. 'It's important to know that even though something is your normal, it may not be normal … it needs to be checked,' she said. Abnormal symptoms of heavy bleeding include needing to change period products every hour or needing to use both tampons and pads at the same time; having to put towels on your bed to avoid bleeding through bedding, and flooding through clothing. Heavy bleeding can sometimes also cause anaemia, which can lead to shortness of breath, weak limbs, and fatigue. Period pain that disrupts day-to-day life, including needing time off work or school or avoiding exercise, is also not normal, Dr Sesay said. Some of the potential causes of these symptoms include endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids. Dr Sesay stresses there are treatments available, from various pain medications to hormonal treatment and surgery, so it's worth talking to your GP.
