Gastroenteritis: Often paired with diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
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Gastroenteritis | Stomach Flu | MedlinePlus
Mentions vomiting and diarrhea as main symptoms of gastroenteritis.
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Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. The main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. It is usually not serious in healthy people, but it can sometimes lead to dehydration or cause severe symptoms. ... The symptoms of gastroenteritis include: - Diarrhea - Pain or cramping in your abdomen (belly) - Nausea - Vomiting - Sometimes fever ... - Change in mental state, such as irritability or lack of energy - Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days - High fever - Vomiting often - Six or more loose stools in a day - Severe pain in the abdomen (belly) or rectum - Stools that are black and tarry or contain blood or pus - Symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, headache, dark-colored urine, and urinating less than normal ... People with more severe symptoms may need medicines to control nausea or vomiting. Providers may also give other medicines for certain types of gastroenteritis, such as ... for some bacterial types and antiparasitic medicines for some parasitic types.
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Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Lists nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.
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Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. ... Although it's commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn't the same as influenza. The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as: - Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection - Nausea, vomiting or both - Stomach cramps and pain - Occasional muscle aches or headache - Low-grade fever ... - You're not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours - You've been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than two days - You're vomiting blood - You're dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness - You notice blood in your bowel movements - You have severe stomach pain - You have a fever above 104 F (40 C)
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Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”) - NIDDK
States that viral gastroenteritis typically causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of your intestines that typically causes watery diarrhea, pain or cramping in your abdomen, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. People commonly call viral gastroenteritis “stomach flu,” but the term is not medically correct. Flu viruses do not cause viral gastroenteritis. ... The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include watery diarrhea, pain or cramping in your abdomen, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis spreads through contact with small particles of an infected person’s stool or vomit.
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Gastroenteritis: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Describes gastroenteritis as causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Gastroenteritis is inflammation that spreads from your stomach into your intestines, causing pain, vomiting and diarrhea. When it feels like it’s “coming out both ends,” you’ve usually ingested a virus, bacteria or chemical by mistake. Most of the time, it goes away by itself. ... Gastroenteritis means inflammation in your stomach and intestine. Inflammation makes these organs feel swollen and sore. It causes symptoms of illness, like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. ... Gastroenteritis affects your stomach and intestines, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. ... Symptoms involving your intestines (diarrhea, cramps), together with symptoms involving your stomach (nausea, vomiting) are the hallmarks of gastroenteritis. You’ll know it if it’s “coming out both ends.” ... - Diarrhea. - Nausea and vomiting. - Loss of appetite. - Abdominal pain and cramping. - Fever. - Chills. - Fatigue. - Body aches. ... Gastroenteritis symptoms often come on suddenly. Gastrointestinal symptoms appear first. You might have diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea and/or vomiting many times in a short period. ... Gastritis causes stomach symptoms, like stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Inflammation in your intestines affects your poop, causing diarrhea. ... It can be alarming to have sudden and frequent symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. It can ... like something is really wrong. But those symptoms mean that your body is already taking care of it.
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Nausea Menstrual: Causes And When To Seek Care - Acibadem Hospitals Group
Focuses on nausea related to menstruation, not gastroenteritis.
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Nausea around menstruation is often caused by prostaglandins, hormone fluctuations, and period pain. Common associated symptoms include cramps, bloating, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, and dizziness. ... Nausea menstrual symptoms usually mean nausea that appears just before or during a period. In many cases, this happens because the body releases hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which help the uterus contract and shed its lining. These same substances can also affect the digestive tract, leading to nausea, loose stools, and abdominal discomfort. ... Menstrual nausea can feel like a queasy stomach, loss of appetite, a sensation of needing to vomit, or actual vomiting. Some people notice it begins a day or two before bleeding starts, while others feel it most strongly on the first days of the period, when cramps are often at their worst. ... - Lower abdominal or pelvic cramping - Bloating and abdominal pressure - Headache or migraine - Diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements - Fatigue and low energy - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Back pain - Breast tenderness ... The most common cause of nausea around a period is primary dysmenorrhea, which means painful menstrual cramping without another underlying pelvic disease. In this setting, prostaglandins can trigger both stronger uterine contractions and digestive upset. People who have more intense cramps often report more nausea as well. ... At times, nausea during menstruation is linked to an underlying medical condition. These may include uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic ... conditions, ovarian cysts, or secondary dysmenorrhea caused by disorders ... the reproductive organs. Migraine, especially menstrual migraine, can also cause ... tied to the ... endometriosis or migraine, stress, poor ... , and being ... the teenage years or ... more intense. ... as a stomach illness, ... side effect, or ... Digestive conditions can also overlap with the menstrual cycle. Irritable bowel symptoms, acid reflux, viral gastroenteritis, food intolerance, or gastritis may flare at the same time as a period and create the impression that menstruation is the cause. The key difference is that these problems may not follow a consistent monthly pattern. Other clues that suggest a different cause include fever, ongoing vomiting between periods, blood in vomit or stool, severe one-sided pelvic pain, or nausea that starts after beginning a new medicine. If symptoms are not clearly cyclical or are rapidly worsening, a doctor may need to rule out a non-menstrual cause before focusing on period-related treatment. ... If nausea leads to poor fluid ... or repeated vomiting, ... . Dehydration can make dizziness, weakness, and headaches worse, and it may be a sign that home measures are not enough. ... Medical care is appropriate if menstrual nausea is new, severe, or persistent, or if it disrupts normal daily activities. It is also wise to seek assessment when nausea occurs with heavy bleeding, worsening pelvic pain, fainting, or vomiting that prevents drinking enough fluids. Urgent evaluation may be needed for signs that suggest a more serious problem or a cause unrelated to usual menstruation. These warning signs include a missed period with nausea, possible pregnancy, fever, severe one-sided pelvic pain, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, or blood in vomit or stool. ... It can be a common menstrual symptom, especially when it appears with cramps, bloating, or diarrhea. However, severe, repeated, or worsening nausea should be discussed with a doctor to rule out an underlying condition. ... Period cramps are often linked to prostaglandins, chemicals that help the uterus contract. These chemicals can also affect the stomach and intestines, which may lead to nausea, loose stools, or abdominal discomfort. ... It is more concerning when it causes repeated vomiting, dehydration, fainting, severe pain, or major disruption to daily activities. It also needs attention if it is new, does not follow a monthly pattern, or occurs with fever or heavy bleeding.
Less commonly, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammation.
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Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Women With Endometriosis and Microscopic Colitis in Comparison to Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study - PMC
Source 1 discusses IBS and inflammation in the context of endometriosis, suggesting a connection but not directly addressing their commonality.
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Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often present in women with endometriosis and microscopic colitis (MC). The objective of this study was to estimate ... symptoms in IBS, endometriosis, and MC, to compare the clinical expression of the diseases. ... MC, but at equal ... Endometriosis is a benign, gynecological disease with chronic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea as the main symptoms.4 Women with endometriosis commonly experience symptoms similar to those of IBS, and they have been found to have 3.5 times higher risk to be diagnosed with IBS than controls.4 The pathogenesis of the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms has not yet been clarified, but suggestions include endometrial lesions in the bowel wall releasing prostaglandins altering bowel function.4,5 A co-morbidity between endometriosis and IBS may exist since both diseases are common in the population.4,6 Microscopic colitis (MC) presents itself with chronic non-bloody diarrhea as the main symptom. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, fecal urgency, and weight loss. Women are affected more often than men, predominantly during middle-age.7 Symptomatic overlap between MC and IBS, especially diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), has been described in several studies,8 and a recently published meta-analysis concluded that one-third of patients with MC experience symptoms consistent with IBS.9 ... -like symptoms ... in combination with endometriosis ... In endometriosis, there is an inflammatory activity with systemic effects,10 whereas the supposed inflammation in IBS and MC is more related to the bowel wall with increased numbers of lymphocytes and mast cells.7,26 Inflammation is one explanation to visceral sensitization, which means an exaggerated pain sensation related to visceral organs,27 and may contribute to the IBS symptoms since it has been described in both IBS and endometriosis.1,3,28 There is close proximity between the visceral organs and their innervation, through the convergence of afferent pathways at the level of the spinal cord and at higher brain centers.27 This convergence contributes to the co-existence of pain states affecting more than 1 organ, the so-called cross-reactivity.29 Low pain thresholds in endometriosis patients during rectal balloon distention test due to central sensitization,28 suggest that visceral hypersensitivity and cross-reactivity may explain the GI symptoms in this entity.29 Further research regarding underlying mechanisms and how to manage and treat GI symptoms among women with IBS, endometriosis, and MC is warranted. This study has several limitations. Many declined to participate, but the frequency of inclusion is comparable with other studies. Only women were included, leading to difficulties to extrapolate the results to men. The phase of the menstrual cycle at the time of symptom registration was not recorded. However, the vast majority of MC patients were in menopause, and about half of the patients in the endometriosis group were on current hormonal treatment.14 Still, symptoms in both endometriosis and IBS may be influenced by the menstrual phase. Furthermore, the statistical calculations were not adjusted for current drug treatment, which could affect GI symptoms. We have previously described that about 15-20% of these 3 patient groups are treated with anti-depressant drugs.14,18 Due to the lack of this information in the current IBS patients, we could not adjust for medication, more than that all patients with known opioid treatments were withdrawn. Since the frequency and regimes of current treatments were equal between groups,14,18 the influence should be similar and not affect differences between groups. In the future, questionnaires of GI symptoms should be completed before the start of any treatment, to better describe the native states of diseases. ... Women with IBS generally experience aggravated GI symptoms and impaired psychological well-being compared to women with endometriosis or MC. Women with endometriosis or MC and IBS/IBS-like symptoms have similar symptoms as women with pure IBS. These findings underline that careful examination of women with GI symptoms is necessary, to exclude endometriosis and MC before a final diagnosis of IBS is set.
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Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome: similarities and differences in the spectrum of comorbidities | Human Reproduction | Oxford Academic
Source 2 mentions IBS and inflammation in the context of endometriosis, supporting the connection but not the rarity.
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Both women with endometriosis and IBS suffered from more conditions compared to the control group, with 226 and 428 diagnosis codes statistically significantly more frequent in women with respective diagnosis compared to controls. Women suffering from both conditions had 275 significantly associated comorbidities. A remarkable proportion of women with IBS or endometriosis suffered also from endometriosis (9.0%) or IBS (13.6%), respectively. In endometriosis, the most prevalent diagnoses were related to diseases of the genitourinary system (33 N-category codes) and in women with IBS, the most associated diagnoses were related to digestive disorders and gastrointestinal tract (52 codes from K-category). Among the most significant diagnoses in endometriosis were uterine leiomyomas (D25), menstrual disorders (N92) and infertility (N97) (P < 1 × 10 −315 for all), and in IBS, lactose intolerance (E73), gastritis and duodenitis (K29) and functional dyspepsia (K30) were in the top list of most significant comorbidities (P < 1 × 10 −315 for all). ... As expected, the most significant diagnoses in endometriosis were related to infertility, reproductive organs and gynecological disorders (Table II). Also, diagnoses reflecting known symptoms of endometriosis, such as menstrual disorders, pelvic pain and infertility were in the top list of endometriosis comorbidities. The first diagnosis unrelated to endometriosis symptoms or gynecological conditions was iron deficiency anemia (ICD-10 code D50), with a prevalence among women with and without endometriosis 35.9% and 23.2% (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.8–1.9), respectively. Diseases of the genitourinary system (33 codes belonging to N-category) were most prevalent, followed by diseases of the musculoskeletal system (30 codes from M-category). Twenty-one codes were related to factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z-category). Sixteen O-category codes, relating to pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium were statistically significant (Supplementary Fig. S2), including ectopic pregnancy (O00, OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.8–2.1), spontaneous abortions (O03, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.6–1.8) and preterm labor and delivery (O60, OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6–1.9). Multiple gestation (O30) and multiple delivery (O84) were also significantly more common among women with endometriosis compared to controls (2.4% vs 1.0% and 1.7% vs 0.6%, respectively), most ... | N92 | Excessive, frequent and irregular menstruation | 3083 (51.6) | 13 463 (23.6) | <1 × 10 −315 | 3.6 (3.5–3.6) | ... | N94 | Pain and other conditions associated with female genital organs and menstrual cycle | 1348 (22.6) | 7103 (12.4) | 8.9 × 10 −137 | 2.4 (2.3–2.4) | ... | N76 | Other inflammation of vagina and vulva | 3135 (52.5) | 21 008 (36.8) | 2.7 × 10 −124 | 1.9 (1.9–2.0) | ... In women with IBS, the most significantly associated diagnoses were related to digestive disorders and the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, and gastritis and duodenitis (Table III). The difference in the prevalence of lactose intolerance (E73) was almost 7-fold among women with and without IBS diagnosis (11.3% and 1.6%, respectively, OR 8.5, 95% CI 8.4–8.6). Furthermore, diagnoses related to mental health, such as somatoform disorders (F45), anxiety disorders (F41) and depression episode (F32) were among the comorbidities most significantly associated with IBS. When viewing the IBS comorbidities’ codes by categories, the most represented categories were diseases of the digestive system (52 K-category codes) and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (48 M-category codes). The next enriched comorbidity categories among women with IBS were related to symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings (41 R-category codes) and diseases of the genitourinary system (35 N-category codes). Two digestive tract malignant neoplasms were more prevalent in women with IBS compared to controls [malignant neoplasm of colon (C18, OR 2.3, 95% CI 2.1–2.5) and malignant neoplasm of rectum (C20, OR 2.3, 95% CI 2.0–2.7)], but the frequencies of both conditions were rather low (1.4% and 0.5% among women with IBS and 0.5% and 0.2% among controls, respectively). However, of the category D codes D00-D48, 18 were represented as comorbidities of IBS (e.g. D12 Benign neoplasm of colon, rectum, anus and anal canal, OR 4.3, 95% CI 4.2–4.4). ... Among study cohort women, 996 individuals had both diagnoses. In this group, 10 out of 20 top-list comorbidities were diseases of the genitourinary system, but the first two most significantly associated diagnosis (leiomyoma of uterus and lactose intolerance) overlapped with the top comorbidities of endometriosis and IBS, respectively (Table IV). However, the most represented categories in the entire list of comorbidities in this group of women were diseases of the digestive system (36 K-category codes), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M-category) and diseases of the genitourinary system (N-category), both with 32 codes. The risk of several comorbid diagnoses was higher in this group of women compared to women having only one index diagnosis, with the most remarkably increased risk for abdominal and pelvic pain (R10): from OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.7–1.8) and OR 3.1 (95% CI 3.1–3.2) in endometriosis and IBS, respectively to OR 5.6 (95% CI 5.5–5.8) in women with both diagnoses. ... specific to endometriosis, while 156 codes were related only to IBS, and eight codes were specific to women having both diagnoses. Seven out of these eight codes had a frequency <2% in both controls and cases, and only excessive vomiting in pregnancy (O21) reached 5% among cases (2.6% in controls, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1–2.7). Of the 30 ... We confirmed a higher incidence of IBS in women with endometriosis compared to controls and found a higher prevalence of endometriosis in individuals with IBS compared to those without the disease. The higher risk of IBS in endometriosis has been reported previously (Seaman et al., 2008; Ek et al., 2018; Schomacker et al., 2018), but only one study has described a significantly higher incidence of endometriosis in the IBS population (Moore et al., 2017). The reported prevalence of endometriosis in women with and without IBS was remarkably higher (37% in IBS vs 15% without IBS) than what we found (9.0% in IBS vs 5.9% without IBS), explainable by the differences in the study cohorts. Most of female patients enrolled to the study by Moore et al. (2017) suffered from pelvic pain and bowel symptoms affected by menstruation, and therefore, a higher than usual incidence of endometriosis was likely in this group (Moore et al., 2017). Endometriosis impairs the life quality and work productivity of many affected women (Nnoaham et al., 2019), with pelvic pain mainly driving the productivity loss. Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis that is probably closely related to central sensitization (Zheng et al., 2019). Abdominal and pelvic pain were among the most frequent comorbidities in both our endometriosis and IBS groups; however, women suffering from both diagnoses had the most abdominal pain: 74.9% vs 60.7% and 47.9% in IBS and endometriosis, respectively. In addition, pain associated with genital organs and menstrual cycle was almost twice as common in endometriosis as in controls (22.6% vs 12.4%). GnRH agonists (GnRHa) are suggested as one of the options to reduce endometriosis-associated pain if combined hormonal contraceptives or progestogens have been ineffective (members of the Endometriosis Guideline Core Group et al., 2022). GnRHa treatment has also been shown to significantly improve the bowel symptoms in IBS (Mathias et al., 1994; Palomba et al., 2005). However, GnRHa treatment may also exacerbate endometriosis patients’ gastrointestinal symptoms, e.g. abdominal pain (Ek et al., 2015).
