Could This Be an Ovarian Cyst?
Age: 23 years old. Medical History: - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Eating disorder Hello, I’ve been experiencing discomfort in my lower abdomen for the past three days. The pain has been increasing in severity and feels akin to menstrual cramps, although they are more intense and I haven't had a period. My last menstrual cycle was about 30 days ago, but my cycle is often irregular, typically occurring every five weeks or so. Additionally, I occasionally experience a sharp, severe pain on my lower right side, especially when I laugh. Typically, the pain fluctuates between a 6 and 7 out of 10 when it does occur. Due to the pain, I visited an urgent care facility where the triage nurse asked me to undergo a urine analysis. The results indicated a slight presence of blood and ketones, but the pregnancy test returned negative. When the doctor examined me, he expressed uncertainty about my condition, suggested that my period might be imminent, and advised me to go to the emergency room if the pain worsened, before ultimately sending me home without any imaging or even taking my temperature. He assured me that it was definitely not appendicitis, but I’m baffled as to how he could conclude that without further investigation. I suspect this might be related to an ovarian cyst, especially since I have PCOS, which is why I hoped to have an ultrasound to eliminate that possibility. I reside in Australia where emergency room visits are without charge, but I am hesitant to inconvenience the system for a problem that may not be serious, even though I’m currently in discomfort. My general practitioner is only available on Fridays, which means I’ll have to wait an entire week to see them since today is Saturday. Can this condition afford to wait that long, or should I genuinely consider visiting the emergency room?
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 2:01:16 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned given your symptoms and the discomfort you’re experiencing. You may be dealing with several potential causes for your lower abdominal pain, including the possibility of an ovarian cyst, particularly given your history with PCOS. Here’s what you need to know:
Explanation
Ovarian cysts can be common in women with PCOS, and they can sometimes cause pain or discomfort, particularly around the time of your menstrual cycle. The presence of blood in your urine and ketones could signal other issues, like dehydration or a different underlying condition. Since your pain has been increasing and is coupled with sharp episodes, close monitoring is important.
While many cysts can resolve on their own and don’t require immediate treatment, your increasing discomfort, sharp pain on the lower right side, and history of PCOS warrant attention.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including pain levels, what triggers the pain, and any changes.
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Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (as per instructions) to help with discomfort.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you’re drinking enough fluids and rest as much as possible to help your body manage the symptoms.
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Evaluate for Worsening Symptoms: If you experience severe symptoms like significant increases in pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting, it's crucial to seek medical attention right away.
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Consider Emergency Care: Given the sharp pain on your right side and the worsening discomfort, visiting the emergency room sooner could be advisable. As your symptoms have escalated, getting an ultrasound or further evaluation can help rule out more serious conditions.
Even if the situation may not seem severe, your comfort and health are priorities, and it's entirely reasonable to seek further evaluation now rather than wait a week. Your health matters, and it's better to err on the side of caution when dealing with abdominal pain.
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