Is this discomfort linked to ovulation?
Female, 28 years old, non-smoker. Recently, I've been feeling slightly unwell, almost as if I'm coming down with a mild cold. I’ve experienced some body aches and my temperature is at 37.5 degrees Celsius. I’m sharing this again since my previous post on this subject didn’t receive a response, and I'm currently going through the same exact situation. Initially, I was concerned that it might be related to appendicitis, but this seems to follow a pattern I notice during ovulation or in some cycles. I would like confirmation on whether this is likely ovulation-related discomfort to help ease my worries when it occurs. Additionally, I am in the process of exploring a potential diagnosis for endometriosis. Background: I have a medical history of uncomplicated appendicitis (in a retrocecal position), which was treated with antibiotics only. Last night, I was suddenly hit with intense cramps that reminded me of the pain I felt when I first experienced appendicitis approximately four to five years ago. This caused quite a bit of anxiety, especially since I'm currently in my cycle and ovulating. I’m unsure if this is pertinent, but I did have some blood-tinged spotting in my discharge two days ago. I’ve experienced similar pain before, but it typically subsides. This morning, the cramps have diminished; however, I do feel a sharp pain when I apply pressure to my lower right pelvic region, where my ovary is located. I occasionally sense a bit of discomfort in the left ovary area as well. My appetite isn’t significant this morning, likely due to a lack of sleep from anxiety. I’m puzzled about whether this sensation relates to ovulation or if it indicates another episode of appendicitis. While the pressure doesn’t invoke excruciating pain, I do detect discomfort and a feeling of fullness in that area, accompanied by a twinging pain located near the right hip bone. Interestingly, I don’t experience pain when I move around or jump; it's mainly the mild twinges and sharp discomfort when I press on that specific spot. Update: I’ve managed to walk down the stairs without any pain, leading me to believe the discomfort arises solely when I apply pressure to that particular area… (This remains true in my current situation.)
Answers (1)
4/3/2025, 11:30:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some discomfort related to your menstrual cycle, possibly tied to ovulation, but I understand that these symptoms are causing you anxiety, especially with your history of appendicitis. Let’s break down what you’re experiencing and what steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Mild Body Aches and Low-Grade Fever: These are not uncommon during ovulation due to hormonal changes.
- Cramps and Localized Pain: Ovarian pain can sometimes mimic appendicitis, but if it subsides and is mainly felt when pressing on the area, it may be ovulation-related.
- Spotting: Light spotting can occur during ovulation and may not be worrisome, especially if it happens mid-cycle.
Explanation:
Ovulation typically occurs mid-cycle, and some women experience what is known as "mittelschmerz," which includes sharp pain on one side of the abdomen where the ovary is releasing an egg. The discomfort you described, such as twinges and pressure pain that subsides when you move around, fits this pattern. The slight fever and body aches could be linked to ovulatory symptoms as well.
Your previous experience with appendicitis raises some valid concerns, however, since appendicitis usually presents with more severe and persistent pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or growing discomfort rather than just localized pressure pain.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. Note the intensity, duration, and anything that makes them better or worse. This will help identify patterns.
-
Manage Anxiety: Since anxiety can amplify discomfort, consider using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Keeping a journal could help process your feelings.
-
Self-Care: Stay hydrated and consider light activity like gentle walking. This could help alleviate some of the discomfort.
-
Pain Relief: If you find the twinging pain bothersome, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen may help, following the recommended dosage on the label.
-
Seek Help if Necessary: If you experience worsening pain, fever above 38 degrees Celsius, or any significant changes in your symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion:
Your symptoms may be linked to ovulation, especially given the pattern you’ve noticed. Still, keeping a close eye on your symptoms will help you feel more in control and allow you to identify if and when you need to seek further medical advice. If you have any more questions or need support, I’m here to help!
Related Questions
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.
Concerns about HSV Transmission During Nasal Suctioning for My Baby
Recently, I experienced my first cold sore at the age of 29, appearing at the edge of my lower lip. With a three-month-old infant, I have been particularly cautious, believing that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted solely through direct contact. I made sure to avoid kissing my baby and kept my distance. On her three-month birthday, she woke in the early morning with significant nasal congestion. Feeling exhausted, I instinctively reached for the Frida nasal suction, my usual go-to in such situations. While using the device, I made sure my cold sore was not in contact with it. Typically, I only use the suction in her nostrils, afterward blowing air onto my hand to check for any mucus and then continuing the process. However, as I performed this task, I began to question whether I was potentially spreading the virus; my research revealed that HSV can indeed be transmitted through saliva. Although most of my usage was suctioning, I realized I had occasionally blown into the tube to assess its effectiveness before resuming suction. Naturally, I'm feeling anxious and regretful for not thoroughly considering the risks involved. Additionally, I learned that my illness may have contributed to my cold sore, and now I suspect my baby may also be coming down with something—her first cold has me quite worried. I took precautions by wearing a mask, and throughout the week, she seemed unaffected. Being a breastfeeding mother, I hope she has received ample antibodies to help her. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether I need to be alarmed or if there are specific signs I should monitor. Thank you for your assistance!