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The female reproductive tract microbiotas, inflammation, and gynecological conditions - PMC
Source 3 focuses on inflammation in the reproductive tract but does not specifically address IBS or its commonality.
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Longitudinal studies have found the vaginal microbiota to be relatively stable, with transient changes in composition tending to coincide with altered physiology (e.g., menstruation) or behavior (e.g., sexual activity, douching) (28, 49–51). In general, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle do not appear to dramatically change the vaginal microbiota, however hormones are certainly involved in its modification. The major hormonal shifts occurring at puberty significantly change the vaginal microbiota from mainly anaerobic bacteria to one dominated by lactobacilli (52). Conversely, at menopause the vaginal microbiota reverts to mainly anaerobic bacteria (53, 54). Unsurprisingly, estrogen is believed to be the main hormone responsible for these shifts, and a positive correlation between estradiol and lactobacilli concentration can be seen in post-menopausal women receiving estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (53–55). Furthermore, the rise in hormones including estrogen during pregnancy stabilizes the vaginal microbiota; typically, the vaginal microbiota of a healthy pregnancy is Lactobacillus dominant (56, 57). The vaginal microbiota of pregnancy, and the correlation between dysbiosis and adverse reproductive outcomes has been reviewed elsewhere (58, 59). In addition to physiology affecting composition of the vaginal microbiota, sexual intercourse, use of antimicrobial agents, contraceptives, lubricants, vaginal douching, and other behaviors can also influence its composition [reviewed in (42)]. Indeed, it appears as though the microbiota fluctuates when exposed to a change in its milieu; one that enhances or diminishes the competitive advantage of certain vaginal microbes over others. For instance, both antibiotics and sexual intercourse modify host physiology or the vaginal microenvironment and are associated with a loss of vaginal lactobacilli (60). Similarly, menstrual blood at menses provides a change in substrate for microorganisms, and alters vaginal pH (61), consequently changing the microbiota composition [reviewed in (42)]. A recent study demonstrated that the vaginal (and uterine) microbiota changes with age. In the uterine cavity, bacterial alpha diversity (diversity within an individual's microbiota) decreases slightly with age, whereas the opposite effect (i.e., an increase in diversity) is observed in the vagina. In both locations, age and microbial diversity are correlated. The authors hypothesize that this phenomenon is a result of location: the vagina is not a closed environment, which increases its susceptibility to changing microbial composition, whereas the uterine cavity is “closed” which may confer greater stability of the microbiota in that location (62). ... In optimal and non-optimal conditions alike, cytokines regulate the vaginal microbiota (161). When any pathogen or “foreign invader” reaches the vaginal mucosa, the mucus, epithelial cells, and underlying immune cells offer the first line of resistance poised to counter the threat. However, vaginal dysbiosis can elicit an immune response (162), induce inflammation, and compromise this first line of defense (163). Genital inflammation also ensues as the host fights the pathogen or STI (164). Antigen presenting cells, CD4+ T cells, and epithelial cells mediate FRT inflammation (165). Having an intermediate vaginal microbiota, defined as a Nugent score between 4 and 6, or BV (Nugent score ≥ 7) is associated with an increased rate of incident Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis or human papilloma virus (HPV) infection (164). The main mechanism by which this occurs is that BV induces chronic inflammation, which consequently disrupts the epithelial barrier (164), granting the infections easier access to underlying tissues and cells. When microbes activate PRRs expressed on epithelial cells lining the FRT (specifically the squamous epithelial cells that comprise the vaginal lining and columnar cells of the upper FRT), they initiate a signaling cascade of cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 are secreted by the epithelial cells lining the vaginal tract, which recruit or activate cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, including but not limited to macrophages and cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells, respectively (17). ... in cervicovaginal samples are inconsistent, however most studies report that cervicovaginal secretory leukocyte protein inhibitor (SLPI), an antimicrobial peptide, is decreased while IL-1β is increased [reviewed in (92)]. IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-6 differentially regulate biofilm growth and production by vaginal microbiota. Specifically, IL-1β and IL-8 promote S. aureus and E. coli to grow and produce biofilms (161). The presence of Dialister micraerophilus, Eggerthella type 1, and Mycoplasma hominis in vaginal swabs is associated with elevated vaginal TNF-α levels. Detection of the aforementioned bacterial species with the addition of Parvimonas type 2 is associated with elevated vaginal IL-1β concentrations (167). IL-1β can direct the activation of naïve cord blood CD4+ T cells to a pro-inflammatory phenotype, which induces secretion of other proinflammatory cytokines in vitro (168). Women with a high diversity cervicovaginal microbial community such as CST-IV, and an associated elevation in genital inflammation, have high numbers of HIV-infectable CD4+ T cells in the cervix (169). Anahtar et al. demonstrated this relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and high bacterial diversity (i.e., low Lactobacillus concentrations) of the cervicovaginal microbiota in asymptomatic HIV-negative women from South Africa. Compared to CST-III women, CST-IV women are four times as likely to have high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the genital tract. A CST-IV microbiota is a stronger predictor of inflammation than having an STI or BV (169). CST-IV and herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 infection enhance HIV susceptibility (170). Furthermore, IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-1α are elicited at higher levels by Prevotella amnii, Mobiluncus mulieris, Sneatha sanguinegens and S. amnii compared to L. crispatus (169). Increased mucin 5B and 5AC, increased proteolytic activity, and elevated proinflammatory cytokines are associated with increasing bacterial diversity of cervicovaginal samples (171). High diversity community state types and the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia are associated with cervicovaginal inflammatory cytokines (170). Campisciano et al. were the first to characterize the clinical impact of cytokine modulation of vaginal dysbiosis. A distinct pattern of inflammatory mediators—IL-1β, IL-8, MIG, MIP1-α, and RANTES—distinguished the severity of vaginal dysbiosis (162). To further illustrate the link between polymicrobial bacterial communities and inflammation in the lower FRT, treatment of BV with the antibiotic metronidazole in HIV-infected women decreases IL-1β, IL-8 and RANTES in cervical samples (172). Elevated IL-5 and IL-13, two Th-2 secreted cytokines, are associated with depleted Lactobacillus spp., G. vaginalis, and Ureaplasma spp. (162). Th-2 cells are a subset of CD4+ T-cells; Th-2 cytokines create an anti-inflammatory response, which balances the complementary Th-1 mediated proinflammatory response (173). The results of the Campisciano et al. study suggest that Th-2 activation may have a role in restoring eubiosis in the vagina, and the authors suggest IL-5 and IL-13 could be explored as indirect markers of vaginal dysbiosis (162). A recent study established a temporal relationship between dysbiosis and cervical immunity (156). By studying a longitudinal cohort of HIV-negative women (22% of which acquired HIV during the study), the authors were able to report patterns of cervical immunity that preceded and predicted vaginal dysbiosis [which they defined as candidiasis, BV, or an intermediate Nugent score (4–6)]. This
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Urogynecologic Symptoms Are Not Specific to Anatomic Region of Digestive Symptoms
Source 4 mentions IBS and inflammation but does not provide information on their prevalence.
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Background/Aims: Many patients with digestive symptoms describe underlying urinary or gynecologic symptoms, which may increase visceral sensitivity in the abdominopelvic region and amplify distress around digestive symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of urinary and gynecologic symptoms in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Methods: Consecutive adult patients with a female reproductive tract who were referred for GI behavioral medicine evaluation for DGBI at a tertiary care center between 2022 and 2023 were prospectively evaluated for symptoms associated with urinary and gynecologic dysfunction. Descriptive statistics were conducted to assess the prevalence of these symptoms within this population by anatomic region affected (esophagus, stomach, and bowel). Results: A total of 432 patients were included in our cohort with a mean (SD) age of 40.0 years [Q1;Q3 29.0-52.0], with a predominantly White population (86.1%). Dysmenorrhea (61.0%) and menorrhagia (58.6%) were commonly reported among women with digestive symptoms. Urinary symptoms were less common, with 18.7% reporting pain with urination, 33.0% reporting difficulty voiding urine, and 26.1% reporting a history of frequent UTIs. 23% of women experienced ≥ 4 urinary/gynecologic symptoms. There were no significant differences in the type of urogynecologic symptoms reported based on the affected area of the GI tract. Conclusion: Urogynecologic symptoms are common among patients with DGBIs affecting the entirety of the GI tract. We presume the presence of these comorbid symptoms is likely to impact symptom severity, quality of life, and could affect treatment response. Future studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms behind these shared conditions as well as develop effective treatments that address their overlap. ... There is some evidence on the overlap between urogynecologic conditions, such as endometriosis and interstitial cystitis (IC), with GI symptoms. While theories regarding pelvic organ cross-sensitization have been proposed, no definitive pathophysiologic mechanisms have been elucidated to explain the burden of symptoms experienced by patients with these comorbid conditions [2] . Data from a nationwide study demonstrated that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are at increased risk of developing IC compared to those without 4.4 | Symptom Comparison by Pre- and This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. IBS, suggesting the possibility of a shared pathophysiology for these two conditions [3] . The presence of bladder and bowel dysfunction in childhood may be predictive of developing IC and IBS in adulthood [4] . Similarly, over 50% of patients with surgically confirmed endometriosis met criteria for IBS [5] . Lastly, despite just 10%-15% of the general population being affected by endometriosis, 36% of women who met criteria for IBS in one study had endometriosis [6] . While IBS symptoms alone lead to worsened quality of life, distress severity, and treatment refractoriness may be exacerbated by concurrent urogynecologic symptoms, necessitating further investigation on this topic [7] . ... Gynecologic symptoms were commonly reported, with 60% of patients endorsing a history of dysmenorrhea, 56.7% endorsing a history of menorrhagia, and 38.6% endorsing a history of dyspareunia. Urinary symptoms were less commonly reported. However, 16.2% report pain with urination (dysuria), 26.9% endorse a history of difficulty voiding urine, and 24.7% endorse a history of frequent UTIs (Tables 3 4 5 ). Overall, nearly 20% of patients endorse four or more urogynecologic symptoms. ... This study importantly demonstrates that over half of the women referred for GI behavioral medicine evaluation experience gynecologic symptoms, such as dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. Over a fifth of women with digestive symptoms additionally report urinary symptoms like frequent UTIs and difficulty voiding urine. Notably, there was no difference in the prevalence of urogynecologic symptoms based on the area of the GI tract affected; those with esophageal symptoms were just as likely as those with stomach or bowel symptoms to report urogynecologic symptoms. Postmenopause was associated with being more likely to report difficulty emptying the bladder and frequent UTIs. The consistency between our findings and existing literature underscores the need for more studies on the underlying relationship between the GI, urinary, and reproductive tracts to shorten time to diagnosis and improve clinical outcomes. ... Similarly, studies have shown that almost half of patients with IBS also experience IC [3] . This is consistent with our study, which found 40% of patients with digestive symptoms also experience urologic symptoms (Table 5 ). Urinary symptoms were overall less prevalent in our GI patients than gynecologic symptoms, which may relate to the greater proximity of the bowel to the reproductive organs in comparison to the urinary system and overall higher prevalence of gynecologic conditions. Much of the literature on IBS and IC refers back to their shared profile as functional pain conditions [13] , with no identifiable pathology to explain the level of distress experienced by the patient. ... While the mechanisms behind the overlap in digestive and urogynecologic symptoms are relatively underexplored, some evidence highlights the roles of inflammation, altered pain sensitivity, and cross-sensitization pathways, damage to the interstitial cells of Cajal, and increased estrogen. Chronic inflammation may lead to increased intestinal permeability and mast cell activation, leading to nociceptive pathway activation [19] . It is also possible that endometriotic tissue activates sensory neural pathways in the bowels, resulting in a decreased pain threshold in the GI tract [20] . Experiencing GI and urogenital symptoms may also be secondary to overlapping sensory neural networks [21] . A systematic review from 2022 suggests that the overlap between IBS and endometriosis symptomatology may stem from female sex hormones like estrogen [22] . Future research should investigate the complex underlying pathophysiology and opportunities for intervention in patients experiencing overlapping abdominopelvic pain. ... Because symptoms were ascertained at initial patient evaluation, it is possible that later symptoms were unreported, leading to an underestimation of symptom prevalence. Similarly, urogynecologic symptoms can fluctuate significantly over the course of the menstrual cycle and the female lifespan (such as in menopause). The stage of the menstrual cycle was not assessed in this study, and therefore, we are not able to draw more specific conclusions on the relationship between the menstrual cycle, digestive symptoms, and hormone levels. Postmenopause was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting urinary symptoms, including difficulty emptying the bladder and frequent UTIs, which is consistent with existing literature [24] . We recommend more rigorous prospective analyses in the future aimed at evaluating these relationships, including how hormone fluctuations may influence the development and exacerbation of digestive symptoms. ... cross-talk as it relates to the abdominopelvic region (as in IBS), ... 418 Esophagus N = 28 Stomach N = 185 Bowel N = 157 p Dysmenorrhea | 255 (61.0%) | 16 (57.1%) | 113 (63.1%) | 87 (58.6%) | 0.554 Menorrhagia | 245 (58.6%) | 14 (50.0%) | 108 (61.0%) | 82 (54.3%) | 0.076 Dyspareunia | 163 (38.9%) | 66 (37.1%) | 66 (37.1%) | 64 (42.4%) | 0.812 Dysuria | 78 (18.7%) | 5 (17.9%) | 36 (20.0%) | 26 (17.1%) | 0.086 Difficulty voiding urine | 138 (33.0%) | 8 (28.6%) | 58 (32.2%) | 51 (33.8%) | 0.824 History of frequent UTIs | 109 (26.1%) | 5 (18.5%) | 53 (29.9%) | 33 (22.6%) | 0.061
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Reproductive and sexual health concerns in gastrointestinal illness: a narrative review - Hacker - Translational Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Source 5 discusses IBS and inflammation in the context of GI disorders but does not address their commonality.
