OpenHealth Q&A

Intense Abdominal Discomfort

Here's a brief medical overview: Female, 23 years old, measuring 5'8" and weighing 134 lbs, with some psychiatric history but otherwise no significant medical issues. I have experienced heavy menstruation and pain during my cycles, for which I use birth control. I don't take any additional medications and do not consume alcohol, recreational drugs, or smoke. Yesterday, I began to endure considerable abdominal discomfort, centered around the suprapubic area. I would rate this pain about a 5/10; it felt sharp rather than cramp-like, making it uncomfortable yet somewhat manageable. My pharmacy had delayed my birth control, resulting in my period starting the day prior, which I initially thought might explain the issue. However, I typically do not experience suprapubic pain during menstruation; it usually manifests in my lower back. After eating Chinese food consisting of soup, rice, and rangoons, I felt fine and went to bed without any issues. However, this morning, upon getting out of bed, the suprapubic pain reemerged, now at approximately 6/10 intensity, quickly increasing as I moved about. When I attempted to use the restroom, the discomfort escalated dramatically to roughly 9/10, surpassing any previous pain I have experienced. There was no burning sensation associated with urination or pain in the urethra, only intense pelvic discomfort that rendered me nearly immobile. The experience left me incapacitated on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, and I felt nauseous to the point of nearly vomiting. Additionally, I experienced some lightheadedness and a headache when standing for extended periods. There was no discomfort in the upper abdomen. I took a dose of Naproxen (220 mg) and am currently resting with a heating pad. The pain has decreased slightly but has returned to about a 6/10. Unfortunately, the heating pad hasn’t provided any relief. I haven't eaten in 12 hours and have not sustained any injuries. When I palpate my abdomen, it’s mildly uncomfortable but does not exacerbate the pain, suggesting there’s no significant tenderness. I can apply pressure fairly deeply without discomfort, although I feel some guarding instinctively when I press down. I’m hesitant to stand as I fear the pain might worsen again. Regrettably, I can’t provide much detailed observational insight as I am not trained in this area and am unfamiliar with signs like Rovsing's or the rebound tenderness test. My grandmother is quite worried and has advised me to visit the emergency room. Nonetheless, I suspect this could simply be a new variant of menstrual discomfort and would prefer to monitor the situation before making a decision. I'm uncertain of the best course of action moving forward.

Answers (1)

8/8/2025, 11:10:58 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing significant abdominal discomfort, and I understand this can be quite alarming, especially with pain that escalates so quickly. It's essential to take your symptoms seriously, especially given the increase in pain and associated feelings of nausea and lightheadedness.

Key Points:

1. Intensity of Pain: Your pain has increased to a level that disrupts your daily activities, which is a key indicator to seek further evaluation.
2. Associated Symptoms: Lightheadedness, especially when standing, combined with intense pelvic pain, may suggest a more serious underlying issue.
3. Menstrual Cycle: While you mentioned a history of heavy periods and cramps, the type and intensity of this pain seem out of the ordinary compared to your past experiences.

Explanation:

Given your symptoms—which include sharp pain that increases with movement, nausea, and lightheadedness—it’s possible that there's an issue beyond typical menstrual discomfort. Conditions like ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even a urinary tract issue can present with similar symptoms and require medical assessment.

Next Steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention:

   • Emergency Room (ER) Visit: Given the severity of your symptoms, including the high pain level and lightheadedness, it is advisable to go to the ER. This will ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation and appropriate care.
   • Bring along any relevant information about your medical and medication history, especially concerning your menstrual symptoms.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms:

   • While waiting for care, keep track of any changes in your pain, such as its intensity, any new symptoms, or changes in bowel or urinary habits.
   • If the pain worsens significantly or you develop new symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or inability to drink fluids, seek emergency help immediately.

3. Pain Management:

   • Continue to manage pain with the Naproxen you’ve taken, but avoid taking additional over-the-counter medications until you consult with a healthcare provider.

Your decision to monitor initially is understandable, but with such a rapid increase in pain and associated symptoms, it's prudent to prioritize getting checked out. Ensuring your well-being is the most critical aspect right now. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your health is of utmost importance.