F19 Experiencing Pelvic Discomfort and Delay in Cycle
Good evening. My partner, aged 20, has been grappling with some unusual symptoms lately. She stands about 156 cm tall and weighs approximately 80 kg. Currently, she is on a regimen that includes low-dose citalopram, taken twice daily, along with a low-dose prescription of Xanax SR before bedtime and Levothyroxine. Her mental health challenges include depression and PTSD, but there’s been noticeable improvement recently. However, her diet leaves much to be desired, as she often finds many food textures unappealing. Her hydration is also inadequate, though I have been encouraging her to spend more time outdoors in the sunlight. Her menstrual period ended on January 11, and on January 24, she took the emergency contraceptive pill EllaOne (ulipristal 30mg) after a condom incident during intercourse — we wanted to be cautious. Since taking the pill, she has been experiencing pelvic pain rated at about 4 to 5 out of 10, which she likens to muscle soreness, particularly when she moves her legs. Additionally, she feels heaviness and tenderness in her breasts, has had bouts of strong brownish discharge, and occasionally suffers from indigestion. She has conducted three at-home pregnancy tests, all returning negative results, with one showing an evaporation line. A professional hCG test at her gynecologist's office also confirmed she is not pregnant. Just last Friday, her gynecologist administered a progesterone injection, but distressingly, the pain has worsened since then. Although stretching offers temporary relief, she has also been experiencing some mood fluctuations.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 6:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your partner’s symptoms following the use of emergency contraception. Her pelvic discomfort, breast tenderness, and the unusual discharge could be linked to hormonal changes from the emergency contraceptive or her menstrual cycle adjustments.
Explanation:
Emergency contraceptives like EllaOne can cause side effects, including pelvic pain and changes in menstrual flow. It’s not uncommon for women to experience some discomfort in the days and weeks following its use, as it can delay ovulation or change the usual hormonal patterns. The tenderness and the brownish discharge are also temporary effects that can occur as the body adjusts. Her recent progesterone injection may have also influenced her symptoms, as hormone treatments can cause temporary changes in pain levels and mood.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of her pelvic pain intensity, any changes in discharge, and mood fluctuations over the next week. Note any specific activities that worsen the pain.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Encourage her to hydrate more effectively. Dehydration can contribute to discomfort. If she's struggling with food textures, consider smoothies or other soft foods that still provide nutrients.
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Gentle Movement: Since stretching offers her some relief, encourage light, gentle movement like walking or yoga. Avoid any strenuous activity until her symptoms stabilize.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen (if she has no contraindications), may help reduce her pelvic discomfort. Ensure she follows the recommended dosage.
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Follow-Up Tip: If her symptoms worsen significantly (pain increases, new symptoms arise, or she develops a fever), it would be prudent to reach out to a healthcare provider for a follow-up.
Continue supporting her through this time, and encourage open communication about her feelings and physical state. If her symptoms don't improve, seeking professional advice would be advisable.
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