The Eve Appeal

The Eve Appeal The Eve Appeal is the leading gynaecological cancer charity. PIF TICK approved health information.

To help save lives, we focus on preventing and improving the early diagnosis of womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer.

If you’ve been referred for investigations for a potential womb cancer, you may have a biopsy taken. This can be done wi...
30/09/2026

If you’ve been referred for investigations for a potential womb cancer, you may have a biopsy taken. This can be done with a hysteroscopy (see yesterday’s post), or a pipelle.

A pipelle is a thin and flexible tube, like a straw. A speculum will first be inserted into the va**na to open the va**nal walls and allow your healthcare professional to view your cervix. Then the pipelle will be inserted through your cervix into your womb.

There will be a slight suction through the pipelle, which allows it to take a sample. Several samples may be taken from your womb during the procedure.

You may experience mild period type pain during the procedure. Most women feel a little discomfort for only a short time whilst the biopsy is being taken.

Hints and tips:
• You can take over the counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen before or after your procedure.
• You can continue with normal activities but do not have s*x until any bleeding has stopped completely.

You can see all of our information on procedures and tests on our blog:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/news/information-on-gynae-procedures/

If you’re worried about any symptoms you have, or tests you’re getting, you can speak to our Ask Eve Nurses for free and confidential information and support on [email protected] or 0808 802 0019.

If you’ve been referred for investigations for a potential womb cancer, you may have a hysteroscopy. A hysteroscopy is a...
29/09/2026

If you’ve been referred for investigations for a potential womb cancer, you may have a hysteroscopy. A hysteroscopy is a type of procedure to allow your healthcare professional to look inside your womb. It is done using an instrument called a hysteroscope, a narrow telescope with a light and small camera at the end. It is placed into the va**na, passed through the cervix and into the womb. The doctor or nurse can then the inside of your womb on the screen.

Often a biopsy is done as part of this procedure, this is called an endometrial biopsy and it is taken from the lining of your womb. This will be done in an outpatient department with local anaesthetic or under general anaesthetic. A hysteroscopy can also be used to remove polys and small fibroids.

You can chat with your healthcare professional about the best way of having your hysteroscopy. This may be with a local anaesthetic, gas and air, sedation or general anaesthetic if you prefer.

Many people will experience some pain during and after their hysteroscopy. If you are having a local anaesthetic, it can help to take some paracetamol and ibuprofen an hour before your appointment. If you are in too much pain, you can ask your health care professional to stop at any time.

Hints and tips:
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes as you will be asked to undress from the waist down and change into a hospital gown.
• Take a period pad with you as you may have some bleeding or discharge after the procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
• Avoid using tampons and having penetrative s*x until all your bleeding has stopped.
• You may get some cramping or lower pelvic pain for a few days after your hysteroscopy. Taking painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help.

You can see all of our information on procedures and tests on our blog:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/news/information-on-gynae-procedures/

If you’re worried about any symptoms you have, or tests you’re getting, you can speak to our Ask Eve Nurses for free and confidential information and support on [email protected] or 0808 802 0019.

If you've been referred for investigations because of symptoms of a potential womb or ovarian cancer, you may have a tra...
28/09/2026

If you've been referred for investigations because of symptoms of a potential womb or ovarian cancer, you may have a transva**nal ultrasound. It is a type of internal scan to help your healthcare professional look at your womb, ovaries and other areas of the pelvis.

The ultrasound will check for any changes to the thickness of the lining of your womb that could be caused by cancer and or any other problems (such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, polyps and other gynae health problems).

It may be more difficult if you haven’t had penetrative s*x, if you have a gynae health problem, if you are post-menopausal or you have experienced trauma. If you’re in pain or worried, do tell the doctor.

Hints and tips:
-If your experience is painful, you can ask the healthcare professional to stop and speak to them about how they can support you.
-Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
-If you prefer, you can ask the sonographer if you can insert the probe yourself.
-Taking slow, deep breaths helps your muscles relax, helping to reduce any discomfort.

You can find all of our information on procedures on our blog:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/news/information-on-gynae-procedures/

This December 16, join us for Eve at Christmas - an evening of festive music and seasonal readings in support of The Eve...
28/09/2026

This December 16, join us for Eve at Christmas - an evening of festive music and seasonal readings in support of The Eve Appeal.

