Ask the Doctor
September 9, 2014
When I have sex it is very painful. Should I be worried?

Dear Doc,

During intercourse I experience pain deep within my vagina and bleeding. I am 32 years old and have never had a pap-smear. Should I be worried?{{more}}

Brenda

Dear Brenda,

Pain and bleeding during intercourse for a female who is not having intercourse for the first time or who is not about to have her period has to be investigated by her gynaecologist.

It is possible that the pain deep with the vagina and the bleeding are from the cervix. Because you have never had a pap-smear or a recent one, there may be suspicion of cancer of the cervix. During intercourse, the penis comes into contact with the cervix and thus can cause pain and/or bleeding from any lesions located on it.

Other reasons for bleeding can include cancers of the vaginal wall, bleeding from trauma of the normal wall of the vagina, bleeding from the placenta during pregnancy, cancer of the uterus, among others.

It is paramount that regular pap-smears be done, so that you do not get any surprises.

Doc

SVG Cancer Society,

P.O. Box 709, Kingstown.

Email: svgsocietycancer@gmail.com

Phone:526-7036