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Background and Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can have a profound and widespread impact on quality of life, including on reproductive and sexual functioning. However, reproductive and sexual concerns are rarely addressed in GI appointments and patients desire more information and guidance related to these important aspects of quality of life. The purpose of this review is to provide a resource for providers seeing GI patients with these issues and to provide suggestions of resources and strategies to address these concerns. ... Key Content and Findings ... biopsychos ... reproductive and sexual ... GI patients have unique ... Research indicates that psychosocial outcomes ... This narrative review of the literature on GI illnesses ... is organized using a developmental timeline and ... lens. The ... ychosocial model illuminates the multifactorial and dynamic nature of ... and how patient experience is shaped by reciprocal interactions of biomedical, psychological, sociocultural, and interpersonal factors ... and address disease ... with intestinal presentations, ... bowel disease ( ... and irritable bowel syndrome ( ... the highest incidence during the reproductive years (8- 11). Other ... .g., ... of the liver and pancreas ... scope (12- 14 ... In women with and without diagnosed GI illnesses, phases of the menstrual cycle are associated with changes in GI functioning (17- 20). Between one third (20) and three quarters (18) of healthy women experience cyclical changes to their GI functioning, with symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea most prominent premenstrually during the luteal phase and during the menses. Research suggests that women with IBS and some with IBD experience similar, though more severe, cyclical fluctuations in GI symptoms (21, 22). Although these patterns are commonly reported by patients, a definitive understanding of the underlying mechanisms is still being established. ... In both retrospective and prospective studies, women with IBS consistently report worse menstrual-cycle related GI symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea, than healthy controls (26). Given that IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction, this distinction may be explained in part by the effects of ovarian hormones on visceral sensitivity and pain perception, key drivers of IBS symptomatology (34). Further supporting this notion is the finding that rectal sensitivity increases during the menses for women with IBS, but does not change for healthy controls (35). Research reviews do not identify any particular pattern with respect to timing of specific symptoms during the cycle. ... Adolescents with IBD are more likely to experience delayed menarche and may continue to experience menstrual irregularities like secondary amenorrhea (46- 49). Two primary explanatory mechanisms have been identified: malnutrition and inflammation. Low body weight and nutritional deficits are common in adolescents with IBD, particularly with active disease, and research has found that disease activity and remission status predict pubertal development, with active disease causing more significant changes to weight and menstrual patterns (50). Furthermore, increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in IBD can interfere with growth hormone signaling, which can explain why delayed puberty may be observed even in the setting of adequate nutrition and weight gain (46, 51, 52). ... The impact of IBD on reproductive function is dependent on disease type, activity, and treatment, and overall, reproductive function is preserved for the majority of those with inactive or quiescent IBD and no prior surgery (80). Reviews indicate that compared to the general population, infertility rates are higher for women with CD, but not UC (81). There is some evidence that ovarian function may be affected by CD, as studies have found that anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, which serve as a proxy for ovarian reserve, decline more rapidly after age 30 years in women with CD (82- 84). With respect to disease type and activity, theoretically, active IBD, particularly CD, can reduce fecundity by causing pelvic inflammation and adhesions (4, 73, 81, 85). Although IBD activity at time of conception is known to affect pregnancy outcome, there is less high-quality research on the effect of disease activity on fecundity. ... In women with GI illnesses, pregnancy is possible and safe, although overall, women with IBD (119) and IBS (120- 123) have higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and adverse outcomes. In recent years, expert working groups around the globe have issued comprehensive best practices for the management of IBD from the preconception to postpartum period (80, 92, 124, 125). ... vic floor dysfunction
Reproductive Menstrual cramps: May occur before/during periods;
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Menstrual cramps - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
States that menstrual cramps can start 1 to 3 days before the period and continue during the period.
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Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are throbbing or cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Many women have menstrual cramps just before and during their menstrual periods. For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying. For others, menstrual cramps can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every month. Conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids can cause menstrual cramps. Treating the cause is key to reducing the pain. Menstrual cramps that aren't caused by another condition tend to lessen with age and often improve after giving birth. ... - Throbbing or cramping pain in your lower abdomen that can be intense - Pain that starts 1 to 3 days before your period, peaks 24 hours after the onset of your period and subsides in 2 to 3 days - Dull, continuous ache - Pain that radiates to your lower back and thighs ... During your menstrual period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps can be caused by: - Endometriosis. Tissue that acts similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, most commonly on fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissue lining your pelvis. - Uterine fibroids. These noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can cause pain. - Adenomyosis. The tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus. - Pelvic inflammatory disease. This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. - Cervical stenosis. In some women, the opening of the cervix is small enough to impede menstrual flow, causing a painful increase of pressure within the uterus. ... - You're younger than age 30 - You started puberty early, at age 11 or younger - You bleed heavily during periods (menorrhagia) - You have irregular menstrual bleeding (metrorrhagia) - You have a family history of menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) - You smoke ... Menstrual cramps don't cause other medical complications, but they can interfere with school, work and social activities. Certain conditions associated with menstrual cramps can have complications, though. For example, endometriosis can cause fertility problems. Pelvic inflammatory disease can scar your fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of a fertilized egg implanting outside of your uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
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Period Pain | Menstrual Cramps | MedlinePlus
Mentions that period pain can start a day or two before the period and last for a few days.
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Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that happens as part of a woman's monthly cycle. Many women have painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea. The pain is most often menstrual cramps, which are a throbbing, cramping pain in your lower abdomen. You may also have other symptoms, such as lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Period pain is not the same as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS causes many different symptoms, including weight gain, bloating, irritability, and fatigue. PMS often starts one to two weeks before your period starts. ... Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common kind of period pain. It is period pain that is not caused by another condition. The cause is usually having too many prostaglandins, which are chemicals that your uterus makes. These chemicals make the muscles of your uterus tighten and relax, and this causes the cramps. The pain can start a day or two before your period. It normally lasts for a few days, though in some women it can last longer. You usually first start ... period pain when you are younger, just after you begin getting periods. Often, ... you get older, you ... less pain. The pain may also ... after you have given ... Secondary dysmenorrhea often starts later in life. It is caused by conditions that affect your uterus or other reproductive organs, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. This kind of pain often gets worse over time. It may begin before your period starts and continue after your period ends. ... You might also try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. Besides relieving pain, NSAIDs reduce the amount of prostaglandins that your uterus makes and lessen their effects. This helps to lessen the cramps. You can take NSAIDs when you first have symptoms, or when your period starts. You can keep taking them for a few days. You should not take NSAIDS if you have ulcers or other stomach problems, bleeding problems, or liver disease. You should also not take them if you are allergic to aspirin. Always check with your health care provider if you are not sure whether or not you should take NSAIDs. ... For many women, some ... during your period is normal. However, you ... - NSAIDs and self-care measures don't help, and the pain interferes with your life - Your cramps suddenly get worse - You are over 25 and you get severe cramps for the first time - You have a fever with your period pain - You have the pain even when you are not getting your period ... your period pain is primary dysmenorrhea and you need medical treatment, your health care provider might suggest using hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, ring, or IUD. Another treatment option might be prescription pain relievers.
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Dysmenorrhea: Menstrual Cramps, Causes & Treatments
Indicates that pain typically begins just before the period and subsides after a few days.
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“Dysmenorrhea” is the medical term for painful menstrual periods. It happens because your uterus contracts to shed its lining. The pain typically begins just before your period and subsides after a few days. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurrent pain with no identifiable cause. Secondary dysmenorrhea results from conditions like endometriosis. ... “Dysmenorrhea” is the medical term for painful periods (menstruation) or menstrual cramps. In addition to cramping, you might have other symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue and diarrhea. It’s most common to have menstrual cramps the day before or the day you start your period. For most people, symptoms subside after about two or three days. ... . But some ... with painful periods ... Primary dysmenorrhea is the name for menstrual cramps that come back every time you have get period, but aren’t due to another medical condition. Pain usually begins one or two days before you get your period or when the bleeding actually starts. You may feel pain ranging from mild to severe in your lower abdomen, back or thighs. The pain usually subsides within two or three days. Primary dysmenorrhea is the more common type of dysmenorrhea. ... If you have painful periods because of a condition or an infection in your reproductive organs, it’s secondary dysmenorrhea. Pain from secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins earlier in your menstrual cycle and lasts longer than typical menstrual cramps. For example, you may experience cramping several days before your period and the pain may last until the bleeding completely stops. Secondary dysmenorrhea is less common. ... Menstrual cramps happen when a chemical called prostaglandin makes your uterus contract (tighten up). During menstruation, prostaglandin levels are higher, which means your uterus contracts more strongly. This is the cramping and discomfort you feel. These contractions help shed your uterine lining, which is the blood and tissue that comes out of your vagina during your period. Prostaglandin levels rise right before menstruation begins. Levels decrease once you get your period, which is why cramping tends to ease up after a few days. ... What you’ ... your uterus. ... uterine lining. Experts aren’t entirely sure ... some people have ... painful periods, but they think it may ... levels of prostaglandins. There also may not be a clear explanation other than everyone’s body is different. ... - Aching, throbbing pain in your abdomen (pain may be severe at times). - Feeling of pressure in your abdomen. - Pain in your hips, lower back and inner thighs. ... like nausea, dizziness and headaches. In most cases, the pain begins in the 24 to 48 hours before your period and subsides within 48 hours of getting your period. ... Menstrual pain from secondary dysmenorrhea is a result of a condition affecting your reproductive organs. Conditions that can cause cramping include: - Endometriosis: A condition where the tissue lining your uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of your uterus. Because these pieces of tissue bleed during your period, they can cause swelling, scarring and pain. - Adenomy ... and pain. - Fibroids (ben ... tumors): Non ... your uterus. - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): An infection caused by bacteria that starts in your uterus and can spread to other reproductive organs. PID can cause pain in your stomach or pain during sex. - Cervical stenosis: A condition where your cervix narrows due to surgery, treatment ... other condition. - Congenital conditions: Certain conditions you’re born with can cause painful menstruation. This may include an irregularly shaped uterus or other conditions affecting your ovaries or fallopian tubes. ... Menstrual cramps themselves usually don’t cause complications, other than disrupting your daily life. But if a medical condition is causing painful periods, there can be complications. For example, conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. This is why it’s important to see ... provider so they can ... for your period ... If you have severe or unusual menstrual cramps or cramps that last for more than three days, contact a healthcare provider. Both primary and secondary menstrual cramps are treatable, so it’s important to get checked. First, your healthcare provider ... ask you to describe your symptoms and menstrual cycles. They’ll perform a pelvic exam by placing gloved fingers into your vagina. During this exam, your provider will also insert a speculum into your vagina. This allows them to get a better look at your vagina and cervix. They may take a small sample of vaginal fluid for testing. The goal of the exam is to determine if a medical condition is causing painful periods. If there isn’t an apparent cause, your provider will diagnose you with primary dysmenorrhea. ... Pain relievers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often the first treatment for dysmenorrhea. These include medications like ibuprofen or naproxen, which you can buy at your local drug or grocery store. They work by reducing the amount of prostaglandins in your body. It’s best to take these as soon as cramping begins. If you can’t take NSAIDs, you can take another pain reliever like acetaminophen. ... - Exercising regularly. People ... menstrual pain. ... testing shows that ... have secondary dysmenorrhea ... Contact your healthcare provider if you have painful periods that prevent you from doing your normal tasks. Mild cramps are normal. But severe cramping and pain that prevent you from going to school or work may mean you need treatment. ... Minor aches and pains during menstruation are normal. If you get extremely painful periods — dysmenorrhea — you don’t have to suffer silently. There are ways to make menstrual cramps less painful. Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider about painful periods so they can help you.
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Cramps But No Period: Causes & Symptoms
Focuses on cramps without periods and does not directly address menstrual cramps timing.
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Pelvic pain similar to a menstrual period can happen at times when no period is due or can occur because of conditions other than the monthly cycle. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason for cramps that feel like a menstrual period. ... middle of the menstrual cycle, or ... 10-14 days ... of an egg from a follicle within the ovary ... on one side of the abdomen only ... Sometimes women in the very early stages of pregnancy experienced slight cramping, similar to mild menstrual cramps, right around the time that the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This is termed “implantation pain” and happens right around the time of the expected period. - Usually, there are no other symptoms at this time other than the absence of a period. Sometimes there is light spotting at the time of implantation. ... Early pregnancy cramps can resemble period cramps, leading many women to mistake them for premenstrual symptoms. The key difference is the absence of blood associated with early pregnancy cramps. Also, they are generally milder and less intense than period pain. Even severe early pregnancy cramps are rarely as painful as severe menstrual cramps. The presence of other symptoms such as light spotting, breast tenderness, and fatigue can help distinguish between the two. Cramps during early pregnancy can be linked to various changes as the body adjusts to being pregnant. Pregnancy cramps can be due to implantation, uterine changes, or hormonal changes. If you are experiencing cramps but no period, it is essential to take a pregnancy test and consult a health care provider for confirmation and guidance. ... - Endometriosis can cause painful menstrual cramping during the menstrual period and at other times of the month as well. It can cause - infertility, - painful bowel movements, or - pain during sex in some women. ... - PID causes lower abdominal pain on both sides of the body, often accompanied by - fever, - vaginal discharge, - nausea, - vomiting, and - pain or burning with urination. ... This is a condition that results from chronic inflammation of the bladder. It can cause pain at any time of the month. - Symptoms typically get worse when the bladder is full (when you have to urinate). It can cause pain and tenderness in the low abdomen or pelvic area. Other possible symptoms are - painful urination and - feeling an urgent need to urinate. ... - Symptoms of IBS can vary from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include - diarrhea, - constipation, and - abdominal pain or cramping. - The abdominal pain may be relieved by having a bowel movement. The symptoms may be more bothersome during your menstrual period. ... Diagnosing cramps without the presence of periods can be a complex process, as various underlying ... to this symptom ... - When a patient presents with cramps but no period, the health care provider will typically start by conducting a thorough medical history and physical examination. This includes inquiring about the nature and duration of the cramps, as well as any other symptoms the patient may be experiencing. ... examination will focus ... pelvis, and reproductive organs ... identify any signs of ... , or masses. ... Potential causes: The following are some potential causes of cramps but no period: - Ovulation pain or Mittelschmerz: Cramps during ovulation are common and can be caused by the release of prostaglandins, which stimulate uterine contractions. - The harmless discomfort associated with ovulation is known as “mittelschmerz.” The pain typically occurs on one side of your lower belly and lasts for a few minutes to a few hours. - If you haven’t reached menopause and still have your ovaries, you might experience cramps mid-month, approximately 10-14 days before your expected period. This occurs when your ovaries release an egg in preparation for a possible pregnancy. ... and tension: Stress and tension can cause abdominal muscle contractions that resemble menstrual cramps. - Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause cramping in the lower abdomen, especially during urination. ... - Why do I have lower cramps but no period? Lower cramps without a period can be caused by various factors, including early pregnancy, ovulation, stress, hormonal imbalances, or conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts. Other possible causes include gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or urinary tract infections (UTIs). If the cramps are persistent or severe, it's advisable to consult a health care professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate diagnosis. - Why does it feel like my period is coming but it’s not? This can be due to several reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, changes in weight or exercise routines, or underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as cramping, bloating, and mood swings, can occur without leading to an actual period. Additionally, perimenopause or the onset of menopause can cause irregular cycles and similar symptoms. If this persists, it's advisable to consult a health care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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'It's a very unique biological specimen': What menstrual blood can reveal about your health - BBC
Does not provide relevant information about menstrual cramps timing.
