OpenHealth Q&A

Facing Two Months of Pelvic Discomfort: Seeking Guidance

I'm reaching out for assistance here. I'm a 26-year-old woman, standing at 1.73 cm tall and weighing 67.2 kg (down 7 kg since January). I am Caucasian and currently taking chronic medications including Qlaira, Epitec, and Dormonoct. Additionally, I'm a smoker. The thought of my upcoming appointment with my gynecologist on Wednesday fills me with anxiety, and I want to mentally prepare for what he might uncover. If you have experienced similar issues or have medical expertise, I would greatly appreciate your insights into what I might be facing. A little background: Last September, I began to notice aching in the right lower rib, specifically impacting the second to last bone. After consulting with a doctor in December, I felt dismissed with a suggestion that it was merely allergies. The practitioner neither examined me nor took my concerns seriously, concluding the visit by asking if I wanted painkillers, which I turned down feeling defeated and disheartened. This discomfort has been intermittent. On February 10, I observed blood in my stool, an occurrence that happened again last Sunday but to a minimal extent. After that incident, I started experiencing pain in my rectal area, alternating between the left and right sides. A week later, the discomfort extended to my vaginal walls, affecting either side. This further escalated to persistent pain in my lower abdomen, particularly near my hips, also on either side. Initially, these episodes lasted about 30 minutes, but two weeks ago, they began extending to several hours. The pain feels all-encompassing, as if someone's applying consistent pressure in those regions. Notably, while the pain affects either the left or right areas, I've observed it primarily occurs in the lower right quadrant and the left vaginal wall. I've also experienced irregular bowel movements, alternating between difficulty and loose, watery stools, which are consistently coated in mucus. During my examination by my GP, tenderness was present throughout my abdomen, especially where my ovaries are located. The doctor assessed for any masses within the vaginal walls but only noted pressure on those areas and my cervix, leading her to refer me to a gynecologist. Gynecological issues pervade my family history; my grandmother succumbed to ovarian cancer at a young age, my mother underwent an emergency hysterectomy due to uterine cysts, one sister battles endometriosis, and another has PCOS. I also have a first cousin currently fighting stage 3B ovarian cancer, and my aunt had ovarian cancer as well. With all this background and two months of persistent pain, I'm overwhelmed with concern. What should I anticipate? I would greatly appreciate any support that could help me brace for this appointment.

Answers (1)

3/29/2025, 8:00:53 PM

OpenHealth AI

It’s completely understandable to feel anxious as you approach your gynecologist appointment, especially with your history and the symptoms you’re describing. You have experienced significant discomfort, and it's important to address your concerns carefully.

Main Points:

1. Persistent Symptoms: Your ongoing pelvic discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and family history raise important points for evaluation.
2. Need for Thorough Assessment: Your symptoms and family history necessitate a comprehensive assessment that can help identify the underlying issue.

Explanation:

Pelvic discomfort combined with observations like blood in your stool and changes in bowel habits can stem from several causes, ranging from benign (like digestive issues) to more serious conditions that require addressing, particularly given your family history of gynecological cancers. It is good that you are seeing a gynecologist, as they can provide specialized care and a thorough evaluation.

Next Steps:

1. Prepare for Your Appointment:

   • Write a list of your symptoms, when they occur, their severity, and any patterns you've noticed (like the relationship between bowel movements and pelvic pain).
   • Note any changes in your menstrual cycle or periods since starting Qlaira, along with your smoking history, as these factors can be relevant.

2. During the Appointment:

   • Be open about your symptoms and your family history of gynecological issues. Expressing your concerns clearly will help your doctor understand the urgency of your case.
   • Ask about potential examinations or tests (like an ultrasound or blood tests) to evaluate your reproductive organs, bowel health, and any possible hormonal issues.

3. Support for Anxiety:

   • It may help to practice relaxation techniques before your appointment, such as deep breathing, to alleviate some of the anxiety.
   • Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support during the appointment.

4. Monitoring Symptoms:

   • After your appointment, continue to monitor your symptoms and keep track of any new occurrences or changes. This information can be important for follow-up visits.

While it's natural to feel worried, taking these steps can help you approach your appointment more confidently and make the most of the medical care you’ll receive. If you experience any worsening symptoms, like more blood in your stool or severe pain, it’s important to seek care sooner. You're taking a proactive step by addressing these issues, and that’s commendable.