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Cancer > Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Forum > Ovarian cancer symptoms?
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Q: Ovarian cancer symptoms?
asked by: CassWys on September 23rd, 2009
New User
Hello,

I am a 22 year old female and I was just wondering if a pap test determines if someone has Ovarian cancer or not?(I know that might sound like a really stupid question, sorry). I had a pap test done about a year and a half ago and the doctor never called about it, so I took it that it meant everything was fine. I know I'm more than likely just being paranoid(I'm a bit of a hypochondriac), but I recently saw a commercial that said symptoms of Ovarian cancer are bloating, gas, and frequent urination. For years now, I have had a problem with all three of those things. I bloat everyday...thin in the morning and my stomach gets bigger as the day goes on, then is back to being smaller again the next morning. I have really bad gas all the time, especially after dinner everyday, and for as long as I can remember I've needed to urinate way more often than anyone I know. It's like my bladder never empties completely and I then have to go just as bad a half an hour later. My hips and lower back are really sore sometimes and quite often I experience sever pain when having a bowel movement(though not all the time). A lot of the time it is very difficult to have the bowel movement too, like it's too hard or big to come out(sorry, I know that's tmi) and with those I am usually in a lot of pain until I can get it out and I have sharp stabbing pain in my lower abdominals and pain in my stomach a lot, but it is not ALL the time, but more often than what can be considered normal I would think. Does this sound like ovarian cancer or something serious even though I've had most of those symptoms for years now(always been very gassy and always bloated very easily and always have had to urinate more than normal. Or could it just be a digestive problem or gastro intestinal problem? If anyone has any ideas or has been experiencing the same thing, please respond! Thank you!
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MandMs
replied on September 24th, 2009
Extremely eHealthy
Pap test is a screening test for detecting possible precancerous and cancerous changes of cervix (neck of the womb) and can't detect ovarian cancer.
It sound that you are suffering for a functional bowel disorder, known as irritable bowel syndrome.
This condition is manifested with very prominent abdominal bloating and gas (increasing abdominal bloating throughout the day), changed form and frequency of bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea or form with alternating consistency of stool), mucus in stool, constant diffuse dull pain with sharp pains in lower abdominal part.
You may have feeling of incomplete bowel movement, urgent need to go to the toilet in the mornings and constipation during the day.
Passing stool and gas may or may not ease the pain and bloating.
IBS sufferers often have additional symptoms like groin pain, back pain, headache, fatigue and urinary urgency and frequency.

Best wishes!
Marija
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CassWys
replied on September 24th, 2009
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Thank you! That sounds exactly like my situation. I've definitely been having a lot of trouble with my bowel movements over the past couple of months. Sometimes it seems impossible to get it out and when I finally do, it does not feel finished at all.
Thanks for your quick response Marija, I appreciate it! IBS is not fun if that's what I have, but it makes me feel better to know it's probably that rather than cancer.

Best wishes to you too!
Cassie
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wendyrs
replied on September 25th, 2009
Supporter
IBS is not fun and it sounds like you have it. The best thing for IBS is exercise and eating foods that are not gassy or spicy. Usually your body will tell you what foods it can and can't tolerate, but you do have the classic symptoms of IBS. Along with IBS comes Interstitual cystitus, which is the frequent urination. I have both and I know exactly what you are going through. I have found that since I started doing yoga, it has gotten better, not gone, but a little better. Let me know if you have any other questions. I've been dealing with this for year.
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MandMs
replied on September 25th, 2009
Extremely eHealthy
You are welcome, CassWys!
IBS people that suffer predominantly from constipation, usually have constipation symptoms caused by specific foods that are being ingested.
Try to keep a food diary to see which food is making your symptoms worse and which ease your problems.
It is well known that gluten is one of the leading causes of constipation in IBS sufferers, so, you may try some gluten-free diet.
Increase the intake of food rich in fiber like fruits and vegetables associated with drinking plenty of water every day.
You may also consume fiber supplements that are designed to add bulk to the stool so that waste can travel faster through the intestines.
If you start taking fiber supplements don't forget to take it with plenty of water (fiber absorbs water).
Try to add fiber supplements and food rich in fiber in your diet gradually.
Otherwise, it may make your problems worse, especially feeling of being bloated and gassy.
Since IBS symptoms get aggravated during stressful periods, try to practice some relaxation techniques.

All best to you!
Marija
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CassWys
replied on September 25th, 2009
New User
Thank you both, I will look into to trying those things. I have been thinking of picking up a fiber supplement if I can find one, so I will definitely do that now. I've also been trying to get any foods with fiber in it as well - Activia yogurt with fiber instead of the regular kind, and waffles with fiber instead of the regular, etc. Thanks for all the information, it has been very helpful! Smile
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anime_chick2009
replied on September 25th, 2009
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You could also have something called Pelvic Floor Disorder. Im 99% sure thats what I have. I have the same symptoms as you except they only happen to me after I orgasm (I know, weird!)And they only last for 3-4months at a time. But I went to a specialist and she thought that was what was wrong with me. You should also maybe look into it. There is tons of research online if you google 'pelvic flood disorder or dysfunction'.
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