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'It's a very unique biological specimen': What menstrual blood can reveal about your health BBC
can affect one side.
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Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly Syndrome: A Systematic Review about Diagnosis and Surgical Management - PMC
The source mentions conditions like OHVIRA syndrome where symptoms can be unilateral, affecting one side.
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, as well as the different types of management, fertility, and obstetrical outcomes. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases since inception to May 1, 2022, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. After duplicate records removed, the search strategy retrieved 103 articles. The full texts of 73 articles further were assessed for eligibility, and 44 studies ... Complete obstruction of the vagina typically presents with a cyclic or recurrent pelvic pain due to hematocolpos caused by the obstruction preventing external bleeding (median age: 12–16 years). However, the presence of menarche does not exclude obstructive anomalies of the gynecologic tract, because the obstruction can be unilateral. These nonspecific symptoms (dysmenorrhea or pelvic pain) are very common in the female adolescent population. Therefore, the accurate diagnosis of Müllerian anomalies can be delayed up to years from initial presentation. According to Kapczuk et al., the age at menarche ranged from 11 to 15.6 (median, 12.2) years, and the age at repair of the malformation ranged from 11.4 to 18.2 (median, 13.1) years.[8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16] In contrast, urologic problems in patients with congenital renal anomalies might lead to the diagnosis of obstructed hemivagina during the prepubertal period, most frequently before the age of 5 years.[8] In a retrospective cohort study of 65 patients, 44 patients were diagnosed during the prepubertal period. The median age at diagnosis was 8 days, and 19 patients were diagnosed during infancy.[16] The clinical presentation of menstruating patients with postpubertal OHVIRA syndrome differs from those of prepubertal patients. In the study conducted by Kimble and Kimble, 36 prepubertal patients out of 44 were asymptomatic at presentation, and the syndrome was diagnosed by prenatal sonography.[17] Eight patients were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis and presented with a protruding vaginal mass (n = 5), vaginal bleeding or discharge (n = 2), and recurrent urinary tract infection (n = 1). In other studies, most of the patients presented with abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea, and on vaginal examination, the most significant finding was a bulge of hematocolpos in the lateral vaginal wall due to obstructed hemivagina by an oblique vaginal septum. On imaging, the majority of patients had hematometra, associated with hematosalpinx in the same cases.[16,17,18] Other studies reported unusual presentations: acute urine and stool retention or acute retention of urine with fever, vomiting, and lower abdominal pain.[11,19] Laparoscopy often allows to find several endometrial peritoneal deposits over the fallopian tube and ovary and in the Douglas pouch, mainly on the side of vaginal obstruction.[11,12,18,19] In rare cases, the diagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome is also made after the perforation of the vaginal septum. In our systematic review, we found four patients who had spontaneous perforation of the vaginal septum that resulted in pain relief accompanied by either prolonged menstrual bleeding or purulent vaginal discharge, whereas one patient had a postpartum hemorrhage after massive vaginal rupture.[8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15] Several articles mentioned the presence of pyocolpos at the time of the diagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome.[20] Our group reported the case of a 20-year-old patient who presented with a 2-year history of primary infertility and dyspareunia;[21] in this case, vaginal examination revealed a vaginal fluctuant painful mass obliterating the right part of the vagina, and excision of the right vaginal septum drained a purulent discharge. A similar case was reported by Kozłowski et al.: a 17-year-old patient presented with severe lower abdominal pain and a left-sided mass of 10.5 cm in the largest diameter. Upon speculum examination, a 3-mm hole in the left vaginal vault was demonstrated and yellowish exudate was evacuated.[22] Further investigations were done, and the patient was diagnosed with uterus didelphys with obstructed left hemivagina, left renal agenesis, pyohematocolpos, and pyohematometra. In other two different case reports, young females presented with abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and a fluctuant vaginal mass, with final diagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome.[23,24] Drainage of the mass in both cases revealed purulent discharge and pyocolpos was confirmed.[23] Pelvic ultrasonography (US) is the recommended modality of screening; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is the gold standard for diagnosis, must follow if an abnormal finding was detected on US.[2] Due to the outflow obstruction, retrograde blood flow can occur leading to endometriosis in 23% of OHVIRA cases.[10] In a systematic review of 734 cases of OHVIRA syndrome, endometriotic lesions that are ipsilateral to the vaginal septum were found in 13.6% of patients; however, this could be an underestimation because not all patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for accurate diagnosis.[4] ... Early diagnosis in OHVIRA syndrome is very important to avoid delay in management, and associated complications (i.e. pelvic infection, endometriosis, and infertility).[25] The mainstay treatment is surgery, using a vaginal approach to remove the septum. However, OHVIRA presents mostly early during adolescence, when most patients are still virgo, precluding the vaginal approach.[26] In such patients, minimally invasive approaches are preferred for symptomatic relief. Traditionally, OHVIRA syndrome was best treated with transvaginal resection of the obstructed septum, followed by anastomosis of the vaginal mucosa, which can be extremely difficult to do in virgin girls due to the tight vaginal opening.[27,28] Moreover, this requires hymen disruption, limiting this ... right hematocolpos, hematometra, and hematosalpinx.[18] Diagnostic vaginoscopy was performed. Hymenotomy with right vaginal septal resection was made and 450 ml of blood was drained. The incision was performed and then marsupialized and hymen repair was done at the end of the procedure. One week later, the patient presented with severe abdominal pain. Right hematosalpinx was seen on ultrasound. Laparotomy followed: salpingostomy was performed and hematoma drained. ... Several cases reported in literature showed that diagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome could be delayed until pregnancy or in postpartum thus had no effect on fertility. Mirković et al. reported a case of a primiparous woman at 41-week and 2-day gestational age who had rupture of dextrolateral obstructed hemivagina during vaginal delivery.[46] The patient was known to have right kidney agenesis since childhood and has undergone a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy procedure for large uterine septum and primary infertility. Spontaneous pregnancy was achieved promptly after the procedure.[12] Another interesting case was reported by Agarwal et al.: in this case, OHVIRA syndrome was diagnosed 9 months post cesarean section after she presented with vaginal heaviness and abdominal pain of 8-month duration.[47] Patients with OHVIRA syndrome may also present with complaints other than infertility. A retrospective cohort analysis included 45 patients affected by OHVIRA syndrome, from July 2004 to June 2015.[4] Six (14.0%) patients required surgery at a median age of 31.2 months for the following reasons: recurrent urinary tract infection, uncontrolled vaginal distention compressing adjacent organs, urinary incontinence, and intractable abdominal pain. ... OVHIRA is a complex syndrome requiring accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. According to the available pieces of evidence collected in this systematic review, minimally invasive approach is a feasible option in most of the cases. Considering the acceptable fertility and obstetric outcomes after surgical management, fertility-sparing surgery should be the first-line option in reproductive-age women.
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Female Pelvic Pain - Gynecology and Obstetrics - Merck Manual Professional Edition
The source discusses conditions like ovarian torsion and ectopic pregnancy, which can cause pain localized to one side.
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pain is often associated with ... Some gynecologic disorders (see table Some Gynecologic Causes of Pelvic Pain) cause cyclic pelvic pain (ie, pain recurring during the same phase of each menstrual cycle). In others, pain is constant or intermittent but unrelated to menses. Also, onset of pain (sudden or gradual) and type of pain (eg, sharp, crampy) may help identify the cause. ... | Primary dysmenorrhea | Crampy or dull pain a few days before or at onset of menses, sometimes with headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or urinary frequency Symptoms usually peaking in 24 hours but sometimes persisting for 2–3 days after onset of menses | Transvaginal ultrasound to exclude other causes | ... - Gastrointestinal (eg, constipation, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular colitis, high perirectal abscess, or colorectal cancer) - Urinary (eg, cystitis, interstitial cystitis [painful bladder syndrome], calculi, bladder cancer, urethral diverticulum) - Musculoskeletal (eg, fibromyalgia, myofascial syndromes, anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndromes) - Neurologic (eg, neuropathic pain, abdominal migraine, abdominal epilepsy) - Vascular (eg, rapid expansion or rupture of aortic aneurysm) - Related to psychiatric disorders (eg, depressive disorders, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder, substance use disorders) ... History of present illness should include onset, duration, location, severity, pattern (intermittent or constant), and character of pain (sharp, dull, crampy). Relationship of pain to the menstrual cycle is noted. Important associated symptoms include vaginal bleeding or discharge, dyspareunia, fever, and symptoms of hemodynamic instability (eg, dizziness, light-headedness, syncope). ... - Amenorrhea, morning sickness, or breast swelling or tenderness: Pregnancy-related pain - Fever, chills, or vaginal discharge: Pelvic infection - Abdominal pain (particularly if triggered by meals), change in stool habits, or rectal bleeding: Gastrointestinal disorders - Urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, or hematuria: Urinary disorders Past medical history should note obstetric and gynecologic history (gravidity, parity, menstrual history, sexual history, history of sexually transmitted infections, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease) and history of urinary calculi, diverticulitis, and other gastrointestinal or genitourinary conditions or cancers. Any previous abdominal or pelvic surgery should be noted. ... Acuity and severity of pelvic pain and its relationship to menstrual cycles can suggest the most likely causes (see table Some Gynecologic Causes of Pelvic Pain). Character and location of pain and associated findings also provide clues (see table Some Clues to Diagnosis of Pelvic Pain). However, findings may be nonspecific. For example, endometriosis can result in a wide variety of findings (eg, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, constant pelvic pain, dyschezia). ... | Sudden onset of severe pain, sometimes localized to 1 side or with nausea | Adnex ... torsion Ruptured ovarian cyst Ectopic pregnancy Renal colic | ... | Tenderness in the suprapubic area or anterior vaginal wall with chronic or recurrent urinary symptoms (dysuria, urinary frequency, or urgency) | Lower urinary tract disorder (eg, interstitial cystitis [painful bladder syndrome]), causing bladder or urethral pain | ... A CBC can diagnose anemia (suggesting acute or chronic bleeding) or leukocytosis (suggesting infection). If urinary symptoms are present, urinalysis is a fast, simple test to evaluate for common causes of pelvic pain (eg, cystitis, urinary calculi). ... Pain related to the menstrual cycle (eg, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis) may be treated with hormonal contraceptives.
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Sudden Stabbing Pelvic Pain Female: Causes & Red Flags - Acibadem Hospitals Group
The source describes ovulation pain and cyst-related issues that can cause one-sided pain.
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Sudden pelvic pain can have many causes, ranging from harmless cycle-related pain to urgent conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, or appendicitis. Pain on one side, pain linked to periods or sex, and symptoms like fever, vomiting, fainting, or heavy bleeding offer important clues. ... Sudden stabbing pain in the pelvic area in females may come from common causes such as ovulation, menstrual cramps, digestive upset, or muscle strain, but it can also signal conditions that need prompt care. The pattern, timing, side of the pain, and related symptoms help doctors decide whether the cause is gynecologic, urinary, digestive, or musculoskeletal. ... Sudden stabbing pain in pelvic area female is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The pelvis contains reproductive organs, the bladder, part of the bowel, blood vessels, nerves, and supporting muscles, so pain can start in more than one system. In many cases, the cause is not dangerous, such as ovulation pain, a short-lived muscle spasm, or cramping around a menstrual period. ... Doctors usually look at several details: when the pain started, whether it is on the right or left side or centered, whether it comes and goes or stays constant, and what other symptoms occur with it. Vaginal bleeding, missed periods, fever, nausea, urinary burning, bowel changes, or pain during sex can all help narrow the cause. ... Pain related to ovulation often happens mid-cycle and may be felt on one side for a short time. Menstrual pain usually appears before or during a period and can radiate to the lower back or thighs. A cyst-related problem may cause one-sided pain that begins suddenly, especially if a cyst ruptures or bleeds. Infection may cause more constant discomfort with fever or abnormal discharge. ... - Vaginal bleeding or spotting - A missed or late period - Nausea or vomiting - Fever or chills - Pain when urinating or needing to urinate often - Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea - Pain during sex - Dizziness, fainting, or weakness ... One useful way to understand sudden pelvic pain is to think about the body systems that can produce it. Gynecologic causes are common and include ovulation pain, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and emergencies such as ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy. Conditions such as ovarian cysts may be completely silent until they irritate tissue, bleed, or rupture. Urinary causes include bladder infection, kidney infection, and kidney stones. These may be more likely if pain comes with burning during urination, blood in the urine, fever, or pain that spreads toward the back or groin. Digestive causes can also mimic gynecologic pain, including constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel conditions, or appendicitis, especially when the pain is on the right side. ... Evaluation begins with a careful history. A doctor will ask about the timing of the pain, menstrual cycles, contraception, possible pregnancy, sexual history, urinary and bowel symptoms, prior cysts or endometriosis, and any previous surgeries. These details often guide which tests are most helpful. ... Common tests include a pregnancy test, urine test, blood tests for infection or bleeding, and pelvic ultrasound. Ultrasound is especially useful for looking at the uterus and ovaries and can help evaluate suspected endometriosis, fibroids, or cyst-related problems. In some situations, CT or MRI is used if a urinary or digestive cause is suspected or if ultrasound does not fully explain the pain. ... appropriate. If pain is recurrent, hormonal treatment ... or menstrual- ... Not every episode of pelvic pain can be prevented, but a few practical steps may help. Tracking the timing of pain in relation to menstrual cycles, bowel habits, exercise, sex, and urination can make patterns more visible. A simple symptom diary can help a doctor distinguish ovulation pain from infection, endometriosis-related symptoms, or urinary causes. ... Medical care is recommended if sudden pelvic pain is strong, does not settle, keeps returning, or interferes with normal activity. A doctor should also review pain that occurs with fever, vomiting, urinary symptoms, unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex, or changes in menstrual bleeding. If pregnancy is possible, testing early is important. ... Yes. Some females feel a brief sharp pain around the middle of the menstrual cycle when an ovary releases an egg. This pain is often one-sided and short-lived, but if it is severe or unusual, medical evaluation is still a good idea. ... No. Pelvic pain can come from the urinary tract, bowel, muscles, joints, or nerves as well as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. That is why doctors often ask about urination, bowel habits, fever, and exercise in addition to menstrual history. ... In many cases, yes, especially for anyone of reproductive age with a late period, spotting, or sexual activity that could lead to pregnancy. A pregnancy test helps doctors quickly rule in or rule out ectopic pregnancy and guides which imaging tests are safest and most ... Doctors often use a pregnancy test, urine test, blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound. Depending on symptoms, they may also perform a pelvic exam or use CT or MRI to look for urinary, digestive, or less obvious pelvic causes.
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9 Midol Side Effects to Be Aware of - GoodRx
Evidence assessed from source excerpt.
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9 Midol Side Effects to Be Aware of GoodRx
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What Causes Cramps After Orgasm? - HealthCentral
Insufficient overlap to assess.
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What Causes Cramps After Orgasm? HealthCentral
Ovulation pain: Mild, brief discomfort mid-cycle when an egg is released.
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Mittelschmerz - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Describes mittelschmerz as mild to intense pain occurring mid-cycle, coinciding with ovulation.
