Non-Menstrual Lower Abdominal Pain in Women

Non-menstrual lower abdominal pain?

Hello, doctor.
I am currently an adult, and my menstrual cycle is approximately 28 to 33 days.
My last period started around April 30.
I noticed egg white-like clear discharge yesterday and the day before.
This afternoon, I suddenly experienced lower abdominal pain similar to menstrual cramps, located between my navel and bladder, as well as on both sides of the bladder.
The pain feels quite similar to what I experience during my menstrual period.
The last time I had sexual intercourse was during the week of March 14, using a condom, and there was no ejaculation.
My menstrual periods have been normal for the past two months.
One was on April 1, with the bleeding being red to dark red in color and pain similar to usual, lasting for 6 days.
The other was on April 30, where the blood flow was less (usually I need to use a 41 cm pad for 2-3 nights, but this time I only needed it for 1.2 days), and the blood color was bright red, lasting for 5 days.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Does this count as ovulation pain? Isn't it said that the ovulation period is within 3 days before and after ovulation? Does the absence of discharge also indicate the ovulation period? 2.
What could be the reasons for the decreased menstrual flow?

MCEN, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/14

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors that can cause abdominal pain and affect menstrual flow are numerous, including age, environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, weight changes, medications, emergency contraceptive pills, diet, polycystic ovary syndrome, lesions of the uterus or cervix, infections, ovulation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, among others.
It is advisable to consult a gynecologist if symptoms persist or worsen.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2022/05/14

More Info

Understanding non-menstrual lower abdominal pain in women can be quite complex, as there are numerous potential causes that can lead to discomfort in this area. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing pain that resembles menstrual cramps, located between your navel and bladder, as well as on either side of the bladder. This type of pain can indeed be associated with various physiological processes, including ovulation, but it can also stem from other conditions.

1. Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): The pain you are experiencing could very well be ovulation pain, commonly referred to as "mittelschmerz." This typically occurs around the midpoint of your menstrual cycle, which aligns with your cycle length of 28-33 days. Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before the start of your next period, and some women experience a sharp or cramp-like pain on one side of the lower abdomen during this time. The presence of clear, egg-white cervical mucus is also a sign of ovulation, indicating that your body is preparing for a potential pregnancy. While ovulation pain can occur without significant cervical mucus, the presence of such discharge typically suggests that you are indeed in your fertile window.

2. Changes in Menstrual Flow: Regarding your concerns about the decreased menstrual flow you noted during your last period, there are several factors that could contribute to this change. Hormonal fluctuations are a common cause of variations in menstrual flow. Stress, changes in weight, exercise habits, and even dietary changes can impact your hormonal balance, leading to lighter periods. Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or uterine fibroids can also affect menstrual bleeding patterns. It is important to note that while lighter periods can be normal for some women, any significant changes in your menstrual cycle should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

3. Other Potential Causes of Abdominal Pain: While ovulation pain is a likely explanation for your symptoms, other conditions could also be responsible for the discomfort you are experiencing. These include:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can cause pain and discomfort.

- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to pain, especially during menstruation.

- Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries that can cause pain if they rupture or become large.

- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These can cause pain in the lower abdomen, especially if the bladder is involved.

4. When to Seek Medical Attention: If the pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, unusual discharge, or significant changes in your menstrual cycle, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

In summary, while your symptoms may suggest ovulation pain, it is essential to consider other potential causes, especially if you notice significant changes in your menstrual cycle or if the pain is severe. Keeping track of your symptoms and discussing them with a healthcare provider will help ensure that any underlying issues are addressed appropriately.

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