Symptoms

Main symptoms of vaginal cancer

The main symptoms of vaginal cancer are usually:

• a lump in the vagina
• ulcers and other skin changes in or around the vagina

Other symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

• bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
• bleeding after sex or pain during sex
• smelly or bloodstained vaginal discharge
• bleeding between periods
• an itch in your vagina that will not go away
• pain when you pee, or needing to pee a lot

Vaginal cancer is rare, especially in women under 40.

See a GP if:

Important

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have vaginal cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

What happens at your GP appointment

The GP or practice nurse may ask to examine you.

You can ask for a female doctor or nurse when you book your appointment.

You'll be asked to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.

Then the GP or nurse may:

• look at the outside of your vagina (vulva)
• feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy (they will be wearing gloves)

It should not be painful, but you might find it uncomfortable. Talk to the GP or nurse if you're feeling uncomfortable.

You can have a friend, family member or another member of staff in the room with you during the examination if you want.

You can ask to stop the examination at any time.

Referral to a specialist

You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Find out more

• Cancer Research UK: seeing a GP about vaginal cancer symptoms

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men