Abdominal Pain After Menstruation: Causes and Concerns

Q: Abdominal Pain After Menstruation: Causes and Concerns

Hello： You are experiencing physical discomfort, and it is recommended that you see a gynecologist to check for possible conditions such as unintended pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, infection, or tumors. <br>Your physician will discuss your potential issues with you based on the e

Menstruation is almost over, but there is still significant abdominal pain?

The patient is inquiring about a situation that occurred on October 7, when she had unprotected sexual intercourse with her boyfriend for the first time, during which he ejaculated outside.
She is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, especially since her period was already a week late.
However, her menstrual cycle started on October 22.
Prior to that, on October 21, there was another instance of unprotected intercourse, but he did not ejaculate.
Recently, as her period is coming to an end, she has been experiencing dull abdominal pain that causes her to break out in a cold sweat.
The pain lasts for 1 to 2 hours but then returns.
The menstrual blood is dark red, and she also feels some soreness in her lower back.
She is unsure about the cause of these symptoms and wonders if she is pregnant.
In the past, she has experienced some pain towards the end of her menstrual cycle, but it usually subsides afterward.
However, this time the abdominal pain has been persistent for two days, and she also experiences pain when she is about to use the restroom.
She is concerned that this might be due to poor hygiene in the genital area.

KK, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/10/27

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: You are experiencing physical discomfort, and it is recommended that you see a gynecologist to check for possible conditions such as unintended pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, infection, or tumors.
Your physician will discuss your potential issues with you based on the examination results and provide appropriate management.
Thank you~

Reply Date: 2012/10/27

More Info

Understanding abdominal pain after menstruation can be quite complex, as it can arise from various physiological and psychological factors. Given your recent experiences, let's break down the potential causes of your symptoms and address your concerns.

Firstly, the timing of your abdominal pain in relation to your menstrual cycle is significant. It’s not uncommon for women to experience discomfort or pain during or after menstruation due to hormonal changes. The pain you describe as "dull" and accompanied by cold sweats could be related to several factors:
1. Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): As your menstrual cycle progresses, the uterus contracts to help shed its lining. These contractions can sometimes lead to significant discomfort, which may be felt in the lower abdomen and can radiate to the lower back, causing a sensation of dull pain or pressure.

2. Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): If your menstrual cycle is irregular or if you are experiencing ovulation pain, this could also explain the discomfort. Ovulation typically occurs about two weeks before your next period, but some women feel pain during this time, which can sometimes be mistaken for menstrual cramps.

3. Hormonal Fluctuations: The hormonal changes that occur during your menstrual cycle can also lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating and discomfort, which may be perceived as abdominal pain.

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, there is a slight risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) leading to PID, which can cause abdominal pain. Symptoms may include fever, unusual discharge, and pain during intercourse or urination.

5. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The pain you experience when using the restroom could indicate a UTI, especially if accompanied by a burning sensation or frequent urges to urinate. UTIs can cause lower abdominal pain and discomfort.

6. Pregnancy Concerns: Although you mentioned that your period arrived, it’s understandable to still have concerns about pregnancy, especially after unprotected intercourse. The fact that you had a menstrual period is a good indicator that you are likely not pregnant, but if you have ongoing concerns, a pregnancy test can provide peace of mind.

7. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can exacerbate physical symptoms, including abdominal pain. If you are feeling anxious about your sexual health or potential pregnancy, this could manifest as physical discomfort.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for two days and are causing significant discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies or lab tests, to rule out any serious conditions such as PID, ovarian cysts, or other underlying issues.

In the meantime, consider keeping a symptom diary to track when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any associated symptoms. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare provider in determining the cause of your discomfort.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to normal menstrual processes, it’s important to remain vigilant and seek medical advice if the pain worsens or if you experience additional concerning symptoms. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and a healthcare provider can help you navigate these concerns effectively.

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