Cervix concern - help appreciated

[Pinky00]

Can anyone help?

I checked my cervix position today for the first time, the opening feels slightly to one side and a little rough/bumpy - is that normal? Or is TTC turning me into a hypochondriac!

Had a normal PAP smear approx 2.5 years ago, next one due Oct 11.

 

[capegirl7]

Noone can tell you what is normal for you! Everyone is different! You should probably just go see a doctor and get a PAP.. you should be getting one every year.. I wouldn't worry too much. Do you feel like hard lumps.. if so they could be cysts. that are completely normal and usually benign. But if you are concerned always go to the doctor to check it out.

 

[Pinky00]

No I wouldn't say they are lumps, it is more of a jagged roughness, can't say if I've always had it as I've never checked before!

My GP (UK) only calls for a PAP every 3 years, that does seem like a long time now that I come to think of it!

 

[capegirl7]

In the United States they do it every year! Crazy how each country is different! No one can tell you if it is normal or not for you. If your really worried go get it checked out, or wait a cycle to see whats normal for you!. If not keep checking and see how it changes throughout your cycle. I know my cervix isnt completely smooth. like it has ridges in it or whatever you want to call it!! The opening of your cervix will also shift throughout your cycle.

 

[Pinky00]

You are right, I will just keep checking it. It's crazy how you worry about every little thing and wonder if you are normal. Thank you for your reply!

 

[capegirl7]

Believe me I know! This whole TTC things makes you crazy! I get so worried about everything hoping I'm normal and everything will be okay. What day are you on in your cycle? I'm 7dpo today and hoping to test at 10dpo or 11dpo.

 

[Pinky00]

I am on cycle day 17 today, I have started temping this cycle and I don't think I have OVd yet, I did get a faint line on an OPK today, so here's hoping!

 

[EngineerGirl]

Your cervix may be pink and smooth or it might have reddish blemishes. It can also be uneven, rough or splotchy. All of these are normal.

(source)

Also according to that site the cervix looks blue-ish or purple-ish when pregnant. Interesting, huh?

Also, you only need a pap every year if you change sexual partners in that time. It's only every 3 if you stay with the same partner.

 

[Pinky00]

Gosh, who knew that cervixes can be so different!!!

 

[Pinky00]

I checked again this morning and the bumpiness has gone, phew!

 

[1liz9]

Wait - I know this wasn't the question but now I'm curious... Do they only do Pap smears every 3 years in the UK??

 

[Pinky00]

Wait - I know this wasn't the question but now I'm curious... Do they only do Pap smears every 3 years in the UK??

Yes, it is every 3 years in the UK! The great NHS hey!

 

[BubbleGum04]

Wow, really, every 3 years? Crazy!

I have felt bumps on my cervix before but they come and go.. I actually forgot til I read this but I've definitely felt them. And my obgyn recently checked out my cervix and said it's "beautiful" lol - so I wouldn't worry!

 

[TiggerToo]

Not to hijack....

Actually, in the US the new standard IS every three years following a NORMAL PAP, as research has shown that doing it every year does not change the rate of discovery of cervical cancer (which is what they're looking for). If you have an abnormal AT ANY TIME, then it's recommended every year (and rightly so!) until they're normal, pending your initial followup and any needed treatment after the abnormal one.

So look for your insurance companies to eventually start changing their coverage parameters when your policies are up for renewal.

And I'm a Certified Oncology RN (just in case you were wondering...).

 

[rj84]

and in the UK - they do ask for every year if you come back with abnormal cells.. 3 years if you don't, but many women do come back with abnormal and therefore get checked yearly.