Concerns About Potential Ectopic Pregnancy or Miscarriage
Hello everyone, I am in need of some advice as I find myself feeling anxious and uncertain. I'm hesitant to incur unnecessary expenses if a medical professional might dismiss my situation, yet I also want to ensure that I'm not overlooking a serious issue. I’m a 19-year-old female, 4’11”, weighing approximately 165 lbs. Until March of this year, I was using Depo-Provera as my contraceptive method. **Background Information:** Recently, I've taken several pregnancy tests, and while I initially received positive results, the latest ones have been negative. I’m grappling with whether this indicates a miscarriage or the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy. Regardless of the outcome, I am feeling deeply saddened and emotional. My ongoing battle with severe anxiety exacerbates my feelings, making it challenging to discern whether some symptoms stem from my anxiety or if they're indicators of a more serious condition. **Symptoms I’m Experiencing:** - Intermittent pain in the right side of my pelvis/uterus. - Pain at the tip of my left shoulder, which I've learned can signal internal bleeding associated with ectopic pregnancies. - Periodic back pain, which may feel pinching at times and worsens with pressure. - Episodes of dizziness. - Nausea, which intensifies with: - Pressure on my back (for instance, when a child sits on my back at work). - Pressure on my abdomen/uterus (like when a child is on my lap). - Very light vaginal bleeding, occurring only once and in minimal quantity. - Severe restless legs, an issue I've dealt with for years but has become intolerable over the past two weeks. - Fatigue. - Migraines that started as standard headaches but have escalated to migraine intensity. - Occasional pain on one side of my abdomen. **Why I'm Worried:** From my research, the combination of one-sided pelvic discomfort, shoulder tip pain, and dizziness may point toward an ectopic pregnancy, even in cases with light bleeding or negative test results. Additionally, I’ve read that internal bleeding can occur without external vaginal bleeding being present. As a college student, financial constraints make me wary of unnecessary medical appointments only to be told everything is fine. However, I am aware that an ectopic pregnancy can pose serious risks if not promptly addressed, and I'm uncertain if my concerns would warrant an emergency room visit. **My Questions Are:** - Is it possible for these symptoms to indicate an ectopic pregnancy even though my tests are currently negative? - How can I determine if seeking emergency care is necessary, or if I should wait for an appointment with an obstetrician? - Could my anxiety be amplifying my symptoms, or is it too risky to dismiss my issues as mere anxiety? Any thoughts or personal experiences would be immensely helpful. I'm feeling overwhelmed and frightened about what might be happening with my body.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 2:51:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious given the symptoms you're experiencing and your concerns about a potential ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Let's break this down to address your worries and provide some clarity.
Main Points
- Your Symptoms: The combination of intermittent pelvic pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, nausea, and light vaginal bleeding raises valid concerns; however, negative pregnancy tests make it less likely that you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
- Anxiety's Role: Your ongoing anxiety could indeed amplify your physical symptoms, making it challenging to separate anxiety-related discomfort from potential medical issues.
- When to Seek Help: It's important to know when to seek immediate care versus when to monitor your symptoms.
Explanation
- Ectopic Pregnancy: This occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube, and can be serious. Symptoms usually include abdominal pain and shoulder pain, particularly if there is bleeding. Negative pregnancy tests generally make this less likely, as they indicate that hCG levels (usually elevated during pregnancy) are low or non-existent.
- Miscarriage: This typically follows a positive pregnancy test and involves clear signs like heavier bleeding and cramping, which doesn’t seem to apply in your case right now.
Your symptoms, especially the shoulder pain and dizziness, are concerning and warrant attention. However, your nervousness and anxiety can also play a significant role in your physical sensations.
Prioritized Next Steps
-
Seek Immediate Care If:
- You experience severe, sharp, or worsening abdominal pain.
- You have significant dizziness or fainting.
- You have new, heavy vaginal bleeding.
- You have any signs of shock (like rapid breathing, extreme weakness, or confusion).
-
If Symptoms Are Manageable:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log noting the intensity and frequency of your pain, as well as any changes in other symptoms like dizziness or nausea.
