Uncertain Pain on Left Side: Potential Endometriosis Concerns
I'm a 25-year-old woman, weighing 135 pounds and standing at 5'2". I've been dealing with some persistent health issues that lead me to believe I might have endometriosis. My symptoms include severe cramps during my menstrual cycle, discomfort during intimate relations, and bouts of constipation, among others. My physician has recommended that I undergo surgery shortly to investigate further. For the last three months, I've been utilizing the Nexplanon contraceptive, which has significantly alleviated my pain. However, after returning from a vacation, I found myself experiencing a substantial increase in discomfort. Initially, the pain was linked to intimacy, followed by spotting and intense cramping, but notably lower than usual for my menstrual cycle. Recently, the pain has become concentrated on my left lower abdomen. I’m encountering sporadic sharp sensations and discomfort while urinating. Although I considered a urinary tract infection might be the issue, I lack additional symptoms typically associated with one. Should I reach out to my gynecologist regarding these concerns, and what might be the underlying cause of my symptoms? Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 10:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a complex mix of symptoms that may indeed be related to endometriosis, along with concerns regarding your urinary health. Your current discomfort, particularly the localized pain on your left side, spotting, and the sharp sensations while urinating, warrant a clear assessment. Here are the main points to consider:
Current Concerns and Symptom Evaluation
- Endometriosis Symptoms: The severe cramps, discomfort during intimate relationships, and changes in your menstrual cycle can be associated with endometriosis. Your recent pain increase, especially focused on your left side, suggests that monitoring this change is crucial.
- Urinary Symptoms: Even though you are lacking classic UTI symptoms, discomfort during urination could indicate a urinary tract issue, inflammation, or irritation potentially linked to endometriosis.
Next Steps
-
Contact Your Gynecologist: Given the increase in pain and new urinary symptoms, it is essential to reach out to your gynecologist as soon as possible. They can assess your symptoms in the context of your health history and medication (Nexplanon) and determine if any immediate action is needed.
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the intensity and timing of your pain, any urinary discomfort, and any changes in your menstrual cycle. This information will be helpful for your doctor to understand what is happening.
-
Self-Care Measures:
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage your pain. Be sure to follow recommended dosages.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated may help with urinary discomfort. Avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol can also be beneficial.
- Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad can help alleviate abdominal cramps and discomfort.
-
Monitor for Worsening Symptoms: If you experience severe pain, fever, or any new and concerning symptoms such as a heavy or painful menstrual period, seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
It’s understandable to be concerned about these changes in your health. Prompt communication with your healthcare provider is crucial in managing your symptoms effectively and ensuring a thorough evaluation. You are not alone in dealing with these issues, and reaching out for support is a positive next step. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further guidance!
Related Questions
Could It Be a Burst Ovarian Cyst?
I'm a 32-year-old woman weighing 110 pounds and standing at 5 feet tall. I do not smoke, drink alcohol, nor use recreational drugs. Yesterday, between midnight and 4 a.m., I was hit with sudden, intense pain in my lower abdomen. The discomfort was so severe that it felt like I was being stabbed with knives whenever I moved. It was an agonizing experience, unlike anything I had previously encountered. I also felt lightheaded, experienced chills, and endured some painful vomiting. I was essentially immobilized, but thankfully, the pain began to ease a bit, allowing me to eventually visit urgent care. At the clinic, the doctor examined me and sent me home, suggesting that various conditions could be the cause of my distress, advising me to seek emergency care if a fever developed. Later that same night, I noticed brown, bloody discharge, which raised my concern about a possible ovarian cyst, especially since they run in my family. Currently, I am still suffering from pain that prevents me from standing up straight or walking normally. How long can I expect this to persist? Over-the-counter pain relief isn't working for me, which is incredibly frustrating. I'm seeking some guidance since I have had similar pain before, but nothing that lasted this long. Typically, doctors tend to brush it off. Could anyone offer some advice?
