And How it is Related to Ovarian Cancer
While not every woman will experience vaginal bleeding as one of the symptoms related to ovarian cancer, the presence of bloody discharge is present often enough for it to be considered a serious indicator that something is wrong with the reproductive system.
If you do experience bleeding of this sort, it is important to realize what is happening and why you should see a doctor immediately.
First, it is important to recognize that the bleeding can be related to a health issue other than ovarian cancer. In fact, that is true with all the signs and symptoms connected with ovarian cancer. However, the only way you will know for sure is to see your physician, discuss what you are experiencing, and have the necessary blood work and other tests that will help determine the origin of the vaginal bleeding.
That being said, you should recognize that the bleeding could be due to the fact that the tumor is beginning to interfere with the normal function of your ovaries. This is especially true if you notice changes in your menstrual flow. As the tumor grows, your ovaries cannot efficiently see to the task of cleansing your reproductive system with the ease that was the case before the cancer began to develop. The result is a higher concentration of blood in the flow, and possibly more intense pain as a result.
However, bleeding due to ovarian cancer is not exclusive to the days when you experience your period. There are other times in which you may also find yourself bleeding for no apparent reason. For example, you may begin to notice the appearance of blood during or after intercourse. Assuming there have been no changes in the way your and your partner engage in sexual activity, the reason for the sudden bleeding is likely to be some form of inflammation that developed as a result of the cancer.
That inflammation may also create some degree of vaginal dryness, which in turn leads to pain during intercourse, followed by bleeding from tissues due to the lack of natural lubrication.
There is even the chance that you will experience vaginal bleeding after urination. This is particularly true if you are experiencing a more frequent desire to urinate and possibly placing more stress on your system when attempting to go.
Because one of the accompanying symptoms of ovarian cancer is changes in bowel and urinary habits, there is a good chance that the bleeding has to do with the adverse effect the growing tumor is having on your ovaries and the surrounding organs.
While it is not wise to jump to the conclusion that you have ovarian cancer simply because you are experiencing vaginal bleeding, there is no reason to discount the possibility either. Make the time to schedule an appointment with your doctor soon. Talk frankly about when and how the bleeding seems to take place most frequently. Doing so makes it easier for your doctor to initiate testing that will help to identify if cancer is the root cause, and begin effective treatmentimmediately if that is the case.