Eve at Christmas is being hosted at the iconic St Luke’s Church, Chelsea. And following the service we will gather for mince pies and mulled w**e and have the chance to speak with Eve staff, volunteers and supporters.

It promises to be a truly special evening and a wonderful opportunity to remember all those who have lost their lives to a gynaecological cancer.

Tickets are selling fast, book your place here:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/event/eve-at-christmas/

If you’ve been referred to a gynaecologist or dermatologist because of your v***al symptoms, you may have a biopsy done....
26/09/2026

If you’ve been referred to a gynaecologist or dermatologist because of your v***al symptoms, you may have a biopsy done. One of the types of biopsy is a wide local excision.

This is when a specially trained doctor will remove the abnormal cells with a small border of healthy tissue from around them, this border is called the margin. The wound will be closed with dissolvable stitches. This is usually done when you are asleep, under a general anaesthetic.

You will be given some painkillers whilst you are asleep to help with any pain when you wake up. Your doctors will be able to give you some other painkillers to help reduce any discomfort.

Hints and tips:
-Before your appointment, try to stop smoking, as it can slow down healing.
-You will feel weak and tired for a few days after your surgery so it is important to rest.
-Take any painkillers which have been prescribed regularly to keep any pain under control.
-When you have a wee, the area may sting so you could pour some tepid water over the area, when you wee, to make it less uncomfortable.
-Eat a balanced diet to reduce the risk of constipation.
-When you feel well enough, gradually increase your level of exercise daily but avoid swimming until any bleeding has stopped and your wound is fully healed.
-Avoid s*x for six weeks or until your doctor has confirms your wound has healed.
-If you develop a high temperature, worsening discomfort or pain, the area is red or warm to touch or you develop a yellow, green or smelly discharge then contact either your GP, 111 or the ward where you had the biopsy taken.

You can find all of our information on procedures on our blog:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/news/information-on-gynae-procedures/

If you’ve been referred to a gynaecologist or dermatologist because of your v***al symptoms, you may have a biopsy done....
25/09/2026

If you’ve been referred to a gynaecologist or dermatologist because of your v***al symptoms, you may have a biopsy done.

A biopsy is where a small sample of tissue is taken so it can be looked at under a microscope. This is to see what is causing your symptoms.

There are two main types of biopsy you might have:
-Punch biopsy
-Wide local excision.

What is a punch biopsy?
A punch biopsy is an instrument that removes a small circle of tissue, usually around 2-4mm in diameter. A punch biopsy allows the healthcare professional to take a biopsy of skin quickly. Several punch biopsies may be taken.

Before a punch biopsy, you will be given a small injection of local anaesthetic, to make the area numb. Whilst the biopsy is being taken you may feel a pushing sensation, but you should not feel any pain. Sometimes the area is sealed with silver nitrate or a stitch is required.

Hints and tips:
-It is important to rest for 24 hours after the biopsy to reduce the risk of bleeding.
-After your biopsy over the counter pain relief like paracetamol may help ease your discomfort.
-To avoid bleeding, don’t have a bath or shower until 24 hours after your biopsy. Then, it is better to shower for 10 days to allow the biopsy site to heal.
-When you have a wee, the area may sting so you could pour some tepid water over the area, when you wee, to make it less uncomfortable.
-Wear loose clothing.
-Avoid s*xual in*******se for two weeks to allow the area to heal.
-If you develop a high temperature, worsening discomfort or pain, the area is red or warm to touch or you develop a yellow, green or smelly discharge then contact either your GP, 111 or the clinic where you had the biopsy taken.

We will share information on wide local excisions later this weekend, and you can find all of our information on procedures on our blog:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/news/information-on-gynae-procedures/

If you’re worried about any symptoms you have, or tests you’re getting, you can speak to our Ask Eve Nurses for free and confidential information and support on [email protected] or 0808 802 0019.

Pain during s*x isn't normal. If you're experiencing pain during s*x, it's best to go get checked by a doctor, especiall...
23/09/2026

Pain during s*x isn't normal. If you're experiencing pain during s*x, it's best to go get checked by a doctor, especially if you're also having some bleeding.

