Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Gynecological Issues

Left lower abdominal pain?

Hello, I often experience unexplained difficulty breathing when I have a cold.
On the night of the fourth day after catching a cold, I felt some bloating and pain in my lower left abdomen.
The next day, I woke up with increased pain in the lower left abdomen and was sweating profusely.
The pain is located about 7 centimeters from my belly button.
I went to a regular hospital for an ultrasound and urinalysis, and there were no significant issues.
The doctor mentioned that if the pain persists, it could be a gynecological problem.
Two days later, my cold seemed to have improved, and the pain in my lower abdomen was less severe, but it still hurt when pressed.
During the first two days of my cold, I noticed an increase in vaginal discharge, which returned to normal afterward.
Additionally, I had a fever on the first day of my abdominal pain.
Could this be pelvic inflammatory disease? However, I have not engaged in sexual intercourse, and my period has not yet arrived this month.
Could this be related to the cold? Thank you for your response.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/22

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

When I have a cold, I often experience unexplained difficulty in breathing.
On the fourth night after catching the cold, I felt some bloating and mild pain in my lower left abdomen.
The next day, I woke up with increased pain in the lower left abdomen and was sweating profusely.
The pain is located about 7 centimeters from my navel.
I went to a regular hospital for an ultrasound and urinalysis, and there were no significant issues.
The doctor told me that if the pain persists, it might be a gynecological problem.
Two days later, my cold had mostly resolved, and the pain in my lower abdomen was less intense, but it still hurt when pressed.
In the first couple of days of my cold, I noticed an increase in vaginal discharge, which returned to normal afterward.
Additionally, I had a fever on the first day of my abdominal pain.
Could this be pelvic inflammatory disease? However, I have not engaged in sexual intercourse, and my period has not yet arrived this month.
Is this related to the cold?
Answer: It is likely related to the cold.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is unlikely since there has been no sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2018/07/22

More Info

Left lower abdominal pain can be a complex issue, especially when considering potential gynecological causes. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a series of symptoms, including abdominal pain, sweating, and changes in vaginal discharge, which can be indicative of various conditions. While your ultrasound and urinalysis did not reveal any significant abnormalities, the persistence of pain and the nature of your symptoms warrant further exploration.

Firstly, it is important to note that left lower abdominal pain can arise from several sources, including gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract problems, and gynecological conditions. Given your symptoms and the location of the pain, it is reasonable to consider gynecological issues, particularly since the pain is localized near the reproductive organs.

One possible condition is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the female reproductive organs. PID can occur even in the absence of sexual activity, particularly if there are underlying conditions such as a history of endometriosis or previous surgeries that might predispose you to infections. Symptoms of PID can include lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain during intercourse. However, since you mentioned that you have not engaged in sexual activity, the likelihood of PID may be lower, but it cannot be entirely ruled out without further evaluation.

Another consideration is ovarian cysts or ovarian torsion, which can cause significant pain and may not always be detected on initial imaging. These conditions can lead to acute pain and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea or changes in bowel habits.
Endometriosis is another potential cause of left lower abdominal pain. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often leading to pain, especially during menstruation. While you mentioned that your menstrual cycle has not yet started this month, endometriosis can cause pain at any time during the cycle.

Additionally, gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diverticulitis could also manifest as left lower abdominal pain. Given your recent illness, it is possible that gastrointestinal distress could be contributing to your symptoms.

In terms of your recent cold, while respiratory infections typically do not directly cause abdominal pain, systemic infections can sometimes lead to referred pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The fever you experienced could indicate that your body was fighting off an infection, which might have contributed to your overall discomfort.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to follow up with a gynecologist for a thorough evaluation. This may include a pelvic exam, additional imaging studies such as a transvaginal ultrasound, or even a laparoscopy if necessary. Blood tests, including inflammatory markers, may also provide insight into whether there is an underlying infection or other issues.

In summary, while your initial tests did not show significant abnormalities, the persistence of pain and associated symptoms suggest that further investigation is warranted. Conditions such as PID, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or gastrointestinal issues could all be potential contributors to your left lower abdominal pain. Seeking specialized care will help clarify the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment options.

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