- Consider Anxiety Management: Since anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or light physical activity if tolerated.
-
Plan for a Medical Appointment:
- Make an appointment with a healthcare provider (like an OB-GYN) within the next week to discuss your symptoms and concerns comprehensively. If your symptoms worsen before the appointment, seek emergency care.
-
Self-Care Tips:
- Stay hydrated and try to rest.
- Avoid any activities or pressure that exacerbate your pain.
- Reach out to a trusted friend or counselor to discuss your fears and feelings.
Reassurance
It's perfectly reasonable to feel anxious about your health, especially given the symptoms you've described. By closely monitoring your situation and identifying when immediate care is needed, you can take control of your wellbeing. Remember, you are not alone in this – please reach out for support when you need it. If you find that your anxiety persists or intensifies, consider seeking help from a mental health professional who can help you navigate these feelings.
Related Questions
Concerns Regarding Chronic Left Mid-Clavicular Fracture and Shoulder Pain
I’m a 28-year-old male, sharing my experience: about six years ago, I sustained a collarbone fracture in a car accident. Following the collision, I was promptly taken to the emergency department, where they attended to some minor bruises and conducted initial imaging tests. It was confirmed that the left clavicle was fractured, primarily due to the compressive force from the seatbelt during the crash. The doctor at that time advised against surgery, assuring me that the injury would heal adequately on its own. I was given a sling to support my arm and prescribed pain relief medication, which I diligently adhered to. As weeks passed, the discomfort gradually lessened, and I regained my normal range of motion. Fast forward to recently, I had my first X-ray in years for reasons unrelated to the fracture, and I was surprised to find out that it showed a chronic left mid-clavicular fracture. I'm worried about the implications of this finding. Could this condition lead to complications in the future? Was there a possibility that surgical options should have been explored back then? What are the risks or issues that might arise from having a misaligned clavicle long-term? Moreover, I have been noticing some pain in my left upper arm, specifically around the triceps area.
Understanding the Causes of Chronic Diarrhea
A 17-year-old male, who is in good physical condition and stands at 175 cm tall, has experienced challenges with chronic diarrhea since childhood. Remarkably, the issue ceased around the age of 12 without any discernible reason. However, during a trip to China in the summer of 2025, he suffered food poisoning, after which the diarrhea returned unexpectedly. He has noted an interesting pattern: the symptoms seem to manifest only when he experiences chills. Despite consulting his family doctor, he encountered a puzzling lack of answers regarding the recurrence of his symptoms. He has begun a treatment regimen, which, while seemingly effective, may be overly potent for his situation. He seeks insights into what might be the root cause of his condition and recommendations for appropriate medication. Interestingly, he believes he has no known allergies, but suggests there may be a hereditary component involved, as his mother experiences a milder form of the same issue. As for his nutritional habits, he maintains a well-rounded diet that incorporates a variety of foods without adhering to strict dietary categories such as vegan or vegetarian. His typical meals include an assortment of vegetables, various meats, and staples like bread, rice, or potatoes.