Dismissed as a Patient After 26 Years
For the past 26 years, I’ve been a patient at the same medical office, practically since the moment I entered this world (or rather, since I began my existence). Admittedly, I did transition from a pediatrician to a general practitioner when I turned 18, but I’ve mainly seen the same doctors throughout my life, including a general physician and a sports medicine specialist. During this extensive period, I have only missed a couple of appointments—perhaps just two in total—which seems quite reasonable considering I’ve had numerous check-ups and consultations due to various health issues, largely stemming from accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for someone like me, who tends to be accident-prone, to have over a hundred visits in nearly three decades. However, I recently discovered that I’ve reportedly missed three appointments in the span of six months. This unexpected revelation is frustrating, as those missed appointments occurred while I was recovering from orthopedic surgery following a significant work-related accident—I tumbled two stories off a ladder, highlighting my tendency for mishaps. The appointments I failed to attend were routine check-ups with my general practitioner, my sports medicine doctor, and a blood test. Unfortunately, they all coincidentally fell around the same period just after my surgery. I learned about the need for the surgery only a few weeks ahead of these scheduled appointments, and post-surgery, mobility was a challenge. I had asked my husband to cancel them on my behalf, but he neglected to do so—an oversight we share. While I take some responsibility for not ensuring the calls were made, I was heavily medicated with prescribed pain relief at the time. Despite my generally good attendance record, this series of missed appointments led to my dismissal as a patient. Today, when I contacted the office to request a refill for a chronic medication unrelated to the surgery, I was informed that I can no longer receive care there, as I was discharged as a patient back in early January. This came as a shock, especially since they had filled a different prescription for me just weeks ago without any issues. It raises the question: how can they discharge me and then assist with a prescription shortly before? I’ve been on the same medication for over seven years, and I am not asking for anything out of the ordinary. If they want to sever ties after 26 years, I’m willing to find another provider, but it feels absurd to deny me vital medication after such a long-standing relationship. Is this a common practice? When I explained my situation—politely and respectfully—the response was still a firm refusal to refill my prescription. My discussions were limited to administrative personnel, leaving me at a loss about my next steps. I’ve always been a reliable patient, with the exception of these recent three appointments occurring immediately after the surgery. The urgency of my medical needs can’t be understated: I am in need of key prescriptions and follow-up care due to significant health concerns from my recent injury, numerous corticosteroid injections, and a positive result from a cancer screening test. Although statistics suggest the probability of a false positive at my age, it still necessitates thorough follow-up, especially given my family's history of this condition. For the past week, I’ve reached out daily, always with courtesy, yet I’ve received no resolution, just the run-around among various office staff. They mentioned they sent me a letter to inform me of my dismissal, yet I never received a call, email, or any subsequent communication. One single letter does not suffice to terminate a patient’s long-term relationship with their medical practice, especially when it involves critical prescriptions and post-surgery care. Is this standard protocol? I cannot stress enough that I am not embellishing my situation. With an almost flawless attendance record and a recent misstep due to surgical recovery, being abruptly cut off feels excessive. I truly appreciate my general practitioner, need my medication, and face a myriad of concerns—from continuity of care to other pressing health issues—which makes this entire experience deeply troubling and perplexing.
Uncertainty Surrounding My Health Incident
I am a 15-year-old girl currently battling a cold, and I also have a confirmed diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Additionally, I suspect I may have POTS, although that's not officially confirmed. Earlier today, I got up to visit the bathroom, which requires navigating around twenty steps from the living room. As I stood up, I noticed my vision starting to blur, but that’s a familiar sensation for me, so I didn’t think anything was amiss. Upon reaching the bathroom, my eyesight faded to complete darkness. Losing my sight entirely isn’t unusual for me, and while frustrating, I merely found it bothersome rather than alarming. Once inside, I turned on the light, and although I couldn’t see it illuminating the room, I heard the click of the switch, indicating it was on. I then attempted to locate the sliding door to close it. However, I misjudged the doorway completely on my first try. I felt it was odd, yet I dismissed it and tried again, but I encountered the same issue. After my second attempt, I experienced significant trembling in my limbs, so intense that I realized I was on the verge of falling. To prevent that, I quickly lowered myself to the floor, remaining blind to my surroundings. After about five seconds, my vision began to return, and I noticed my legs were still shaking. A few seconds later, the shaking subsided, and I regained control over my body. I stood up right after, feeling relatively assured that it wouldn’t happen again, but I opted to sit for safety's sake. This event occurred just a couple of hours ago, and thankfully, it hasn't recurred. Although my vision tends to dim when I stand, that is a typical occurrence for me, and I’ve since retained partial sight. I did not lose consciousness during the incident and have clear memories of the entire experience, without confusion or disorientation afterward. Notably, epilepsy runs in my family; my aunt has it, and my mother’s cousin experienced several seizures a few months back, although he hasn’t had any recently. Personally, I have never fainted, though I’ve come close multiple times. It’s important to mention that I’ve never experienced a seizure before, and I remain uncertain whether what transpired was a seizure or something different altogether.