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Mittelschmerz—or ovulation pain, as it is commonly known today—is a benign preovulatory lower abdominal pain that occurs midcycle (between days 7 and 24) in women. Mittelschmerz may affect over 40% of women of reproductive age, and it occurs almost every month in these patients. It generally does not begin until a few years following menarche, when the true ovulatory cycles become established. Pain varies in severity from a mild ache to agonizing pain and is generally felt near the ovaries on the same side as the developing follicle. Mittelschmerz has been found to coincide with the peak in plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when the follicle is enlarging and has not yet ruptured; however, mittelschmerz is unlikely due to follicular distention. Rather, the LH rise increases ovarian perifollicular smooth muscle contractility via a prostaglandin-mediated pathway, potentially producing pain.[1][2][3][4] ... Mittelschmerz most often presents as an acute lower quadrant (usually right-sided) pain ranging from a mild ache to intense pain. Along with several other gynecologic ... , mittelschmerz may present similarly to acute appendicitis, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery. Mittelschmerz merits consideration before diagnosing append ... in young women of reproductive age. Mittelschmerz should also be given adequate attention from all medical providers so that it can be easily recognized and diagnosed. Interprofessional communication and awareness can ... improve patient outcomes and reduce patient harm ... Women who experience mittelschmerz may not experience it every month, and they may not recognize that it is related to their ovulatory cycles. Mittelschmerz can present as pain in either iliac fossa, and it will generally be on the same side as the developing follicle.[8] The pain usually ceases within three to twelve hours, although patients who have undergone ovarian surgery may experience mittelschmerz that persists until the onset of menstruation. The patient may also report mild backache.[5] Mittelschmerz may improve with oral contraceptive use.[9][10] The knowledge that mittelschmerz coincides with peak luteinizing hormone (LH) levels may be useful in identifying the most fertile days of the ovulatory cycle and potentially aid in family planning.[3]
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Mid-Menstrual Cycle Pain (Mittelschmerz) - Harvard Health
Confirms ovulation pain occurs mid-cycle when an egg is released, typically mild and brief.
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Some women feel pain in the abdomen or pelvis during ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovary. This usually happens midway between menstrual cycles. The medical term for this is mittelschmerz, which comes from the German words for "middle" and "pain." Some women don't feel anything when an egg is being released from an ovary. Other women may feel intermittent or constant discomfort or pain during ovulation. ... Ovulation usually occurs two weeks before the first day of each menstrual period, give or take a couple of days. During this time, you may feel pain in the pelvis that can range from a sense of discomfort or a mild twinge to severe pain that mimics appendicitis. It usually lasts a short period of time, from a few minutes to hours. It often is felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis, either in the middle or on one side. If the pain is severe, it may be accompanied by some mild nausea. ... Pain during ovulation usually is easy to recognize because its timing is so characteristic. Your doctor will be able to determine that you are experiencing pain from ovulation based on your menstrual cycle, the location and description of your pain, and the results of an abdominal and pelvic exam. It is important to let your doctor know about any other symptoms you have, such as fever, vomiting, changes in urination or changes in your bowel movements or appetite. ... Ovulatory pain usually lasts from a few moments to several hours. The longer episodes of pain may be due to lingering irritation from a small amount of bleeding, which sometimes happens when the egg is released. ... It usually is not necessary to prevent this mild, short-lived pain syndrome. Birth control pills prevent ovulation and can be used to prevent mid-cycle pain. ... Painful ovulation is generally brief, so using medication for pain relief usually is not necessary. Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others), can be used as needed and are very effective at relieving mid-menstrual cycle pain. ... Call your doctor if you have fever, pain with urination, abnormal bleeding or vomiting, even if your pain happens exactly at time of ovulation. Let your doctor know if mid-cycle pain lasts longer than a day. You also should contact your doctor if you missed your last menstrual period.
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Mittelschmerz - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Describes mittelschmerz as occurring mid-cycle with ovulation, typically mild and brief.
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Mittelschmerz is one-sided lower belly pain. It occurs with ovulation. German for "middle pain," mittelschmerz occurs midway through a menstrual cycle. That's about 14 days before your next menstrual period. In most people, mittelschmerz doesn't require medical attention. For minor mittelschmerz discomfort, pain relievers you can buy without a prescription and home remedies are often effective. If the pain really bothers you, your healthcare professional may have you try birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives, to stop ovulation and prevent midcycle pain. ... Mittelschmerz often lasts a few minutes to a few hours, but sometimes it lasts for as long as a day or two. The pain of mittelschmerz may be: - On one side of the lower belly. - Dull and achy, like menstrual cramps. - Sharp and sudden. - Present with slight vaginal bleeding or discharge. - Severe, rarely. Mittelschmerz occurs on the same side of your body as the ovary that's releasing an egg during a process called ovulation. The pain may switch sides from month to month, or you may feel pain on the same side for a few months in a row. Keep track of your menstrual cycle for a few months and note when you feel lower belly pain. If it happens midcycle and goes away without treatment, it's most likely mittelschmerz. ... Mittelschmerz occurs during ovulation, when a follicle on the ovary ruptures and releases its egg. Some people have mittelschmerz every month; others have it only sometimes. ... - Follicle growth that stretches the ovary surface just before an egg is released with ovulation. - Blood or fluid released from a ruptured follicle that irritates the tissue lining the stomach area, called the peritoneum. Pain at any other point in the menstrual cycle isn't mittelschmerz. If pain occurs during your period, it may be typical menstrual cramping called dysmenorrhea. Other stomach or pelvic conditions also may cause pain. If you have bad pain, see a healthcare professional. ... Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. It often happens about midway through the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary. In preparation for ovulation, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens. The pituitary gland in the brain stimulates one of the ovaries to release an egg. The wall of the ovarian follicle ruptures at the surface of the ovary. The egg is released. ... If the egg isn't fertilized, it's simply reabsorbed by the body — perhaps before it even reaches the uterus. About two weeks later, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is known as menstruation.
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Mittelschmerz: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Confirms mittelschmerz occurs mid-cycle with ovulation, usually mild and brief.
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Mittelschmerz is one-sided, lower abdominal pain that affects some women. It occurs at or around the time when an egg is released from the ovaries (ovulation). ... One in five women have pain around the time of ovulation. This is called mittelschmerz. The pain may occur just before, during, or after ovulation. This pain can be explained in several ways. Just before the ovulation, the growth of the follicle where the egg develops may stretch the surface of the ovary. This can cause pain. At the time of ovulation, fluid or blood is released from the ruptured egg follicle. This may irritate the lining of the abdomen. ... Mittelschmerz may be felt on one side of the body during one month and then switch to the other side during the next month. It may also occur on the same side for many months in a row. ... - Occurs only on one side. - Goes on for minutes to a few hours. It can last up to 24 to 48 hours. - Feels like a sharp, cramping pain unlike other pain. - Is severe (rare). - May switch sides from month to month. - Begins midway through the menstrual cycle. ... Most of the time, treatment is not needed. Pain relievers may be needed if the pain is intense or lasts a long time. In patients with Mittelschmerz-related symptoms that interfere with their normal activities, ... use of an oral contraceptive may be used to control symptoms. ... Mittelschmerz can be painful, but it is not harmful. It is not a sign of disease. It may help women to be aware of the time in the menstrual cycle when the egg is released. It is important for you to discuss any pain you are having with your health care provider. There are other conditions that can cause similar pain that are much more serious and require treatment. ... - Ovulation pain seems to change. - Pain lasts longer than usual. - Pain occurs with vaginal bleeding. ... control pills can be taken ... can help reduce pain that is linked to ovulation. ... Ovulation pain; Midcycle pain
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Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): Causes & Treatment
States ovulation pain occurs during ovulation, mid-cycle, and is usually mild and brief.
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If you have ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, you may experience twinging or cramps during ovulation. Other ovulation pain symptoms include light vaginal bleeding and discharge. Most of the time, rest and over-the-counter medications help. For severe ovulation pain, talk to your provider about options such as birth control pills. ... Ovulation pain is pelvic pain that you may have during ovulation. Ovulation is the part of the menstrual cycle when your ovary releases an egg. Ovulation usually happens about halfway between your periods or around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. People who experience pain at ovulation often can tell based on the type of pain they feel and when it occurs. ... Ovulation pain is also called “mittelschmerz.” The term comes from the German words for “middle” and “pain.” Mittelschmerz is typically harmless and doesn’t require medical attention. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are effective in treating painful ovulation. If the pain becomes severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe oral contraceptives to stop ovulation from occurring. ... You typically feel ovulation pain in your lower abdomen and pelvic region. Most people have two ovaries, one on the left and one on the right side of the uterus. Your ovaries usually take turns ovulating. So, each ovary releases an egg every other month. ... The pain may feel like a mild twinge, or you might have sudden, sharp pain. It usually hurts on just one side of your lower abdomen (the side that releases the egg). Some people feel pain for a few minutes, while others experience pain for the entire day. You may also experience: - Light vaginal bleeding. - Vaginal discharge that’s stretchy and clear (like egg whites). - Nausea, if the pain is bad. - Pain in your low back. ... Ovulation is the point in your menstrual cycle when one of your ovaries releases an egg. Eggs grow inside a follicle, which is a fluid-filled sac. This follicle eventually stretches and breaks open (ruptures) to release the egg. Both the follicle stretching and the egg bursting through the follicle may cause ovulation pain. ... Ovulation pain may feel similar to period pain — like menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). But ovulation pain happens about two weeks before you get your period. ... Ovulation pain typically lasts a few hours. However, the pain can last up to 48 hours. ... Your healthcare provider might diagnose mittelschmerz based on the timing of the pain. Ovulation usually happens about two weeks into your menstrual cycle. You may have ovulation pain if you feel pain at this point in your cycle. Your provider may ask you to keep a record of your menstrual cycles. Note whenever you have pain and where you feel the pain. ... one period to ... 0, your cycle length ... 29 days ... 5. If your pain happens around day ... of that cycle, it ... be ovulation pain ... Most people don’t need treatment for mittelschmerz. The pain typically goes away within a day. You can take medication available over the counter, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen or naproxen) or acetaminophen to help with the pain. ... For severe ovulation pain, talk to your healthcare provider about taking birth control pills. Hormonal birth control medications prevent ovulation. Without ovulating, you won’t have ovulation pain. ... Many hormonal contraceptives ... the pill, prevent ovulation. ... If you have ovulation pain, try at-home treatments, such as a warm bath, heating pad and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief. For severe ovulation pain, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options. ... - Fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. - Pain while urinating. - Red or burning skin where the pain is located. - Severe nausea or vomiting. - Severe pain in the middle of your menstrual cycle that lasts longer than a day or occurs during most months. - Over-the-counter pain medication isn’t providing relief from the pain. - Heavy vaginal bleeding between periods. ... Ovulation pain, also called mittelschmerz, happens when people experience ovulation cramps or other pain when they ovulate. Ovulation pain isn’t harmful. Most of the time, you can treat it with pain relievers from the drug store, heating pads and warm baths. But talk to your healthcare provider if you have severe ovulation pain. Your healthcare provider may recommend birth control pills to prevent ovulation.
Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs;
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Ovarian cysts
Describes ovarian cysts as fluid-filled sacs in the ovary.
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Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. They are common and usually form during ovulation. Ovulation happens when the ovary releases an egg each month. Many women with ovarian cysts don't have symptoms. The cysts are usually harmless. ... A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. It can form in many places in the body. Ovarian cysts form in or on the ovaries. ... The most common types of ovarian cysts (called functional cysts) form during the menstrual cycle. They are usually benign (not cancerous). ... - follicle cysts. In a normal menstrual cycle, an ovary releases an egg each month. The egg grows inside a tiny sac called a follicle. When the egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg. follicle cysts form when the follicle doesn't break open to release the egg. This causes the follicle to continue growing into a cyst. follicle cysts often have no symptoms and go away in one to three months. - Corpus luteum cysts. Once the follicle breaks open and releases the egg, the empty follicle sac shrinks into a mass of cells called corpus luteum. Corpus luteum makes hormones to prepare for the next egg for the next menstrual cycle. Corpus luteum cysts form if the sac doesn't shrink. Instead, the sac reseals itself after the egg is released, and then fluid builds up inside. Most corpus luteum cysts go away after a few weeks. But, they can grow to almost four inches wide. They also may bleed or twist the ovary and cause pain. Some medicines used to cause ovulation can raise the risk of getting these cysts. ... Ovarian cysts are common in women with regular periods. In fact, most women make at least one follicle or corpus luteum cyst every month. You may not be aware that you have a cyst unless there is a problem that causes the cyst to grow or if multiple cysts form. About 8% of premenopausal women develop large cysts that need treatment. 1 ... At any age, see your doctor if you think you have a cyst. See your doctor also if you have symptoms such as bloating, needing to urinate more often, pelvic pressure or pain, or abnormal (unusual) vaginal bleeding. These can be signs of a cyst or other serious problem. ... - Hormonal problems. Functional cysts usually go away on their own without treatment. They may be caused by hormonal problems or by drugs used to help you ovulate. - Endometriosis. Women with endometriosis can develop a type of ovarian cyst called an endometrioma. The endometriosis tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. These cysts can be painful during sex and during your period. - Pregnancy. An ovarian cyst normally develops in early pregnancy to help support the pregnancy until the placenta forms. Sometimes, the cyst stays on the ovary until later in the pregnancy and may need to be removed. - Severe pelvic infections. Infections can spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes and cause cysts to form. ... Most ovarian cysts are small and don't cause symptoms. If a cyst does cause symptoms, you may have pressure, bloating, swelling, or pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst. This pain may be sharp or dull and may come and go. ... If a cyst ... twisting of an ovary, you may have pain along with nausea and vomiting. ... - Pelvic pain - Dull ache in the lower back and thighs - Problems emptying the bladder or bowel completely - Pain during sex - Unexplained weight gain - Pain during your period - Unusual (not normal) vaginal bleeding - Breast tenderness - Needing to urinate more often ... , talk to your doctor. Your doctor may do a pelvic exam to feel ... swelling of a cyst on your ovary. ... filled, solid ... These symptoms could mean that your cyst has broken open, or ruptured. Sometimes, large, ruptured cysts can ... heavy bleeding. ... no. Most ovarian ... though, the ... the uterus. ... ). Women with ... often have many small cysts ... their ovaries. ... Ovarian cysts are common during pregnancy. Typically, these cysts are benign (not cancerous) and harmless. 4 Ovarian cysts that continue to grow during pregnancy can rupture or twist or cause problems during childbirth. Your doctor will monitor any ovarian cyst found during pregnancy. ... No, you cannot prevent functional ovarian cysts if you are ovulating. If you get ovarian cysts often, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control to stop you from ovulating. This will help lower your risk of getting new cysts.
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Overview: Ovarian cysts
States that ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries.
