Post-Menstrual Abdominal Pain and Discharge: What You Need to Know

Post-menstrual abdominal pain and discharge issues?

Hello Doctor, I started feeling discomfort in my lower abdomen on the third day after my menstrual period ended, which was on February 13th.
This discomfort has persisted for 4-5 days and has caused a slight feeling of nausea (not intense).
Although this situation does not occur every time after my period, I previously researched and believed it to be ovulation pain.
However, I noticed that the timing of the pain this time seems a bit early.
Could you please advise what this might be? Additionally, my discharge after menstruation has been slightly yellowish and light green, which makes my underwear feel sticky, but there is no itching or unusual odor.
Does this indicate an infection? My menstrual cycle is regular, and this month it was from February 4th to February 10th.

Xiao Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/24

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
On the third day after my menstrual period ended (February 13), I started feeling discomfort in my lower abdomen that lasted for 4-5 days, which caused a slight feeling of nausea (not severe).
Although this situation does not occur every time after my period, I previously researched and believed it to be ovulation pain.
However, I noticed that the timing of the pain this time was a bit early.
What could be the issue? Answer: The timing of the pain warrants an ultrasound examination.
2.
My discharge after menstruation appears slightly yellowish and light green, which makes my underwear feel sticky, but there is no itching or unusual odor.
Does this indicate an infection? Answer: Consult a doctor and perform a wet mount microscopy examination.

Reply Date: 2017/02/24

More Info

Post-menstrual abdominal pain and unusual discharge can be concerning symptoms, and it's important to understand the potential causes and implications. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort in your lower abdomen a few days after your menstrual period, along with a change in your vaginal discharge. Let's break down these symptoms and explore what they might indicate.

Firstly, the abdominal discomfort you are experiencing could be related to several factors. One common explanation is ovulation pain, also known as mittelschmerz, which can occur around the time of ovulation. This typically happens about 14 days before your next period, but some women may experience discomfort earlier or later. However, since you mentioned that your pain started just a few days after your period ended, it may not align perfectly with typical ovulation timing.

Another possibility is that the discomfort could be related to hormonal fluctuations following your menstrual cycle. After menstruation, the body begins to prepare for ovulation, and hormonal changes can sometimes lead to mild cramping or discomfort. Additionally, conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts can also cause post-menstrual pain. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain and discomfort, particularly during the menstrual cycle or around ovulation.

Regarding your discharge, the presence of yellowish or light green discharge can be concerning, especially if it is accompanied by discomfort. While the absence of itching or a strong odor is a positive sign, changes in discharge can sometimes indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Bacterial vaginosis often presents with a thin, grayish discharge and a fishy odor, while STIs may cause changes in discharge along with other symptoms. However, if there is no itching or odor, it may not be an infection, but it is still advisable to monitor the situation closely.

Given these symptoms, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of your abdominal pain and discharge. It is essential to rule out any serious conditions, especially if the symptoms persist or worsen.

In summary, while post-menstrual abdominal pain and changes in discharge can be common and often benign, they can also indicate underlying issues that require medical attention. Keeping track of your symptoms, including their duration and any accompanying signs, will be helpful for your healthcare provider in making an accurate diagnosis. If you experience severe pain, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Abdominal Pain and Abnormal Discharge in Women

Since March, I have been experiencing pain in my lower left abdomen during my menstrual period, which lasted until May. A few days after my period in May, I noticed blood-streaked discharge, and by June, about a week after my period, the discharge also contained blood, which was ...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Miss Jane: The presence of blood in vaginal discharge, if it occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, is likely to be ovulatory bleeding. Its characteristics include a small amount of bleeding that typically stops on its own after a few days, occasionally accompanied by...

Understanding Abdominal Pain and Unusual Discharge: A Surgical Perspective

Recently, due to changes in my work and lifestyle, I've been going to bed around 2 or 3 AM. My last menstrual period was about 17 days ago, and I've noticed an increase in vaginal discharge during this time. Occasionally, I experience premenstrual abdominal pain (my men...

Dr. Hou Yongji reply Surgery
Based on your description, it is not possible to accurately interpret and diagnose your condition; however, it is more likely to be related to a gynecological issue. Please consult a nearby obstetrician-gynecologist for evaluation. If there is no improvement, then consider seekin...

Post-Menstrual Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle typically ranges from 5 to 7 weeks. I experience menstrual cramps during the first 1 to 3 days of my period and usually take painkillers for relief. This time, the cramps have been intermittent and lasted for seven days. Now, on the third day afte...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Post-menstrual lower abdominal pain is most commonly caused by endometriosis leading to retrograde menstruation or pelvic inflammatory disease in women.

Understanding Abdominal Pain: A Comprehensive Guide for Women

Doctor, my friend is 37 years old and has been experiencing abdominal pain after her menstrual period for the past few months. Sometimes, the pain also occurs before her period. Her menstrual flow is normal, but at times the pain is severe enough to affect her rectal area, althou...

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
● It is important to first determine whether abdominal pain is related to menstruation. Discomfort experienced before menstruation is referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with common symptoms including breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, mood swings, sleep dis...