Abdominal Discomfort: Is it Due to Gynaecological Problems?

Gynecological causes of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is an unpleasant sensation or discomfort in the abdomen. Almost everyone experiences this problem at some point in their lives. Abdominal pain is a common problem both in men and women of all ages. In the majority of cases of abdominal pain, one should not worry much. But, if you are a woman with persistent abdominal pain, you should pay attention to it. The reason: abdominal pain can be an indication of a serious underlying health condition in women that necessitates medical treatment. Therefore, if you are a woman, then you should never consider your abdominal pain as less serious.

Symptoms

Some women experience mild to moderate abdominal pain; others may have severe pain that hinders their routine day-to-day activities. In general, abdominal pain and discomfort can differ from woman to woman.

A wide range of factors can cause abdominal pain in women. They include

• Indigestion
• Acidity
• Stomach infections
• Gallbladder stones
• Heart-related issues
• Heartburn
• Constipation

How does a lower abdominal pain feel?

In women, lower abdominal pain can sometimes feel like heaviness, tightness, or pressure. The pain can sometimes intensify after a long haul of sitting or standing; while urinating, intercourse, or bowel movements.

Gynecological causes of abdominal pain

Acute Pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts are the common gynecological problems that are associated with abdominal pain in women.

Some of the common gynecological problems that cause abdominal pain include:

Pre-Menstrual syndrome

Some women experience pain before menstruation and also after a few days of going through it. The pain is usually in the lower abdominal or pelvic region. Pelvic pain is associated with cramps. This condition is referred to as premenstrual syndrome. The severity of this condition may vary from month to month. Sometimes the pain and cramping are so severe that it restricts a woman from doing their routine activities. This particular state of the condition is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Some women may also experience headaches, joint pains, insomnia, stress, bloating, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability with PMS and PMDD. All the symptoms associated with PMS go away after menstruation begins, but, sometimes, the symptoms may persist and hinder daily activities.

Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts may vary in size and also remain asymptomatic in most cases. For the cysts that are not associated with symptoms, doctors often prefer to wait and watch approach to see whether the cysts are growing in size. If you have an ovarian cyst then you may experience dull or intense abdominal discomfort; lower back pain; heaviness in the lower abdomen, bloating, and fullness. Sometimes the lower abdominal pain may radiate to the thighs. An enlarged ovarian cyst can twist or turn and may burst causing sudden and severe abdominal pain with vomiting and fever. A woman may experience abdominal pain on the side of the lower abdomen that has an ovarian cyst.

Uterine Fibroids

A majority of women during their reproductive period develop benign uterine growths. These are known as uterine fibroids. Symptoms of uterine fibroids may vary depending on the size and location of their growth. Some women may not have any signs and symptoms. However, large uterine fibroids can cause lower abdominal pain, pressure, and heaviness. The other symptoms associated with uterine fibroids may include urinary issues, constipation, back pain, leg pain, bleeding during sex, and heavy menstrual bleeding. In some cases, uterine fibroids can cause excruciating stomach pain.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An inflammation of the pelvic organs such as the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes is known as a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) A sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea can affect the female reproductive organs individually or together at the same time resulting in severe lower abdominal and back pain. The other symptoms associated with this condition may include nausea, vomiting, fever, abnormal uterine bleeding, pain, discomfort, or bleeding during intimacy and painful or difficult urination.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause moderate to severe abdominal pain which can become intense during periods. Abdominal pain associated with this condition can occur during urination, sexual intercourse, or bowel movements. Abdominal cramps or pain is mostly felt in the lower pelvic region, but it can sometimes spread to the upper abdomen as well. Bloating, heavy menstrual bleeding, and headaches are the other symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Ovarian Cancer

Lower abdominal pain and pressure in women can also be due to a serious health issue such as ovarian cancer. Many women often pay less attention to their abdominal discomfort, constipation, and bloating considering them as less serious abdominal issues. Persistent pressure and heaviness in your lower abdomen that does not go away can signal a warning sign of ovarian cancer. The other symptoms may include a rapid feeling of fullness after eating; and a strong or frequent urge to pass urine. Constipation, bloating, and loss of weight are the other potential signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

What should you do if you have stomach pain or abdominal discomfort?

If you are a woman and you have abdominal pain or discomfort, then you should not sit and relax. Try to evaluate the type of pain you have; the duration and severity of your abdominal pain and the location of pain. Your abdominal pain could be due to any of the above-mentioned gynecological problems.

If you think that your pain could be due to a gynecological cause, then you must report your condition to your gynecologist. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and recommend an abdominal ultrasound to accurately diagnose the potential gynecological disorder.

Bottom Line

Stomach discomfort and lower abdominal pain should not be a concern for many women because a specialist doctor can diagnose the cause and treat the condition accordingly. However, persistent lower abdominal pain associated with other symptoms should never be overlooked. It could mean something that needs attention. One should see their gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.