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Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. Some have tissue inside them. The cysts are surrounded by a capsule and usually about the size of a cherry. Most ovarian cysts go away on their own. ... often develop due to normal ... changes in puberty or during ... s much less common. ... They sometimes affect the menstrual cycle, and very big cysts can be painful. ... Ovarian cysts can also lead to problems with the menstrual cycle, such as heavy or irregular periods, or spotting (abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods). Menstrual cycle problems occur if the cyst produces sex hormones that cause the lining of the womb to grow more. Very large cysts may push against the bowel or bladder. This can lead to a swollen tummy, a feeling of fullness and pressure, pain when urinating, or constipation. ... Most ovarian cysts develop during one part of the menstrual cycle (the growth and release of egg cells). Known as “functional cysts,” these mainly occur in puberty or during menopause. They may develop in one ovary or in both ovaries at the same time. ... Follicular cysts: Each egg cell is surrounded by a capsule known as a follicle. If the follicle doesn’t open and release the egg cell (if ovulation doesn’t occur), the follicle might gradually become filled with a fluid and turn into a cyst. Corpus luteum cysts: These occur when a corpus luteum fills with blood. The corpus luteum develops from the follicle that released the egg cell during ovulation. It secretes the sex hormones known as progesterone and estrogen. ... Complications are also rare. They may occur if the wall of the cyst ruptures (bursts) ... out into the space around it. Although ... ures can be painful, they are usually harmless. Only rarely do they ... to be stopped through surgery. ... If it is thought that you might have an ovarian cyst, the doctor will ask you about symptoms such as menstrual (period) problems and pain, and you may have a blood test.
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Ovarian cysts - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Mentions that ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, in an ovary or on its surface.
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Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, in an ovary or on its surface. Females have two ovaries. One ovary is located on each side of the uterus. ... Ovarian cysts are common. Most of the time, you have little or no discomfort, and the cysts are harmless. Most cysts go away without ... within a few months. ... and go away on their own. But a ... Most ovarian cysts form as a result of your menstrual cycle. These are called functional cysts. Other types of cysts are much less common. ... Your ovaries grow small cysts called follicles each month. Follicles produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and break open to release an egg when you ovulate. ... - Follicular cyst. About halfway through your menstrual cycle, an egg bursts out of its follicle. The egg then travels down a fallopian tube. A follicular cyst begins when the follicle doesn't rupture. It doesn't release its egg and continues to grow. - Corpus luteum cyst. After a follicle releases its egg, it shrinks and begins producing estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are needed for conception. The follicle is now called the corpus luteum. Sometimes, the opening where the egg came from gets blocked. Fluid builds up inside the corpus luteum, causing a cyst. Functional cysts are usually harmless. They rarely cause pain and often disappear on their own within 2 to 3 menstrual cycles. ... - Cystadenoma. This type of cyst develops from cells on the surface of an ovary. The cyst might be filled with a watery or mucous material. A cystadenoma can grow very large. ... Ovulation is the release of an egg from one of the ovaries. It often happens about midway through the menstrual cycle, although the exact timing may vary. ... If the egg isn't fertilized, it's simply reabsorbed by the body — perhaps before it even reaches the uterus. About two weeks later, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is known as menstruation. ... - Ovarian torsion. Cysts that become large can cause the ovary to move. This increases the chance of painful twisting of the ovary (ovarian torsion). If this happens, you might have sudden, severe pelvic pain and nausea and vomiting. Ovarian torsion can also reduce or stop blood flow to the ovary. - Cyst rupture. A cyst that bursts open (ruptures) can cause severe pain and bleeding inside the pelvis. The larger the cyst, the greater the risk of rupture. Vigorous activity that affects the pelvis, such as vaginal sex, also increases the risk of rupture. ... There's no way to prevent most ovarian cysts. But, regular pelvic exams help ensure that changes in your ovaries are diagnosed as early as possible. Be alert to changes in your monthly cycle. Make a note of unusual menstrual symptoms, especially ones that go on for more than a few cycles. Talk to your health care provider about changes that concern you.
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Ovarian cysts and fibroids: What experts want every women to know - Business Standard
mentions Ovarian
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Ovarian cysts and fibroids: What experts want every women to know Business Standard
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Ovarian Cyst Rupture: Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery - HealthCentral
mentions Ovarian
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Ovarian Cyst Rupture: Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery HealthCentral
usually painless but may ache, or cause sudden sharp pain if ruptured or twisted (a medical emergency).
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Ovarian Torsion - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Describes ovarian torsion as a surgical emergency that can cause severe pain, often associated with cysts.
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Ovarian torsion is caused by twisting of the ligaments that support the adnexa, cutting off the blood flow to the organ and represents a true surgical emergency. In order to avoid the high morbidity associated with this condition, it must be promptly diagnosed and treated. This activity reviews the evaluation and treatment of ovarian torsion and highlights the role of an interprofessional team in evaluating and treating patients with this condition. ... Ovarian torsion is a process that occurs when the ovary twists over the ligaments that support it in ... adnexa. The fallopian tube often twists with the ovary and is then referred to as adnexal torsion. The ovary is supported by multiple structures in the pelvis. One ligament it is suspended by is the infundibulopelvic ligament, also called the suspensory ligament of the ovary, which connects the ovary to the pelvic sidewall. This ligament also contains the main ovarian vessels. The ovary is also connected to the uterus by the utero-ovarian ligament.[ ... The ovary has dual blood supply from the ovarian arteries and uterine arteries. Twisting of these ligaments can lead to venous congestion, edema, compression of arteries, and, eventually, loss of blood supply to the ovary. This can cause a constellation of symptoms, including severe pain when blood supply is compromised. This is a true surgical emergency that can lead to necrosis, loss of ovary, and infertility if not identified promptly. ... In a study of torsions confirmed by surgery, 46% were associated with neoplasm, and 48% were associated with cysts. Of these masses, 89% were benign, and 80% of patients were under age 50. Therefore, reproductive-age females are at greatest risk of torsion.[2] However, torsion can still occur in normal ovaries, especially in the pediatric population. Pregnancy, as well as patients undergoing fertility treatments, are high risk due to enlarged follicles on the ovary.[1] ... The patient most commonly will present with lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain. Pain can be sharp, dull, constant, or intermittent. Pain may radiate to the abdomen, back, or flank.[5] One study showed that post-menopausal women commonly presented with dull, constant pain when compared to premenopausal, who more commonly had sharp stabbing pain. Symptoms may or may not be intermittent if the ovary is torsing and detorsing. ... The definitive diagnosis of ovarian torsion is made by direct visualization of a rotated ovary during surgery. For this reason, if clinical suspicion remains high with relatively normal labs and ultrasound imaging, the patient must have surgical evaluation. ... The treatment of ovarian torsion is surgical detorsion, preferably by a gynecologist. In reproductive age females, salvage of the ovary should be attempted, and the surgeon must evaluate the ovary for viability. Most often, the approach to surgery should be laparoscopic and involves direct visualization of a twisted ovary. The evaluation of viability is mostly by visualization. A dark, enlarged ovary with hemorrhagic lesions may have compromised blood flow but is often salvageable.[10] ... There are many differentials for abdominal pain in a female. In a patient of childbearing age, ectopic pregnancy must first be ruled out with a beta hCG. If the beta hCG is negative, then this can essentially be ruled out. If positive, then an intrauterine pregnancy on ultrasound dramatically decreases the risk of ectopic but does not rule out heterotopic pregnancy. A ruptured ovarian cyst can also present like an ovarian torsion. Both may also have free fluid in the pelvis on ultrasound. However, cyst rupture typically causes sudden onset of sharp pain, which commonly occurs during sexual intercourse. ... The most important thing for patients to keep in mind is seeking care immediately to allow for timely diagnosis and management. This is especially important if patients have a known risk factor for ovarian torsion such as a known cyst, are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant with fertility treatments. ... Ovarian torsion is a ... clinical suspicion for ... has been ruled out ... be deceiving, so the presence of blood supply on ultrasound does not rule out a torsion when clinical suspicion is high. Ultrasound also ... rule out torsion due to the possibility that the patient can have intermittent torsion. Remember that gynecologic consultation may be necessary, and direct visualization by surgical evaluation is ... way to make a definitive diagnosis.
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Ovarian Torsion: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Confirms that ovarian torsion, often due to cysts, causes severe pain and is a medical emergency.
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“Torsion” means to twist, and this is exactly what your ovary does if you have ovarian torsion. Most people with this condition have large cysts that cause an ovary to twist. Without emergency care, the twisting can stop blood flow to the ovary, causing the tissue to die. Get to an ER immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms of ovarian torsion. ... , ovarian torsion can sometimes block blood flow to the ovary, causing the tissue to die. ... Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency where one of your ovaries twists on the tissues supporting it. Your ovaries are oval-shaped glands located on both sides of your uterus. They release eggs during your reproductive years and make hormones that control your menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They’re held in place by bands of tissue (ligaments) suspended in your pelvic cavity. ... The twisting can cut off the blood supply to the affected ovary, causing sudden, severe abdominal pain. Without emergency care, the tissue in your ovary may die, causing you to lose that ovary. ... The main symptom of ovarian torsion is sudden, severe abdominal pain. It’s frustrating because abdominal pain is a defining symptom of many conditions —and not all of them require an emergency room visit. But when it comes to ovarian torsion, getting to an ER quickly can save your ovary. ... - Moderate to severe pain in your lower belly. - Nausea and vomiting. ... Everyone experiences pain differently. This can make it hard to know whether the pain you’re experiencing is a medical emergency like ovarian torsion or something else. Usually, people describe the pain associated with ovarian torsion as moderate to severe, not mild. In other words, it’s hard to miss. ... - Sharp and stabbing (more common) or dull and crampy. - Located throughout your lower belly (most common) or only on the side of the affected ovary (usually your right side). - Isolated to just your lower belly or radiating (spreading) to your thighs, sides (flank) and lower back. - Constant (common) or intermittent (uncommon). Although it’s uncommon, ovarian torsion symptoms can be intermittent, which means the pain comes and goes. Sometimes, the ovary will twist and then untwist. The twisting cuts off blood flow, causing pain. When the ovary untwists and regains access to blood, the pain may go away. The back and forth can feel confusing. Even if your pain is intermittent, you need to see a healthcare provider for treatment if you’re experiencing ovarian torsion. ... Ovarian torsion happens when something upsets the balance that allows your ovary to stay in place. A growth, like an ovarian cyst (especially a large one), can add extra weight to your ovary, causing it to shift or twist on the ligament holding it. Although it’s less common, cancerous tumors or other solid masses on your ovary can shift the weight, too, and cause torsion. ... Most people with ovarian torsion get treated and don’t experience complications. Without emergency care, though, the lack of blood flow to your ovary can cause the tissue to die. You can still get pregnant with one ovary, but studies have shown that having an ovary removed because of ovarian torsion can decrease your chances of pregnancy. ... A transvaginal ultrasound can usually detect ovarian torsion because it’ll show no blood flow to your ovary. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis, though, is for a surgeon to see the twisted ovary inside your body. Often, they use a procedure called laparoscopy to examine your ovaries directly. If they see ovarian torsion during the laparoscopy, they can treat it right away during the same procedure. ... Surgeons treat ovarian torsion by untwisting the ovary. They may also remove cysts that may be involved (ovarian cystectomy). Usually, they’ll be able to save your ovary. ... Get to an emergency room (ER) immediately if you’re experiencing unexplained pain in your lower abdomen — especially if you already know you have a mass (like an ovarian cyst) that increases your risk of ovarian torsion. Experts don’t know how long it takes for tissue to die once the ovary twists and symptoms start. This is why it’s essential to err on the safe side. The sooner you see a provider and they diagnose the torsion, the better. ... But there’s no way to know if this is what’s causing your pain without an official diagnosis. And time is of the essence. Don’t wait if you’re experiencing symptoms. Get to an ER ASAP. ... But you should never assume ovarian ... will resolve on its own. It’s too serious of a condition to leave to chance ... you’re experiencing symptoms. ... It can feel both frustrating and scary to experience a symptom like abdominal pain that may indicate something minor — or a medical emergency that requires care ASAP. When it comes to ovarian torsion, there’s no way to know that the source of pain is a twisted ovary until your provider diagnoses you. Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware they have a (usually harmless) condition, like an ovarian cyst, that’s a risk factor for ovarian torsion. Don’t chance it. If you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain, get checked out immediately. Fast action can save your ovary. It can even save your life.
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Ovarian torsion: determining the presenting features and where the delays occur - The New Zealand Medical Journal
States that ovarian torsion is a gynecological emergency with severe pain, often linked to cysts.
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Ovarian torsion is a gynaecological emergency caused by the twisting of the ovary around its supporting ligaments, causing ischaemia and, ultimately, necrosis. Ovarian torsion management is time-critical, as delays are more likely to result in necrosis and a subsequent decrease in fertility. ... Ovarian torsion is a gynaecological emergency caused by the twisting of the ovary around its supporting ligaments, causing ischaemia and, ultimately, necrosis. 1,2 Ovarian torsion management is time-critical, as delays are more likely to result in necrosis and a subsequent decrease in fertility. Patients with ovarian torsion are most commonly of reproductive age and present with acute unilateral pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting and ovarian masses greater than 5cm. 3,4 Symptoms of fever and peritonism are less common according to the literature; however, it remains a widespread misconception that ovarian torsion must present with severe signs. 3–5 This can result in misdiagnosis and delays in treatment in those with mild pain or intermittent symptoms. 5 Clinically diagnosing ovarian torsion is challenging, as its common features align similarly with numerous surgical diagnoses like appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancies and nephrolithiasis, 6 delaying management. Treatment of ovarian torsion is surgical and includes ovary-sparing procedures, including detorsion, +/- cystectomy or oophorectomy. 1 The choice of procedure is largely influenced by the presumed viability of the ovary determined by direct visualisation. 1 ... During the 24 months, there were 45 cases of ovarian torsion at a New Zealand tertiary hospital. The patient characteristics and the prevalence of the main symptoms reported among the case and control groups are shown in Table 1 and 2. For patients presenting with torsion, the most common procedure performed was an oophorectomy, at 57.8%. This is similar to audits at other hospitals, with oophorectomy rates between 47–64.3%. 7–9 The most common presentation was a premenopausal woman experiencing acute unilateral lower abdominal pain with nausea, vomiting and concurrent ovarian cysts. This is consistent with the standard “textbook” presentation of ovarian torsion. ... Pelvic ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic imaging modality due to its lack of radiation, non-invasiveness and cost-effectiveness compared with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 10 However, ultrasound findings can be variable, and though doppler increases sensitivity, the absence of blood flow is a relatively late sign. 11 Therefore, the presence of arterial perfusion should not rule out torsion. 12 Due to the non-specific presentation, CT scans are often the initial imaging performed. CT findings can be utilised to make a diagnosis, with retrospective studies showing twisted pedicles and ovarian masses are strong positive predictive findings for ovarian torsion. 13 However, 66.6% of patients who initially received a CT scan underwent a further pelvic ultrasound to necessitate diagnosis anyway. Recent radiographic literature identifies a need for better familiarisation of the CT signs of ovarian torsion, such that a diagnosis may be made upon the first scan. 14 ... Identification of torsion is challenging due to its non-specific presentation. Future guidelines should increase awareness and serve to educate clinicians about the severity of ovarian torsion. Twenty-eight hours from triage to theatre is far too long of a delay to treat a condition where the loss of an organ is involved and thus should take priority over other acute cases. Furthermore, the risk of torsion in women with pre-existing ovarian cysts must be emphasised to all clinicians, as they are at greater risk of developing torsion while more likely to experience delays. Perhaps new clinical guidelines targeted at gynaecology and emergency clinicians can be of benefit. Clinical guidelines should reflect the variability in clinical features to prevent tunnel vision in diagnosis and to dismantle stringent expectations of how torsion should present. The prime example is peritonism, which is a relatively rare finding, and pain of acute onset, which may not always be the case due to intermittent torsion. Another suggestion could be to upskill junior gynaecology trainees to use bedside ultrasound in the diagnostic process, which could identify large ovarian cysts sooner than a formal pelvic ultrasound or CT. A proven example of successful education was from the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA), which implemented one such programme that over a 10-year period more than halved the rate of salpingo-oophorectomy and encouraged ovarian conservation procedures. 16 ... , signs of peri-ovarian inflammation and torted pedicles. 13 The inability of CT to demonstrate blood flow does put it at a disadvantage to ultrasound. However, the absence of arterial flow is usually only a late sign, 11 and there is a lack of consistency among studies on how common this is, with some showing it is absent in a majority of patients while in others only a minority show an absence of ovarian perfusion. 17,18 Further research that looks at patients who were transferred to theatre solely after a CT scan could be insightful in showing the sensitivities of CT findings and to see if this expedites management and improves outcomes. Another suggestion is that the general surgery/ED team could consider ordering a pre-emptive ultrasound alongside referring to gynaecology. This would remove the need for gynaecology to re-see the patient before booking the ... For patients presenting with ovarian torsion, the most common symptoms were unilateral abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, as well as the presence of ovarian cysts on imaging, either CT or ultrasound scan (USS). The majority of the patients presenting to a tertiary New Zealand hospital in this 2-year period underwent an oophorectomy, with delays in management largely arising from initial presentation to diagnostic pelvic ultrasound and diagnosis to theatre. These delays resulted in an average time from initial presentation to theatre that was comparably longer than other tertiary centres in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. 7–9,15 ... Although the study is limited in its sample size and would likely benefit from further longitudinal analysis that captures more patients, we recommend the development and implementation of guidelines that improve torsion recognition and expedite both imaging and surgery to reduce oophorectomy rates. Furthermore, women presenting with symptomatic ovarian cysts should be counselled on the risk of future torsion and advised to seek urgent acute medical attention for changes in symptoms to reduce the risk of oophorectomy. ... Forty-five women had ovarian torsion, and 42 were premenopausal. Common presenting features included abdominal pain (100%), ovarian cysts (97.8%), nausea (82%) and vomiting (51%). Peritonism was rare (13.3%). Oophorectomy was performed in 26 cases (57.8%). Rates of oophorectomy increased with increasing time from symptom onset until presentation. The time from presentation until surgery (average of 28 hours) was longer than other tertiary centres, with delays largely arising from triage to ultrasound, and then while awaiting access to theatre. ... Improving torsion recognition and expediting both imaging and surgery should reduce oophorectomy rates. Women presenting with symptomatic ovarian cysts without torsion should be adequately counselled on the risk of future torsion events and encouraged to seek acute medical attention for changes in symptoms. Additionally, more study is needed to determine if relying on computed tomography (CT) findings alone (e.g., presence of ovarian cysts more than 5cm) in the presence of symptoms suggestive of ovarian torsion can reduce time to diagnosis and improve surgical outcomes, compared to the commonly used CT followed by ultrasound.
