Know your normal: When gynae pain needs checking

News - 7 September 2026

Pain is something many of us experience from time to time. But how do you know when it’s something you shouldn’t ignore? There are five types of gynaecological cancer – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal – which together affect around 22,050 women and people with gynaecological organs in the UK every year.

This Gynae Cancer Awareness Month, The Eve Appeal is encouraging people to talk about pain and discomfort, get to know what’s normal for them and recognise when a change may need checking by a doctor. The campaign also aims to give people the knowledge and confidence to speak up about their health and advocate for themselves.

What pain should you look out for?

We all experience pain from time to time, and it is often nothing to worry about. However, unexplained or unusual pain can sometimes be a symptom of gynaecological cancer. This can include:

  • Pain in your abdomen or pelvis
  • Lower back pain
  • Period pain that is more painful or different from what is normal for you
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain or discomfort in your vulva or vagina

When should you get pain checked?

It’s important to listen to your body and get medical advice if your pain is new, unusual or different from what is normal for you. You should also speak to a doctor if the pain is severe, affects your everyday life or stops you from doing your usual activities, or does not improve with medication.

If you have unexplained pain that has lasted for three weeks or more, The Eve Appeal recommends getting it checked by a doctor. While these symptoms can have many different causes and do not necessarily mean you have cancer, it is important to get persistent or unusual symptoms checked.

Keep track of your symptoms

It can sometimes be difficult to explain pain, especially when it comes and goes or changes over time. Keeping a record of your symptoms can help you explain what you are experiencing when you speak to a doctor.

You could keep a simple pain diary and make a note of:

  • when the pain happens
  • where you feel it
  • how bad it is
  • how long it lasts
  • anything that makes it better or worse.

This can help you and your doctor see if there are any patterns or changes. It may also help your doctor decide whether you need further tests or what support or treatment could help.

Access the Eve Appeal website for more information or to speak to an Ask Eve Nurse.

You might also be interested in