Dizziness After Cervical Biopsy: Causes and Concerns for Women

Dizziness after a cervical biopsy?

Abnormal Pap smear result code 6, CIN 1, revealed atypical squamous cells.
To confirm further, a biopsy was performed on December 9.
Since then, I have been experiencing severe dizziness every day, along with a slight aching and stabbing sensation in my uterus.
The dizziness originates from the back of my head and has reached a level that affects my work and daily activities.
I still feel dizzy upon waking up after sleep.
During the biopsy, there was minimal bleeding observed, but the doctor applied gauze and performed pressure to stop the bleeding.
After returning home, there was only a small amount of blood on the pad, and it cleared up in about three days.
However, my menstrual period arrived on the 14th as scheduled.
At 42 years old, my menstrual flow has always been light.
Could this dizziness be due to anemia? However, the menstrual bleeding is minimal.
If there were gastrointestinal bleeding, would I experience these symptoms? Is it possible that there are cancer cells, and the biopsy caused a disruption in my normal menstrual cycle, with menstrual blood accompanied by thick, egg-white-like discharge? I usually do not have abnormal bleeding, but I have noticed an increase in vaginal discharge.
Last year, I had an HPV screening that was negative.

Mimi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/15

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, it is difficult to determine the underlying cause.
I recommend that you consult your physician, who can assess your condition and decide whether to arrange for relevant examinations to address your pain.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/12/15

More Info

Dizziness after a cervical biopsy can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and changes in menstrual flow. It’s important to understand the potential causes of these symptoms and when to seek further medical evaluation.

Firstly, dizziness can occur for several reasons following a cervical biopsy. The procedure itself can cause temporary discomfort and may lead to lightheadedness due to anxiety, pain, or even the body's response to the procedure. If you experienced any significant blood loss during or after the biopsy, this could also contribute to feelings of dizziness. However, you mentioned that the bleeding was minimal, which is a positive sign.

Another potential cause of dizziness could be related to hormonal changes, especially since you mentioned that your menstrual cycle is regular but your flow is typically light. At 42 years old, you may be approaching perimenopause, which can cause fluctuations in hormone levels that might lead to symptoms such as dizziness, mood swings, and changes in menstrual patterns.
You also raised the possibility of anemia due to light menstrual flow. Anemia can indeed cause dizziness, fatigue, and weakness. However, if your menstrual bleeding is minimal, it may not be sufficient to cause significant anemia unless there are other underlying issues, such as nutritional deficiencies or chronic blood loss from another source.
Regarding your concerns about potential cancer, it’s understandable to feel anxious after a biopsy, especially if there were atypical cells found. However, the presence of atypical squamous cells (ASC) or CIN1 does not directly indicate cancer. These findings suggest that there are changes in the cervical cells that require monitoring, but they are not cancerous. The biopsy was likely performed to rule out more serious conditions, and the results should be interpreted in conjunction with your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing persistent dizziness that affects your daily life, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend blood tests to check for anemia or other underlying conditions. Additionally, if you have any new or worsening symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or unusual discharge, you should seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, dizziness after a cervical biopsy can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, hormonal changes, or mild blood loss. While it’s essential to monitor your symptoms, the findings of CIN1 and atypical cells do not necessarily indicate cancer. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to managing your health and addressing any concerns you may have. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to reach out for further evaluation and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dizziness: When to Seek Neurological Help

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing mild dizziness for the past week, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of unsteadiness. It suddenly feels like I'm spinning. My menstrual period started three days ago, and I initially thought it might be due to low blood pressure. Howeve...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, there are many factors that can cause dizziness, such as anemia, autonomic dysfunction, and inner ear imbalance. Since your symptoms occur after menstruation, it is essential to rule out anemia or fluid deficiency that could lead to insufficient ...

Understanding Symptoms: Dizziness, Headaches, and Optic Nerve Swelling

Hello Doctor, since May 20th of this year, I have experienced symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, a sensation of something stuck in my throat, and difficulty breathing. After visiting an ENT clinic, the doctor suggested it might be anxiety disorder and prescrib...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Wu, There are many causes of headaches. If your headaches are related to your menstrual cycle, the likelihood of migraines is higher. However, conditions such as anemia, autonomic dysfunction, and inner ear imbalance may also contribute to your symptoms. First, it is im...

Understanding Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I have been feeling normal before going out these past few days, but after being outside for a while, I started to feel unwell (cold sweats, rapid breathing, dizziness, blurred vision, gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth, tinnitus, etc.). As I continued walking, ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Ms. Wu, You mentioned that "standing for a long time makes you feel dizzy." Given the recent high temperatures, we should first consider mild heat syncope as a possible cause. The primary reason is that in high-temperature outdoor environments, the microvasculatu...

Understanding Dizziness: Insights from a Neurology Perspective

Hello Dr. Jiang, I previously sought help from a neurologist due to sudden dizziness. The symptoms began while sitting, with a sensation starting from the back of my head. The surroundings did not appear distorted or spinning. Later, the condition worsened, but lying down allevia...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Based on your description, the symptoms you mentioned are more likely due to syncope. Syncope is more likely to occur when a person is standing, as this position results in the least blood flow to the brain. Often, there is not enough time to react, leading to fainting. The chanc...