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Adnexal Torsion - Gynecology and Obstetrics - Merck Manual Professional Edition
Describes adnexal torsion as causing severe pain and being a common gynecologic emergency.
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Adnexal torsion is twisting of the ovary and sometimes the fallopian tube, interrupting the arterial supply and causing ischemia. Symptoms include severe pelvic pain, often with nausea and vomiting. Diagnosis is clinical and with transvaginal ultrasound. Treatment is usually laparoscopic surgery. ... Adnexal torsion is one of the most common gynecologic emergencies, occurring most often during reproductive years. It usually occurs when the ovary is enlarged because of a mass or other problem. Prolonged ischemia can cause loss of ovarian function or damage to the fallopian tube. ... Adnexal torsion causes sudden, severe pelvic pain and usually nausea and vomiting. For days or occasionally weeks before the sudden pain, some women have intermittent, colicky pain, presumably resulting from intermittent torsion that spontaneously resolves. The pain may be localized to the side with the torsion or may be diffuse. Tachycardia, fever, abdominal tenderness, and peritoneal signs may be present. During pelvic examination, cervical motion tenderness and a unilateral tender adnexal mass are typically present. Pain may be out proportion to examination findings. Peritoneal signs, if present, typically develop later in the course. ... Adnexal torsion is suspected based on typical symptoms (ie, intermittent, severe pelvic pain, usually with nausea and vomiting) and unexplained peritoneal signs plus severe cervical motion tenderness or an adnexal mass. Other common causes of pelvic pain (eg, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease) should be ruled out. ... transvaginal ultrasound that shows an enlarged ovary ... mass. Color Doppler ultrasound ... shows decreased or absent blood flow in ... If adnexal torsion is suspected, exploratory surgery is done immediately. The presence of a twisted ovary confirms the diagnosis. ... If adnexal torsion is suspected, laparoscopy (or rarely laparotomy) is done immediately especially in a woman of reproductive age, to confirm the diagnosis and to attempt to salvage the ovary and fallopian tube by detorsing (untwisting) them and restoring perfusion. Salpingo-oophorectomy is required for nonviable or necrotic tissue. ... - Adnexal torsion of the ovary and/or fallopian tube is a common gynecologic emergency; it usually occurs when the ovary is enlarged because of a mass or other problem. - Torsion causes sudden, severe pelvic pain and sometimes nausea and vomiting; it may be preceded by days or occasionally weeks of intermittent, colicky pain, presumably resulting from intermittent torsion. - Suspect adnexal torsion based on symptoms, pelvic tenderness during examination, and Doppler transvaginal ultrasound with decreased or absent blood flow; follow immediately with exploratory surgery to confirm the diagnosis and treat it. - If adnexal torsion is diagnosed, immediately attempt to salvage the ovary and fallopian tube by untwisting them via laparoscopy or laparotomy; if nonviable or necrotic tissue or an ovarian cyst or mass is present, surgical removal (salpingo-oophorectomy, cystectomy) is required.
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17 causes of pelvic pain in women - Healthshots
Does not provide specific information on ovarian torsion or cysts.
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17 causes of pelvic pain in women Healthshots
Endometriosis: Less common but possible;
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Bladder Endometriosis: Diagnostic, Therapy, and Outcome of a Single-Center Experience
Source 1 states that endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, indicating it is less common but possible.
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Background/Objectives: Endometriosis is a benign condition affecting up to 10% of women at reproductive age. The urinary tract is affected in 0.3–12.0% of women with endometriosis and in 19.0–53.0% of women with deep infiltrating endometriosis. The bladder is the most commonly affected organ in the urinary tract. Bladder endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometriosis lesions in the detrusor muscle, with partial or complete thickness involvement. Methods: This was a retrospective study. The study analyzed surgical reports of 11,714 patients who underwent endometriosis laparoscopy, and included only 42 patients with bladder endometriosis. Results: We found that 0.35% of patients with endometriosis had bladder endometriosis. In total, 29 patients underwent phone follow-up. In total, 26 patients (90%) reported a general improvement in their symptoms (e.g., improving the dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain), with a 100% improvement in their dysuria. Only two patients (7%) reported no change in symptoms (dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia). Conclusions: Gynecologists can perform laparoscopic surgical treatment of bladder endometriosis in most cases. If ureteroneocystostomy is required or the localization of the endometriosis nodule is unfavorable, an intervention by an interdisciplinary team is recommended. Both laparoscopic partial bladder resection and shaving can be considered effective methods with low complication risk. This surgical approach requires excellent laparoscopic skills. ... Endometriosis is defined as a disease characterized by the presence of endometrium-like epithelium and/or stroma outside the endometrium and myometrium, usually with an associated inflammatory process. The pathogenesis of endometriosis is largely unknown. Endometriosis is likely a hereditary chronic condition with an unidentified route of inheritance [1,2]. The epidemiology of endometriosis is poorly known, and the current evidence does not enable definite conclusions [3]. For investigation of the true prevalence, a surgical diagnosis is required [4]. However, estimates suggest that up to 10% of women of reproductive age—or 190 million women worldwide—suffer from endometriosis. Women who are asymptomatic have a prevalence of 2 to 11%. The prevalence of endometriosis in infertile women is 25–50% [5]. Hospitalized women with pelvic pain have a prevalence of endometriosis of up to 21%. The prevalence of endometriosis among symptomatic adolescents varies from 49% for those with chronic pelvic pain to 75% for those with pain that is unresponsive to medical treatment [6]. We can divide endometriosis into three main types: superficial peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, and deep infiltrating endometriosis [7]. If the infiltration of the peritoneum is more than 5 mm, it is defined as deep infiltrated endometriosis [8]. This form of endometriosis is considered the most severe. In total, 1% of women in reproductive age have deep infiltrating endometriosis [7]. One of the most common organ systems affected by endometriosis is the urinary tract. The prevalence ranges from 0.3 to 12% in all women with endometriosis and 19–53% in women with deep infiltrated endometriosis [9,10,11]. The bladder is the most common localization of urinary tract endometriosis, with a prevalence of up to 80% of cases, followed by the ureters, with an incidence of 9–23% [9,12]. Bladder endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometriosis lesions in the detrusor muscle, with partial or complete thickness involvement [13]. However, in the majority of cases, the mucosa is not involved [14]. If endometriosis lesions are located in the bladder peritoneum without infiltrating the bladder muscle, they should be classified as peritoneal endometriosis rather than bladder endometriosis [13]. Bladder endometriosis can cause a variety of typical symptoms, such as suprapubic pain with polyuria (41%), dysuria (21%), hematuria (up to 19%), and recurrent urinary tract infections [15,16]. However, patients with endometriosis of the urinary tract can also have common symptoms, such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and non-cyclical pelvic pain [15]. The #ENZIAN classification assigns “FB” to bladder endometriosis [17]. Two theories can explain the origin of bladder endometriosis: primary or spontaneous and secondary. The primary theory explains two possible ways to develop bladder endometriosis. The first is the implantation of transtubally regurgitated menstrual endometrium on peritoneal surfaces and the development of adhesions [16,18]. The second is the metaplasia of anterior adenomyosis [19,20]. The secondary theory says that bladder endometriosis occurs when the bladder is injured by uterine surgeries such as hysterectomy, fibroid enucleation, or cesarean section and endometrial cells get into the bladder [21]. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the results of our center’s diagnosis and treatment of bladder endometriosis, a condition that, despite its rarity, warrants accurate diagnosis and particularly effective therapeutic treatment. ... Bladder endometriosis is a rare condition. However, if patients have bladder symptoms in the absence of urinary infection, this diagnosis should be considered [16]. The literature estimates the prevalence of urinary tract endometriosis in all patients with endometriosis at 0.3–12%, with the bladder being the most common localization [9,10]. It is to be highlighted that the “true” bladder endometriosis means the involvement of the bladder muscle, with or without infiltration of the mucosa, and not the affection only of the bladder peritoneum or uterovesical fold [13,30]. Khazali et al. evaluated 1160 patients with endometriosis in a very recent study. The study revealed a 6% prevalence of bladder endometriosis [31]. The present study estimated the prevalence of bladder endometriosis to be 0.35%, which is significantly lower than the recent data. However, the authors of this paper believe that the data from the present study would more accurately reflect the true prevalence of bladder endometriosis, for the following reasons. (1) We evaluated a large number of patients (11,714 patients) with endometriosis. (2) All patients underwent a laparoscopy, and endometriosis was confirmed histologically. (3) We investigated all patients with diagnosed endometriosis, regardless of the type (peritoneal, deep infiltrating, or cystic endometriosis). ... these theories (Table 2). The third theory, known as secondary, posits that the origin of bladder endometriosis can be traced back to damage to the bladder during surgery on the uterus, specifically the opening of the cavity. As a result, endometrial cells might directly affect the bladder wall [21]. Interestingly, only 1 patient out of the 42 included in the present study had no further endometriosis lesions, except for bladder endometriosis and adenomyosis. The medical history of this patient included a cesarean section. However, regarding the secondary theory, due to the absence of evidence, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when making such claims. These observations indicate that there is still a need for further ... This analysis demonstrated that gynecologists could perform laparoscopic surgical treatment of bladder endometriosis. However, we recommend an intervention by an interdisciplinary team, including a gynecologist and a urologist, if a ureteroneocystostomy is required or the localization of an endometriosis nodule is unfavorable. Laparoscopic partial bladder resection and shaving seem to be appropriate methods for improving urinary symptoms, with a low rate of intra- and postoperative complications even in patients with large endometriosis nodules. However, it is important to consider potential complications like bleeding, pollakiuria, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder healing, or suture leak. This surgical approach requires excellent laparoscopic skills.
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Endometriosis and the Urinary Tract: From Diagnosis to Surgical Treatment
Source 2 mentions that endometriosis affects up to 10% of women, supporting the claim that it is less common but possible.
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The prevalence of UTE in the general female-born population remains unclear, since around 50% of women with UTE may be asymptomatic [6]. UTE most commonly affects the bladder [7]. The prevalence of UTE, from studies done in Europe, is estimated to range from 0.3 to 12% of all people affected by endometriosis and about 20–52.6% of women with deep endometriosis (DE) [8,9]. The urinary system is the second most common site of extrapelvic endometriosis after the gastrointestinal tract [10]. The prevalence of disease at specific sites among women with UTE is as follows: bladder, 85%; ureter, 10%; kidney, 4%; and urethra, 2% [5]. ... General theories of endometriosis etiology include retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, spread of endometrium-derived stem/progenitor cells, and altered genetic/epigenetic or immune factors [13]. Additionally, in some women UTE appears to be iatrogenic; bladder endometriosis may be more prevalent amongst women with previous Caesarean section(s) [14]. Certain anatomic structures of the female pelvis are thought to provide secluded peritoneal pockets that provide protection to the ectopic endometrial-like cells from the regular peritoneal clearance mechanisms, allowing those cells to implant, invade, and proliferate [15]. This sanctuary effect may explain why women with retroverted uteruses are less prone to develop bladder endometriosis, or why ureteral endometriosis is more common on the left side [16]. ... Endometriosis is a complex and highly variable disease that still challenges medical practice. It is estimated that UTE affects up to 1% of women with pelvic endometriosis (most commonly bladder endometriosis), but its prevalence is as high as 20–50% for women with DE [6]. It is increasingly recognized that endometriosis is a multiorgan and systemic inflammatory disease that necessitates interdisciplinary care. The success of multidisciplinary teams in cancer care should encourage their uptake in benign but chronic conditions such as endometriosis [3].
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03
Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis
Source 3 confirms that endometriosis affects up to 10% of reproductive-age women, aligning with the claim.