Exploring Bilateral Ovarian Fibromatosis: Seeking Guidance for a Rare Condition
I’m a 28-year-old female, standing at 5’4” (162 cm) and weighing 222 lbs (101 kg). Currently, I'm on escitalopram and Ritalin for managing depression and ADHD. **Background Story:** My menstrual journey began early, at age eight, and has been characterized as typically heavy. In November 2024, I experienced my first missed period with no chance of pregnancy since I wasn't in a relationship—initially, I felt relieved to have a break from menstruation. By December 2024, I traveled to Germany to visit an ex. Interestingly, after we were intimate, my period resumed. However, the bleeding continued excessively for several weeks, escalating to 5, 10, and then even 15 days. When I sought help at an emergency clinic in Germany, the doctor informed me that I had "a lot more to shed". I was advised to return to Ireland for further assessment if the bleeding persisted after ten days. They identified a small cyst, about 2 cm, on my right ovary, deemed too minor for any immediate intervention. Returning to Ireland in late January 2025, I went to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department due to ongoing bleeding. They prescribed tranexamic and mefenamic acid and sent me home. Throughout 2025, my menstrual cycles became increasingly erratic, with intervals stretching between 50 to 70 days, followed by prolonged bleeding lasting around 20 days. A particularly concerning episode occurred from October to December 2025 when I bled continuously for 50 days. Between September and November 2025, I had three separate visits to emergency departments. One of these trips was to a maternity hospital, hoping for better care. Another incident involved an ambulance due to sudden, severe pain that required stretcher transport. Although I was later told it was back pain, I disagreed; I am familiar with sciatica and this felt distinctly different. I suspect it may have been ovarian torsion, briefly twisting before returning to its original state. Each visit concluded with prescriptions for more tranexamic acid and pain relief medication. In October 2025, I underwent transvaginal and abdominal ultrasounds, which detected a significant cyst (possibly the same one) on my right ovary and a small mural nodule. This led to an MRI exam. The pelvic MRI performed in November 2025 confirmed the cyst was simple yet measured approximately 7 cm x 6 cm x 6 cm. Alarmingly, the report also noted that both ovaries exhibited an “unusual appearance.” It mentioned a “T2 signal rim” and described it as a “Black Garland sign,” indicative of bilateral ovarian fibromatosis. I had an appointment with a gynecologist just two days ago, and while they recommended further scans, I was troubled to learn that they had no prior knowledge of ovarian fibromatosis. In my quest for answers post-MRI report, I conducted my own research (not out of distrust, but rather from a sense of deficiency in the information provided), and I discovered that ovarian fibromatosis, albeit benign, is extremely uncommon. Reports suggest there have been roughly 30 cases documented in the last three decades, with most being unilateral. My case is bilateral, making it even rarer. Now, I am left pondering whether I should seek treatment abroad for this condition. Are there any specialists in my area familiar with ovarian fibromatosis? The specialist indicated that the gynecological team at my hospital would convene to discuss my case to see if any team member has relevant experience, which adds to my apprehension. I appreciate any insights or advice that could help guide my next steps!
Concerns About Birth Control and Spotting
At the age of 40 and weighing 120 pounds, I've been using the same form of birth control for seven years. Recently, I've noticed unusual spotting that begins about ten days prior to my period, occurring consistently during each cycle. While I still experience a slight menstrual flow when my period is due, the spotting has become a recurring issue. I underwent a routine pap smear and had both a pelvic ultrasound and a transvaginal ultrasound, which revealed a thin endometrial lining measuring 3.2 mm. Consequently, my gynecologist changed my birth control to a different type of progestin and instructed me to return in two months. In the first month after the switch, I didn’t experience any spotting - a welcome change. However, I did notice some spotting occurring after intercourse, which is something I haven’t encountered before. Currently, I’m midway through my second pack of birth control and have had slight spotting again, particularly with sexual activity. My doctor mentioned that if the spotting persists, she would recommend a biopsy of the lining, even though she assessed that it was unlikely to indicate a serious issue. I’m left wondering if my body is still adapting to the new hormones or if this situation warrants an earlier visit to the doctor instead of waiting for my scheduled follow-up at the end of February. Any thoughts or insights on this matter would be greatly valued.
Inquiry: Are Endometriosis Vesicular Lesions Visible on MRI?
18-Year-Old Female Currently dealing with diabetes, borderline personality disorder, and suspected endometriosis. I have been prescribed dienogest in relation to my suspected endometriosis. I'm seeking clarity on whether MRI scans can detect endometriosis vesicular lesions. I've been attempting to research this question, but I haven't found any definitive information. Unfortunately, my doctor is away for the next couple of weeks, making it impossible for me to reach out for guidance directly.
Foot Issues After Trip to the Philippines
I am a 33-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 190 pounds. I currently reside in the United States, but the incident I'm referring to occurred during my visit to the Philippines. While enjoying some family time in Zambales, I opted for a beach getaway, steering clear of the bustling life in Manila. Throughout my time at the beach, I spent a lot of time barefoot, and eventually, I noticed a troubling sensation in my feet: pain and itching. Oddly enough, I was the only one affected, which struck me as peculiar. Our activities included beach walks and swimming in both the ocean and the pool. Perhaps unrelated, but I later developed symptoms of illness, such as a sore throat, fever, and nausea. Fortunately, I had acquaintances in the area who connected me with a doctor; they arranged for prescriptions for antibiotics and throat medication, but they were unaware of my foot issues at the time. Upon my return to Manila, I observed that my feet began to improve. The red spots I had noticed transformed into small holes, then proceeded to peel before healing quickly. I am still left puzzled and haven't been able to find conclusive information online regarding what might have caused my symptoms. Additionally, I was born with club feet, leading to surgical interventions where doctors broke and reshaped some bones in my feet, resulting in my unusually high arches and unique foot structure. With this context in mind, I am genuinely interested in understanding what could have triggered my foot discomfort.