Cervical cancer
Get tips on seeing your GP about your symptoms
The most common symptom of cervical cancer is bleeding from the vagina at times other than when you're having a period. You may have bleeding:
between periods
during or after sex
at any time after your
Bleeding after sex isn't necessarily a sign of cervical cancer. It's often caused by something called a cervical ectropion or erosion.
A cervical ectropion means that the cells normally inside the cervical canal can be seen on the outside surface of the cervix (ectocervix). It is common:
in teenagers
during pregnancy
in women using hormonal contraceptives
This is due to changes in hormone levels. Sex can make a cervical ectropion start bleeding.
A cervical ectropion has nothing to do with cancer. It's harmless and often goes away by itself or by changing contraception. Sometimes, it might need treatment. Your doctor does this by freezing the area under local anaesthetic (cryotherapy).
As cervical cancer can also cause bleeding after sex, it is always sensible to get any unusual bleeding checked by your doctor.
Some women have discomfort or pain during sex. This is called dyspareunia.
Many other conditions can cause this symptom. But you should see your doctor straight away if you have this.
Some women also have:
an abnormal vaginal discharge that might smell unpleasant
pain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)
Cervical screening is a way of preventing cervical cancer. It tests for a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). You can have HPV without any symptoms.
Last reviewed: 10 Nov 2026
Next review due: 09 Nov 2029
You usually start by seeing your GP if you have symptoms that could be due to cervical cancer. Your doctor will then decide whether to do tests or refer you to a specialist.
Cervical cancer is when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix grow uncontrollably and eventually form a growth (tumour).
Cervical screening uses HPV primary screening. The cervical cells are first of all tested for the HPV virus. If high risk HPV is found, the laboratory will test the sample for cell changes.
The stage of a cancer tells you about its size and whether it has spread. The type means the type of cell the cancer started from. The grade means how abnormal the cells look under the microscope.
Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of cervical cancer you have, how big it is, whether it has spread (the stage) and the grade. It also depends on your general health.
There are several possible risks and causes of cervical cancer, including human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a major cause.