There are a lot of expectations and myths around s*x, particularly for women and people with a v***a. S*x should never be expected to be painful and pain during s*x shouldn’t be ignored.

Expectations around pain during s*x often stem from persisting misinformation around the h***n and the first-time having s*x (primarily in relation to p***s in va**na s*x).

Pain during s*x should never be normalised. If pain during s*x is new or unusual for you, it is worth getting it checked out and speaking with your GP.

Pain during s*x is one of the common symptoms of cervical cancer. Vaginal pain during s*xual in*******se is also a symptom of va**nal cancer. If you experience pain during s*x, also note down whether you bleed during/after s*x. Whilst something non-cancerous like cervical ectropion can also cause bleeding after s*x, it is still always worth getting checked.

For more information about pain-related symptoms, and our pain diary to help you keep track of symptoms, go to:
EveAppeal.org.uk/Pain

If you’re worried about any pain symptoms you are having, or have any other questions about gynae cancers, our Ask Eve Nurses are here for free and confidential information and support: [email protected] or 0808 802 0019.

"If anything does not feel normal, keep going back. Be persistent. I think we all know our bodies really well."Meet Jo, ...
22/09/2026

"If anything does not feel normal, keep going back. Be persistent. I think we all know our bodies really well."

Meet Jo, who writes about her experience of cervical cancer and pushing for a diagnosis when she knew something was wrong.

“The first ‘obvious’ symptom I experienced was that I started getting a really watery discharge. It was unlike anything I’d personally experienced before. There was a lot of it and I started wearing panty liners. This went on for months. I went to the doctor to get it checked. I remember them asking if there was any blood or spotting. At that point I said no, but coming home that day I noticed it was a bit pink and quickly after that it was obvious it was blood.

I shrugged it off. I put it down to lots of other reasons like having small children, feeling tired and not being relaxed. Around that time I began experiencing a dull ache in my lower and middle back. I went back to see the doctor. I went back a lot of times. I felt like I was being a hypochondriac. My doctor told me that it was more likely to be a cervical ectropion. She did a small internal examination.

Between September and Christmas I started to experience more bleeding. What began as occasional episodes gradually became more frequent until, in the weeks leading up to my A&E visit and hospital admission, I was bleeding every single day. I quickly recognised it was not normal or anything I had ever experienced before.

Nobody ever expects to be given that diagnosis, especially as a younger woman who had never really had any health issues. If I could go back, I sometimes think I did everything I should have done. I did keep going back. I did push. I did tell people something wasn’t right.”

You can read Jo's full blog on our website:
https://eveappeal.org.uk/news/its-about-making-sure-you-keep-banging-the-drum-i-did-but-it-still-took-a-little-bit-too-long/

If you have any questions or need support, you can speak to our Ask Eve Nurses for free on [email protected] or 0808 802 0019.

If your cervical screening test and colposcopy found that you have cervical cell changes that need treatment, you will h...
20/09/2026

If your cervical screening test and colposcopy found that you have cervical cell changes that need treatment, you will have a LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone). LLETZ can also be used to treat early-stage cervical cancers. LLETZ is a procedure which involves using a thin wire loop with an electrical current running through it to remove abnormal cervical cells.

During your appointment the healthcare professional will gently put a sterile (clean) speculum in your va**na. A speculum is a plastic or metal tube that opens the va**nal walls. It allows them to be able to see your cervix. They will inject a local anaesthetic into your cervix. This means you are awake, but your cervix is numb. You won’t be able to feel anything. The injection might sting for a short time. You may notice your heart beating faster. This should only last a few minutes. You may also have a sticky pad put onto your leg. This is for your safety as LLETZ uses electricity.

When your cervix is numb, your healthcare professional will use the loop to remove the area of your cervix that has cell changes. It is normal to notice a slight burning smell and hear a noise like a soft vacuum cleaner. The loop cuts the tissue. Another small tool is then used to seal the cut. This should not be painful, but you may feel some pressure.

The appointment takes around 20-30 minutes. Most of the time you just need one treatment. It is normal to have some bleeding and changes to your va**nal discharge after LLETZ. It will stop as the cervix heals. You may also experience some cramp-like pains, which can feel like period pain. Some people may have pain for longer.

We have more information on LLETZ on our website:
EveAppeal.org.uk/LLETZ

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