Severe Abdominal Pain After Menstruation: When to Seek Help?

Q: Severe Abdominal Pain After Menstruation: When to Seek Help?

Hello： 1. If you're in so much pain that you can't catch your breath, you should see a doctor immediately. 2. Based on your situation, it could possibly be pelvic inflammatory disease, but there could also be other issues. 3. Changing to a different obstetrici

Abdominal pain so severe that it causes difficulty breathing!

On October 28th (the first day of my period), I had intercourse with my boyfriend and experienced lower abdominal pain.
After that, I continued to bleed for several days (my normal menstrual period lasts about six to seven days).
By November 8th (still bleeding), I visited a gynecologist who diagnosed me with pelvic and vaginal inflammation, and prescribed medication and vaginal suppositories.
Three days later, during a follow-up visit, I informed the doctor that I was experiencing discomfort in my lower right abdomen, which was painful when walking or turning over in bed.
The doctor mentioned ovarian inflammation.
After taking the medication and resting at home, my condition improved slightly.
However, I later experienced vaginal itching and unusual discharge, which the doctor attributed to poor absorption of the vaginal suppository (although I did not exceed the prescribed dosage of one per day).
The doctor had previously stated that my condition would require one to two weeks of treatment.
Throughout this period, I have been diligently resting at home, but problems keep arising! Last night (November 21st), the abdominal pain extended from the right side to the lower and left abdomen, with the left side being particularly painful.
It was most painful when I woke up in the morning, making it difficult to straighten up.
Walking was painful, and I also experienced pain while using the restroom (with diarrhea).
Sometimes, I felt short of breath, and at the same time, there was a pressure sensation near my left scapula.
Even while sitting and typing at the computer, I felt pain if I did not support my back, but there was no bleeding or other symptoms.
Could this be related to my previous issues? Additionally, do you think I should consider changing doctors for treatment? Thank you for your assistance!

miffy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/11/22

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: 1.
If you're in so much pain that you can't catch your breath, you should see a doctor immediately.
2.
Based on your situation, it could possibly be pelvic inflammatory disease, but there could also be other issues.
3.
Changing to a different obstetrician-gynecologist is a good idea; it's best to go to a hospital's obstetrics and gynecology department rather than a small clinic, as doctors in larger hospitals will conduct more comprehensive examinations.

Reply Date: 2001/11/22

More Info

Severe abdominal pain after menstruation can be concerning, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as prolonged bleeding, discomfort in various positions, and changes in bowel habits. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing a series of complications following your menstrual cycle, which have led to significant discomfort and distress.

Firstly, the pain you are experiencing could be attributed to several potential causes. Given that your doctor has diagnosed you with pelvic and vaginal inflammation, as well as ovarian inflammation, these conditions can indeed lead to significant abdominal pain. Inflammation in the pelvic region can cause referred pain, which might explain why you are feeling discomfort in both the right and left lower abdomen. Additionally, conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or even pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) could also contribute to your symptoms, especially if the pain is cyclical or related to your menstrual cycle.

The fact that you are experiencing pain that radiates to your shoulder blade and difficulty breathing could indicate that the pain is severe enough to cause muscle tension or even anxiety, which can exacerbate the sensation of pain. It’s also important to consider that gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive problems, could be contributing to your symptoms, especially since you mentioned experiencing diarrhea.

Regarding your question about whether you should seek further medical help or consider changing doctors, it is essential to trust your instincts about your health. If you feel that your current treatment plan is not adequately addressing your symptoms or if your condition is worsening, it is entirely reasonable to seek a second opinion. A different healthcare provider may offer new insights or alternative treatment options that could be more effective for your situation.

In terms of when to seek immediate medical attention, you should consider going to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:
1. Severe, worsening abdominal pain that does not improve with rest or medication.

2. Signs of internal bleeding, such as significant changes in your menstrual flow, dizziness, or fainting.

3. Symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, or persistent vomiting.

4. Any new or concerning symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain.

In the meantime, it is crucial to continue following your doctor's advice regarding medication and rest. Keeping a symptom diary may also help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns or triggers related to your pain and discomfort. This information can be invaluable in diagnosing the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In summary, while it is possible that your current issues are related to the inflammation diagnosed by your doctor, the persistence and severity of your symptoms warrant further evaluation. Do not hesitate to seek additional medical advice if you feel your condition is not improving or if you have concerns about your treatment. Your health and well-being are paramount, and you deserve to have your symptoms taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

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