Urgent Help Needed for My Father's Health Crisis
I am reaching out in desperation regarding my father's health, as he's currently 58 years old and weighs approximately 60 kg. Is it feasible to manage chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD 5) solely through dietary changes and medications like Lasix? I implore you to read my entire account carefully. Recently, I encountered an individual who claimed to be a doctor, insisting that he has successfully treated numerous patients just by adjusting their diets. Unfortunately, my sister is starting to believe in these dubious claims, and this situation is jeopardizing my father's health. A detailed backstory follows. For an extended period, my father remained undiagnosed, but after some recent tests indicated alarmingly high creatinine and urea levels—initially recorded at 8.5—my mother, influenced by our Pakistani background and various conspiracy theories, opted against dialysis. Instead, she sought medication that would supposedly help maintain his health. At that time, my father exhibited no critical symptoms or unusual urine output. Months passed, and when his values failed to improve with medication alone, my mother turned to a homeopathic practitioner from another city, who claimed he had cured many CKD patients. Trusting his advice and spending a significant amount of money on his prescribed remedies, we adhered to a stringent dietary regimen that severely restricted protein intake. However, a month later, my father began experiencing serious breathing difficulties, finding it hard to catch his breath during routine activities such as walking or even standing. We conducted more medical tests and discovered that while his creatinine and urea levels had decreased (creatinine dropped from about 7 to 5), his hemoglobin level plummeted from 10 to 8, and fluid had accumulated in his lungs. Additionally, his feet were swollen, and he presented symptoms of exhaustion and shortness of breath, which we attributed to using only the homeopathic medications prescribed. We decided to discontinue this treatment due to my father’s worsening condition. Following this, my sister reached out to a new doctor, a recommendation from an Arabic community group; I’m uncertain of her qualifications. This new practitioner advised a complete diet overhaul, claiming that she, too, had cured CKD patients through dietary means. My sister, swayed by her assurances and the fact that she was not charging us, trusted this advice. This new dietary plan was seemingly extreme: it suggested a combination of proteins, fats, vegetables, and meats, while completely eliminating carbohydrates. The rationale was that carbohydrates contribute to insulin resistance—a significant concern since my father has had type 2 diabetes for over 20 years. Despite the doctor claiming that liver issues were stressing the kidneys and causing CKD, my father’s liver function tests indicated that his liver was functioning normally. I have attempted to engage my sister in discussions about her decisions, but she steadfastly adheres to her beliefs, often dismissing my concerns as unfounded. She believes that the medical system is merely profiting from keeping patients in a cycle of dependency on expensive treatments. I urgently seek guidance, as my father's well-being hangs in the balance. My attempts to reason with my sister have resulted in conflicts, and I seem to be viewed as the villain in this situation. A thorough, expert response would be greatly valued at this time.
Managing Severe Reactions to Black Henna: Steps to Heal Your Skin
On January 25, I decided to get a dragon design in black henna while in Boracay. Initially, I felt a slight tingling sensation on my skin, which later intensified to a burning feeling especially when exposed to sunlight. Upon returning home, my instinct was to scrub the henna off with soap. Unfortunately, this led to my skin becoming swollen, reddened, itchy, and even blistered. To soothe the irritation, I used a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil to cleanse the area thoroughly, ensuring it was completely dry afterward. Once dried, I applied a thin layer of petroleum jelly. I also began taking antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine, which provided some relief from the itching. Additionally, I tried to shield the affected area from sun exposure as much as I could. A few days into this routine, I introduced 1% hydrocortisone cream, layering it with petroleum jelly afterward. During my time in the city, I shifted to using Benadryl cream and continued taking antihistamines to diminish the itchiness, but I didn’t have any hydrocortisone cream available. Although the henna stain has nearly faded, the design has left a noticeable imprint on my skin. Once back home, I restarted my treatment by applying 1% hydrocortisone cream followed by a layer of Cetaphil PRO AD Derma Skin Restoring Moisturizer. I’m concerned about potential discoloration on my skin from this reaction. Currently, the skin looks flat and somewhat darker with slight bumps. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to minimize hyperpigmentation and what treatments I can undertake to support healing. Age: 19 Sex: Female Height: 5’4" Weight: 56 kg Duration of complaint: 2 weeks Location: Shoulder
Should You Be Concerned About Numbness with Bruising After a Week?
I’m a 19-year-old female with no notable medical background or current medications. A week ago, I took a spill while skating and landed hard on my hip, resulting in a large, swollen bump on the back of my upper thigh. Initially, I used the RICE method for two days, and the bruise developed into a dark purple and blue mark, roughly 12 centimeters wide. During the first few days, I experienced discomfort while walking, yet I stayed fairly active by going for walks and dancing. The pain has lessened to just mild soreness when I make sudden movements like jumping. Currently, the bruise has changed to a reddish-purple hue, indicating some healing, but I am still experiencing numbness in the area. While there seems to be a slight improvement in the sensation, it’s hardly noticeable. Do you think I should seek medical advice? By the way, I’m of Indian descent, stand 5'6'' tall, weigh 58 kilograms, and consume alcohol occasionally.