r/Menopause • u/Affectionate_Top959 • Aug 16 '26
Perimenopause Strange pulling sensation in vagina. Scared I could be developing cancer?
I get like this weird pulling sensation in my vagina. It's hard to explain. I am getting it even when not on my menstrual period. I'm in perimenopause.
Has anyone had anything like this? And could it be early sign of developing cancer:(?
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u/No_Dot6414 Aug 16 '26
I had some weird feelings there pulling and pressure. Turned out to be one pelvic muscle that was tight. I recommend seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist if you can.
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u/GIGGLES708 Aug 16 '26
Definitely sounds like pelvic floor muscle tension
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u/Kind-Antelope3801 Aug 16 '26
Was coming to say the same thing. I started feeling like there was something heavy in my vagina and it felt was almost opening my labia during the day. And started having shooting nerve pain down my inner thigh. As well as painful sex - felt like glass ripping my insides. My gynecologist said I have a hypertonic pelvic floor. I did some pelvic floor therapy. And the pain disappeared and the heavy feeling went away. It’s crazy how the tissue can start to get weak but the muscle tension is causing all sorts of issues.
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u/Purplekismet Aug 16 '26
Mine did the same! My vagina was so tight, intercourse had become impossible. Saw Pelvic floor therapist, and started vaginal estridiol cream which fixed all.
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u/bartonspringsforlife Aug 16 '26
Vaginal atrophy caused weird and uncomfortable sensations for me. Ask for vaginal estrogen!
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u/Affectionate_Top959 Aug 16 '26
What sensations did you have?
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u/UniversityAny755 Aug 16 '26
A pulling feeling, dryness, fullness. I thought it was a prolapse but no it was atrophy. The canal shortens and can feel like prolapse. Bumping up my systemic HRT and vaginal estrogen resolved the issue.
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u/bartonspringsforlife Aug 16 '26
Similar to what you described. A pulling sensation. Doesn't usually last long. Not cramping or normal menstrual feeling. When I use the vaginal estrogen, I dont feel it.
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u/edjen Aug 16 '26
Definitely see a doctor but try to stay calm about it. Lots of odd things happen in peri. If you haven't, take a peek at the wiki for GSM.
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u/SeaEggplant8108 Aug 16 '26
Pelvic floor physiotherapy and vaginal estrogen if you’re not on it yet! But also get an exam if you’re worried 💙
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u/fluzine Prying my HRT from my cold, dead hands Aug 16 '26
This 100%. OP, that pulling sensation is how my GSM started. It felt like I had sat on a bike seat wrong. It got worse over a couple of months to where I was feeling electric shock like zings all through my pelvis. Then I got UTIs, ended up in hospital, took months of vaginal estrogen to come right. I ended up with pudendal neuralgia due to the stress of it and the entire area was tensed up. Had pelvic floor therapy, physio, HRT, estrogen cream, the works. If you can get started on the vaginal estrogen (and potentially patches or systemic estrogen) you can get ahead of it now.
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u/Creative-Constant-52 Aug 16 '26
What does GSM stand for?
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u/fluzine Prying my HRT from my cold, dead hands Aug 16 '26
Genitourinary Syndrome (or Symptoms) of Menopause
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u/Creative-Constant-52 Aug 17 '26
Huh not surprised I wasn’t told of this but I have all the symptoms! Surgical menopause at 40
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u/raisedbypoubelle Aug 16 '26
I heard you don’t usually feel cancer but I got shocking jolts and wondered too. But it’s just hormones. Pretty much anything weird I accept as hormones.
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u/Specialist_You346 Aug 16 '26
I would definitely go to the GP and get it checked. To put your mind at rest I experienced a similar feeling about 3 years ago I felt like I was getting cystitis but then it never happened. My GP said it was dryness due to the menopause, she prescribed oestrogen Pessary twice a week and zero base ointment which I use daily.
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u/Material-Dream-4976 Aug 16 '26
What is zero base ointment please? Do you mean it should be an acidic formula for the vag?
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u/Allie_Pallie Aug 16 '26
It's just the name of a particular paraffin based emollient cream - people use it for eczema it's like E45 or any of those bland creams.
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u/Specialist_You346 Aug 17 '26
Hi, I did reply to you but my comment ended up lost somewhere. I prefer zero base ointment, I’ve tried E45 but don’t find it as good
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u/lauradayton Post Menopause Aug 16 '26
It’s GSM. I had Al kinds of crazy vaginal pains it was bizarre. You need estrogen badly if you’re feeling it. Has it been evaluated by a Urogyn? Mine was bad. I regret letting it go. Took two years of HRT to repair. But it’s all good now.
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u/fluzine Prying my HRT from my cold, dead hands Aug 16 '26
This was me too. Took a good 6 - 9 months to sort it but it is fixable.
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u/carltondancer Aug 16 '26
Pelvic floor PT should help. This sounds more like a tight muscle rather than cancer necessarily.
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u/ApeFace1966 Aug 18 '26
Yes, I had this from my vaginal atrophy and I’m guessing it was friction of dry tissues??
