Chronic Discomfort in Pelvic Area Driving Me to Hopelessness: Lack of Diagnosis and Relief from Medical Professionals
I am an 18-year-old female who has never engaged in sexual activities. In December 2024, I underwent a pelvic ultrasound. The results were unremarkable, with the only noteworthy finding being an unusual shape of my ovary, which the physician assured me was uncommon yet still normal. On February 9, 2025, shortly after my morning urination, I experienced pain in my vaginal area. In an attempt to alleviate the discomfort, I increased my water intake, but the pain and pressure have persisted. Although I have encountered this sensation in the past, it typically dissipated within two days; this time, however, it seemed to linger. By February 16, I experienced severe pain after urination, which prompted a visit to my general practitioner (GP). A urine test ruled out a urinary tract infection, and I was prescribed Ural. While this medication provided some anesthesia during urination, the pressure I was feeling remained constant, and it induced nausea. After finishing the prescribed five-day course of Ural, the discomfort transitioned from acute pain to a burning sensation that has become nearly a daily occurrence. Despite this change, the relentless pressure did not diminish and has been with me around the clock. On March 8, I developed a rash on my buttocks and was given a topical ointment (Proctosedyl). I applied it over a week but discontinued use, only to find that the itching returned five days later on March 22. During a consultation on March 13 with a urologist, no identifiable cause for my symptoms was discovered. I was then referred to a gynecologist. The urologist provided me with a month’s supply of Ural but noted that the pressure I was experiencing fell outside their realm of treatment. They mentioned that more comprehensive diagnostic procedures could be invasive and suggested that, at my age, such measures were unnecessary. A subsequent urine test yielded no conclusive results, and the urologist's examination revealed no significant findings. After taking Ural for just two days (March 14 and 15), I began suffering from persistent nausea and vomiting episodes that lasted for ten days. Recently, I have experienced feelings of extreme despair and thoughts of self-harm. What is happening to me? I am plagued by a constant, uncomfortable pressure in my clitoral area as if something is squeezing me from within. It offers no relief even when I urinate; instead, it occasionally worsens without any discernible pattern. Corresponding with the onset of this pressure, I have also experienced painful, burning sensations while urinating. Previously, I had experienced similar episodes once or twice, but those would vanish in a couple of days. Now, more than a month has passed, and with no help from doctors—having consulted two general practitioners and one urologist—I feel trapped in a cycle of despair. I've dealt with numerous health concerns over the last two years, and the burden of this ongoing situation is severely impacting my mental wellbeing. I'm desperate for relief from this unyielding pressure; it consumes my thoughts to the point where I find the idea of giving up increasingly enticing.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 12:20:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the overwhelming discomfort and frustration you're experiencing. Chronic pelvic pain can be incredibly difficult to deal with, especially without clear answers from health professionals. It’s understandable that this situation is affecting your mental health and feelings of hope.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may be related to a non-infectious cause, possibly involving pelvic floor dysfunction, or irritation that hasn't been identified yet.
- Mental health is a crucial part of your overall wellbeing as persistent pain can contribute to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Explanation:
The pressure and burning sensation you're feeling in your pelvic area may not be linked to any infections or simple physical issues, as suggested by the tests you've undergone so far. Conditions like Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or pelvic floor dysfunction can cause similar sensations and can persist without identifiable causes that standard tests can reveal.
It’s also important to acknowledge the emotional toll this situation may have on you. Feelings of despair and thoughts of self-harm are significant and deserve serious attention.
Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, any triggers you notice, and how they affect you daily. This can provide valuable information for doctors and help identify patterns.
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Explore Pain Management Options:
- Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness meditation to help cope with the discomfort and anxiety. Apps or online resources can guide you through these practices.
- Warm baths or heat pads on the pelvic area may offer some relief from discomfort.
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Seek Support:
- Reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, especially regarding your feelings of hopelessness and despair. Building coping strategies can help you manage both physical and emotional pain.
- If your thoughts of self-harm intensify, please contact a crisis hotline or a mental health provider immediately.
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Follow-Up with Specialists:
- If you feel comfortable, request a referral to a pelvic pain specialist or a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic floor health. They can provide targeted treatment options that address complex physical issues.
- A gynecologist can also help rule out conditions like endometriosis, which may be causing pain without clear ultrasound findings.
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Consider a Multi-Disciplinary Approach:
- If possible, seek a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare providers that includes a urologist, gynecologist, physical therapist, and psychologist. This approach may offer more comprehensive care.
Please remember, it's essential to take things one step at a time and seek the support you need during this challenging period. You are not alone in this journey, and there are avenues for relief and support. Let me know if you have further questions.
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