Unusual Pain in Abdominal and Pelvic Region
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman. A year ago, I sought help from my OB/GYN due to a persistent pain on the right side of my pelvis. During the examination, my doctor noted that my uterus seemed to be shifting towards one side. As a result, I underwent a pelvic ultrasound, which revealed the presence of normal follicular cysts. By the time we discussed my situation, the pain had subsided, leading my OB/GYN to conclude that no further action was necessary. Fast-forward to a fortnight ago, after engaging in intercourse, I started experiencing intermittent throbbing pain located just below my belly button and slightly to the left, recurring every few seconds throughout the night. While the intensity of the pain has decreased over the past few days, I continue to experience brief episodes of discomfort in the same area. Notably, I had a CT scan performed on my abdomen and pelvis just three weeks earlier, which identified a 3.5 cm ovarian cyst on the left. I plan to reach out to my OB/GYN tomorrow, as they've been out of the office recently. Could these symptoms be associated with the cyst, adhesions, or possibly endometriosis? My bowel movements have been normal, and I haven't observed any blood or experienced pain during them. The CT scan did not reveal any additional issues in that region, and I also had an abdominal MRI (not focused on the pelvis) two weeks ago to check a liver cyst, which showed no concerning findings in the surrounding areas. Has anyone else gone through something similar? It’s worth noting that both my mother and sister have had a history of endometriosis. Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for any responses you may have!
Answers (1)
6/14/2025, 7:01:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your ongoing abdominal and pelvic pain, particularly with a history of cysts and family history of endometriosis, does warrant careful consideration. While your cyst and previous examinations indicate that it might not be serious, persistent pain can still signify other underlying issues.
Understanding Your Situation:
- Ovarian Cysts: These can cause pain, especially when they are large, rupture, or if there’s any related inflammation.
- Adhesions: Scar tissue from previous surgeries or conditions can cause intermittent pain, especially after intercourse.
- Endometriosis: Given your family history, this could be a possibility to explore. Endometriosis can cause discomfort and pelvic pain, particularly during certain activities.
Next Steps:
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Follow-Up with OB/GYN: Since you have an appointment scheduled, it is crucial to discuss your current symptoms, especially the pattern of pain you’re experiencing now. Make a note of any changes or new symptoms to share.
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Pain Tracking: Keep a journal over the next few days. Note the intensity, duration, and any triggers related to your pain (like certain activities) to provide to your doctor.
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Pain Management:
- Consider over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if suitable for you, following the recommended dosage. This can help manage discomfort.
- Apply a warm compress to your abdomen to help alleviate cramping or throbbing sensations.
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Monitor Symptoms: Continue assessing any changes in your symptoms, such as severity or additional symptoms like bloating, changes in your menstrual cycle, or urinary issues.
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Explore Additional Testing: Depending on your OB/GYN’s feedback, further imaging tests or diagnostic procedures, such as a laparoscopy, may be necessary if conditions like endometriosis are suspected.
It's understandable to be concerned about your symptoms, especially given your family's health history. Keeping focused on updates with your healthcare provider is a strong step towards clarity and relief. Please remember, you are proactive in seeking care, which is important for your health. Let me know if you need more specific information regarding pain management or other symptoms.
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