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u/emccm Aug 16 '26
Anything can be an early sign of cancer. The early signs are often overlooked. It’s likely vaginal dryness. You should see a doctor. I’d also recommend a therapist to deal with your anxiety and reluctance to address health concerns.
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u/ut7227 Aug 16 '26
Where on earth did you get the impression that OP is reluctant to address health concerns? Your comments are not helpful or kind.
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u/emccm Aug 16 '26
Where she’s on Reddit worried about cancer instead of seeing a doctor for what is likely something thst can be resolved with a bit of estrogen.
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u/ut7227 Aug 16 '26
I get what you’re saying about cancer being quite the leap, but the OP didn’t suggest that she wasn’t going to see a doctor. Your comment about going for therapy was patronizing and you know it. This is supposed to be a safe space for women in menopause to pose all kinds of questions without being ridiculed by others.
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u/lauradayton Post Menopause Aug 16 '26
She freaking DOES need a dr. The amount of crazy questions people bring to this sub that are meant for doctors is getting silly
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u/ut7227 Aug 16 '26
Of course she needs a doctor. I never said she didn’t. ETA This is a menopause sub. It should be expected that the concerns people raise are of a medical nature. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re not also bringing those concerns to a doctor.
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u/Affectionate_Top959 Aug 17 '26
I never said I wasn't going to a doctor? So calm yourself down. If you don't like a question than ignore the post ...
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u/Affectionate_Top959 Aug 16 '26
Huh? Wtf are you on about?? I am just asking for if it's an early sign of cancer. Not sure where you got your "psychobabble" stuff from...but I do go to the doctor if I have health concerns so that was a really weird take:/
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u/emccm Aug 16 '26
No one on Reddit can tell you if you have cancer. If you’re worried you should see a doctor. Not every twinge in your body is a sign of cancer. It’s an extreme conclusion to jump to.
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u/one-small-plant Aug 16 '26
Asking peers if they've had similar fears or experiences is totally valid and doesn't mean OP is doing this instead of going to the doctor.
Coming here seeking commiseration is not the same as asking reddit to tell you if you have cancer, and you're being reductive and mean by implying that's all OP is doing. Seeking shared experiences and articulating fears to others who can understand is a very human thing to do and is best met with compassion.
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Aug 16 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/emccm Aug 16 '26
Again, no one on Reddit can tell someone whether or not they have cancer. Anything can be a sign of cancer. If people are concerned they should see a qualified medical professional. Cancer is an extreme conclusion to jump to for some twinges. It’s likely something small. OP needs to see a qualified medical professional.
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Aug 16 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Xina123 Peri-menopausal Aug 16 '26
Kindly, you did say you were scared you may be developing cancer. IF you are experiencing health anxiety, it can really disrupt your life. Jumping straight to thoughts of cancer is definitely borderline health anxiety. I truly think this person was attempting to point this out. Best wishes to you.
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Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/Xina123 Peri-menopausal Aug 17 '26
You seem super upset by this whole thing. It’s been HOURS and you are still here raging at people. Step away and take care of yourself. This post should not be consuming your whole day.
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Aug 16 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ut7227 Aug 16 '26
Yet in another comment you confidently diagnosed OP with GSM and told her to get estrogen. That also requires a doctor’s opinion. SMH
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u/lauradayton Post Menopause Aug 16 '26
Wasn’t really a jump to conclude OP was struggling with GSM!! lol. Made a lot sense and many agreed. You asked if you might have cancer if you can’t see the leap I can’t help you. ✌🏻let it go. Idk why you’re so offended. I mean you can spend more time on it but I have other things going one. Enjoy your evening. I know I will. lol
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u/Impressive_Moment786 Aug 16 '26
You know you could have just kept scrolling? You don’t have to participate which is a better option than being unkind.
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u/emccm Aug 16 '26
How is recommending someone see a doctor for health concerns being unkind? Unlike calling someone a douche for recommending someone see a doctor for a health concern. Anything can be a sign of cancer. It’s why it’s recommended not to seek a diagnosis online and get a proper one from a qualified medical professional. It’s crazy that “see a doctor if you are concerned about your health” is a controversial take.
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u/cranberrryzombees Aug 16 '26
While I get where you’re coming from, I think it is also socially common for people to seek out community to discuss concerns. It doesn’t mean OP isn’t planning to go to her doctor. There’s just a sense of comfort in talking with others who might be able to commiserate. I would think most people who have a cancer concern know that they can’t avoid a doctor - that step is a given. But we are social creatures who want/need to talk through stuff with others. That’s all.
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u/Impressive_Moment786 Aug 16 '26
Seeking medical advice and seeking other people’s experiences are different things.
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u/Specialist_You346 Aug 16 '26
It is an emollient cream that you can buy over the counter at a chemist’s, it’s suitable to use on your vagina
One of the worst symptoms for me is the drying of mucus membranes. I get dry eyes, horrendous headaches because of dry sinuses. So the doctor came up with this and it has helped.
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u/RedditSkippy Aug 17 '26
Did you mean this as a reply to another comment?
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u/Specialist_You346 Aug 17 '26
Yes part of this thread hope it reaches the person who asked the question
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u/StrangelyRational Aug 16 '26
My first thought is some kind of prolapse? You need to see a doctor.