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Endometriosis affects up to 10% of all reproductive-age women, and affects approximately 35-50% of women with pelvic pain and infertility (1). It can manifest as deeply infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) or superficial lesions of the peritoneum and serosa. Endometriosis predominantly affects the pelvic reproductive organs, but can also be found in non-reproductive organs, known as extragenital endometriosis. The most common site of extragenital endometriosis is the gastrointestinal and urinary tract (2). Gastrointestinal endometriosis is found in 3.8-37% (3,4) of women with a known diagnosis of endometriosis, and urinary tract endometriosis is found in 1-6% of these women (2). The wide range reported in the literature is likely due in part to the difficulty in diagnosis of this enigmatic disease. ... 4) Bladder endometriosis is found less commonly in women with a retroverted uteruses, potentially due to the larger space for endometrial cells to disseminate rather than implant on the bladder (11). ... The most common sites of urinary tract endometriosis are the bladder, ureter, and kidneys, with a ratio of 40:5:1, respectively (67,68,69). Ureteral endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose because it is asymptomatic in over 50% of patients (70,71,72). This can be dangerous because it can cause silent kidney loss if it results in ureteral stricture and obstruction (71,72). If symptoms are present, patients usually present with the usual symptoms of pelvic endometriosis: dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, dyspareunia. Few present with specific urinary tract symptoms (e.g., flank or abdominal pain, dysuria, hematuria) (70). Ureteral endometriosis can be divided into extrinsic or intrinsic disease. Extrinsic, or superficial disease, is 4-5 times more common than intrinsic disease (68,70,73). It is caused by superficial endometriosis of the serosa of the ureter that compresses the ureter from fibrosis of the overlying peritoneum (Figure 4). It may also be caused by a large endometrioma adherent to the pelvic sidewall causing compression of the ureter. Intrinsic disease invades deeply into the ureteral wall, muscularis, or mucosa, and requires pathologic confirmation (Figure 5). It accounts for 20% of ureteral endometriosis. It is more commonly symptomatic with some patients reporting cyclic flank pain, but still less than 15% of patients will present with cyclic hematuria (70). ... usually symptomatic. Patients may ... suprapubic pain, urinary urgency and ... Fortunately, it ... usually associated with less morbidity compared with ureteral endometriosis. However, ... the ureteral orifice and causes obstruction ... hydroureter ... hydronephrosis ... the ureteral orifice, which ... DIE is defined as the presence of endometriosis lesions more than 5 mm below the peritoneal surface. DIE is commonly found in the posterior cul-de-sac, the most dependent location for menstrual blood to collect. DIE behaves differently compared with superficial peritoneal endometriosis and has been found to express a higher level of invasive mechanisms such as matrix metalloproteinases and activins (88), which allow it to resist the suppressive effects of peritoneal fluid (89,90). An Allen-Masters peritoneal defect may act as a pathway for DIE in rectovaginal endometriosis. Physical exam findings may be particularly helpful at the time of menstruation when lesions may be more inflamed, tender, and palpable. Findings may include palpable nodules or thickening of the uterosacral ligaments, uterus, vagina, or rectovaginal septum (21). The presence of palpable nodules on rectovaginal exam indicates likely DIE and should prompt an evaluation for gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis because these are more commonly found in patients with coexisting DIE (68). Transvaginal ultrasound is the initial imaging of choice for the diagnosis of DIE. A meta-analysis by the IDEA group showed transvaginal sonography had a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of uterosacral, rectovaginal, vaginal, and bladder endometriosis (75). Renal ultrasound is also recommended in cases of DIE to evaluate for hydroureter/hydronephrosis. Much like gastrointestinal or genitourinary endometriosis, medical treatment of DIE is often ineffective and temporary - symptoms tend to recur once therapy is discontinued (7). ... Extragenital endometriosis is relatively rare, but may be more common than many realize due to its difficulty in diagnosis. Thus, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the patient for gastrointestinal and genitourinary endometriosis, especially if DIE is present on physical exam. When advanced stage disease is suspected, imaging with ultrasonography, MRI, or i.v pyelogram is necessary. Ultrasound is sufficiently sensitive for diagnosis of pelvic DIE and bladder endometriosis; however, MRI or i.v pyelogram is often needed to evaluate the intestines or ureter. Alternatively, a kidney ultrasound is indicated in cases of suspected genitourinary endometriosis to look for hydroureter or hydronephrosis. For gastrointestinal endometriosis, medical management should be tried first due to the risk of postoperative complications associated with injury to the nervus plexi supplying the lower rectum. Surgery should be considered as a second-line treatment only if medical management fails, and a conservative approach with shaving excision is preferred over disc or segmental excision when indicated. The recommended surgical approach depends largely on the patient’s symptoms, the location of disease, and the size and depth of the lesion. Nerve-sparing surgery, such as the Tokyo method, Kockel or LANN technique have been suggested to reduce the risk of nerve damage and subsequent complications, resulting in bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction. VALRA is recommended over laparotomy owing to the numerous advantages of laparoscopy, such as less postoperative pain, lower blood loss, less adhesion formation, magnification of lesions, and faster postoperative recovery. For ureteral endometriosis, complete surgical excision is preferred due to the permanent and serious sequelae of silent kidney failure associated with disease progression to ureteral stricture and obstruction. For bladder endometriosis, a trial of medical therapy may be appropriate if the patient is symptomatic because bladder endometriosis is not associated with kidney failure unless the lesion is located near the ureteral orifice and is causing obstruction. Medical management is usually temporary, less effective, and best used pre-operatively to reduce the disease burden, if the patient is unsuitable for surgery, or for post-operative hormonal suppression. Surgical excision and complete removal of lesions has the additional advantage of preventing malignant transformation because endometriosis has been associated with clear cell and endometrioid ovarian cancer.
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04
Endometriosis guideline : extra genital endometriosis
Source 4 indicates that urinary tract endometriosis is found in 1-4% of women with pelvic endometriosis, supporting the claim of it being less common but possible.
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menorrho ... tenesmus ... Urinary tract endometriosis Urinary tract endometriosis is found in 1-4% of women with pelvic endometriosis, 80-90% of these are on the bladder and the rest are ureteral endometriosis. Endometriosis of the kidney is extremely rare (Jubanyik and Comite 1997). Ureteral endometriosis is of particular importance as it may cause obstruction and functional loss of a kidney without causing symptoms (i.e. silent kidney). The majority of ureteral endometriosis lesions are extrinsic, lesions within the wall of the ureters are less common. The symptoms of bladder endometriosis include cyclical suprapubic pain, dysuria, frequency and haematuria. Ureteral endometriosis is mostly asymptomatic but may cause low back pain, haematuria and recurrent urinary tract infections. Pelvic and abdominal ultrason ... MRI, intravenous urography ... biopsy are helpful investigations used for the diagnosis of bladder endometriosis (Jubanyik ... Comite 1997 ... If rectovaginal endometriosis is diagnosed on physical examination ... , sonography of the kidney or an intravenous pyel ... is of use to diagnose or exclude ureteral obstruction. If ureteral obstruction is diagnosed renography is indicated to diagnose loss of kidney function. Surgical treatment of bladder endometriosis is usually in the form of excision of the lesion and primary closure of the bladder wall. Ureteral lesions may be excised after stenting the ureter, however in the presence of intrinsic lesions or significant obstruction segmental excision with end-to-end anastomosis or reimplantation may be necessary. When surgery is not possible medical treatment options may also be used.
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Urinary tract endometriosis: Systematic review
Source 5 states that endometriosis affects approximately 10%–15% of women of reproductive age, supporting the claim.
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A total of 137 studies were included. Bladder endometriosis was the ... (80%–85%), ... involvement (9%–23%). ... the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis ... oscopy, was associated with favorable ... and lower recurrence rates. ... Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic condition that affects approximately 10%–15% of women of reproductive age and up to 3%–5% of postmenopausal women, 1– 5 often leading to debilitating pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. 6 Although endometriosis most commonly involves the pelvic peritoneum and ovaries, it can also infiltrate other organ systems. One of the most underdiagnosed and potentially harmful manifestations is urinary tract endometriosis (UE), which involves the bladder, ureters, kidneys, or urethra. 7, 8 UE accounts for an estimated 0.3%–12% of all endometriosis cases and up to 19%–53% of cases involving deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). 9, 10 The bladder is the most frequently affected site, followed by the ureter, while renal and urethral involvement is rare. 11– 25 UE can present with nonspecific urinary symptoms, mimic other urological conditions, or remain entirely asymptomatic, 26– 41 placing patients at risk for delayed diagnosis and irreversible complications such as hydronephrosis or renal failure. 35, 37, 38, 41– 51 ... Bladder endometriosis should be considered in patients with irritative urological symptoms such as dysuria, hematuria, frequency, urgency, hesitancy, urinary tract infection, bladder spasm, suprapubic discomfort, and pelvic mass, with aggravation of symptoms during menstruation. 7, 57, 58 The most common symptoms in bladder endometriosis were dysuria, urinary frequency, and hematuria, with reported frequency up to 72%, 47%, and 43% respectively. 29, 30, 32, 35, 40, 41, 59– 61 Vercellini et al. reported perimenstrual urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria in 95% of patients with bladder endometriosis. 62 Ureteral endometriosis can be clinically asymptomatic (50%) or present with pelvic pain, back pain, abdominal pain, 63 infertility, urinary frequency, dysuria, recurrent urinary tract infection, 64 hematuria, silent or progressive obstructive uropathy, and hypertension with advanced hydronephrosis. Hematuria and dysuria are the most common symptoms, with reported frequency up to 47% and 42%. 36, 37, 39, 40, 45, 47, 48 Prevalence of UTI and pyelonephritis has been reported to be 25%–35%, 39, 40, 48 and prevalence of hydronephrosis has been reported to be 5.3%–100% 35, 37, 38, 41, 43– 51 with up to 30% developing acute renal failure. 2, 7, 65– 67 Abdominal pain and flank pain were commonly seen in the studies reviewed in patients with ureteral endometriosis. ... UE remains a rare but significant manifestation of deep infiltrating endometriosis. This systematic review synthesizes existing evidence on the epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for UE. Bladder and ureteral endometriosis are the most prevalent forms, while renal and urethral involvement is rare and often under-recognized. MRI and transvaginal ultrasound represent the most accurate imaging modalities, and cystoscopy remains essential for evaluating bladder lesions. Definitive treatment often requires minimally invasive surgical excision, with robotic-assisted laparoscopy showing promising outcomes in recurrence reduction and fertility preservation.
pain worsens around periods.
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Exploring Pelvic Symptom Dynamics in Relation to the Menstrual Cycle: Implications for Clinical Assessment and Management
The source discusses the escalation of pelvic pain during menstruation, highlighting that symptoms often worsen around periods.
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of the menstrual cycle (MC) on 477 women’s pelvic symptoms (aged 16–63 years), stratified by athletic status. This ad hoc instrument ... Concerning the daily symptoms reported by the participants and their correlation with medical diagnoses, several relationships emerged. Among the participants, 68.6% had at least one pelvic symptom, with 74.6% undiagnosed and 25.4% diagnosed. Of the 2.7% who experienced FI symptoms, 61.5% lacked a diagnosis. Similarly, 54.8% of the 8.8% of participants with gas incontinence were undiagnosed. Among the participants, 24.9% had daily diarrhea, with 71.4% being undiagnosed. For the 20.8% of participants with constipation, 63.6% were undiagnosed compared to 36.4% who were diagnosed. Urge incontinence occurred in 13.2% of participants, with 58.7% undiagnosed. Additionally, 41.3% of participants experienced pelvic pain, which was diagnosed in 26.9% and undiagnosed in 73.1%. Regarding dyspareunia, 23.3% of participants reported this, which was diagnosed in 56.8% and undiagnosed in 43.2%. For UI, 13.2% of participants were affected, with 41.7% diagnosed and 58.3% undiagnosed. The median underdiagnosis rate for daily pelvic symptoms was 67.6% (Table 1). ... The analysis of symptom patterns in relation to the MC revealed a diverse landscape among the participants. A notable portion reported distinct experiences of symptom occurrence or escalation across different menstrual phases. The majority, comprising 41.3% of participants, reported heightened symptoms during the initial days of their menstrual period. Preceding menstruation, 38.8% experienced the onset or intensification of symptoms. A smaller subset, 12.2% of participants, reported consistent symptom experiences throughout their entire MC, while 7.3% mentioned no noticeable increase in symptoms correlated with menstruation. ... The following analysis investigated the relationship between experiencing at least one pelvic symptom, and each of them individually, in relation to an escalation of these symptoms during menstruation. Statistically significant results revealed that an escalation of symptoms during menstruation increases the likelihood of having any pelvic symptom by a factor of 4.00 compared to not experiencing such an escalation (OR = 4.00, 95% CI = [2.71, 5.96], p-value < 0.001). Similarly, an escalation in symptoms during menstruation raises the risk of experiencing gas incontinence by a factor of 4.79 compared to not having such an escalation (OR = 4.79, 95% CI = [2.12, 12.84], p-value = 0.001). Furthermore, an increase in symptoms during menstruation multiplies the risk of urinary urgency in daily life by 3.14 (OR = 3.14, 95% CI = [1.70, 6.18], p-value < 0.001). Likewise, an escalation of symptoms during menstruation elevates the risk of pelvic pain by 11.29 compared to not having such an escalation (OR = 11.29, 95% CI = [7.07, 18.67], p-value < 0.001). Similarly, experiencing an increase in symptoms during menstruation multiplies the risk of vaginal heaviness sensation by 2.31 (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = [1.44, 3.81], p-value = 0.001). Analogously, an escalation of symptoms during menstruation increases the risk of pain during sexual relations by 2.93 (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = [1.83, 4.83], p-value < 0.001). Additionally, an escalation of symptoms during menstruation raises the risk of diarrhea by 4.61 (OR = 4.61, 95% CI = [2.81, 7.90], p-value < 0.001). Finally, experiencing an increase in symptoms during menstruation multiplies the risk of constipation by 4.48 compared to not having such an escalation (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = [2.62, 8.07], p-value < 0.001) (Figure 2). ... Analysis concerning the MC revealed that a significant number of participants reported increased symptoms in the days leading up to and during menstruation. These findings emphasized the relevance of the early menstrual phase in relation to symptom exacerbation. Several authors have compared exercise performance between the early follicular phase and a combined assessment of all other phases (late follicular, ovulation, early luteal, middle luteal, and late luteal). Their findings suggest a potential minor decrease in exercise performance during the early follicular phase of the MC when compared to the collective performance across all other phases [23,30]. These variations in symptom patterns underscore the significance of recognizing individual differences when assessing and treating pelvic dysfunction symptoms in women. It underscores the need to employ individualized approaches that evaluate the dynamics of each woman’s symptoms in relation to her MC. The results highlight the differential influence of various pelvic symptoms on exacerbation during menstruation. However, not all symptoms analyzed in this study seem to be equally affected by the MC, exhibiting varying degrees of influence. Some presented a clear association and tendency toward worsening symptomatology linked to menstruation, while in others, this relationship was not observed as clearly. Therefore, these findings underscore the importance of considering the specific nature and impact of each type of pelvic symptom in the clinical management and treatment strategy for said conditions. A careful analysis of how they manifest and exacerbate in the context of the MC could optimize the diagnosis, control, and therapy of pelvic problems in women, especially those that show a closer interaction with hormonal variation or other factors associated with menstruation. Considering these nuanced differences in symptom presentation could facilitate improved decisions for comprehensive management. Gynecological diseases are heavily associated with dysregulated steroid hormones and can induce chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), dyspareunia, heavy bleeding, and infertility, which substantially impact the quality of women’s lives. Because the MC repeatably occurs during reproductive ages with dynamic changes and remodeling of reproductive-related tissues, these alterations can accumulate and induce chronic and recurrent conditions [31]. Among all the symptoms documented in this study, patients experiencing pelvic pain exhibit the highest likelihood of increased pain during menstruation. Hellman et al. propose that cramping pain might result from a combination of uterine pressure and hemodynamic dysfunction [32]. This could be associated with pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), a common cause of chronic pelvic pain in women of reproductive age or to the existence of chronic pelvic pain itself. Notably, approximately 10–20% of gynecological consultations are due to complaints of chronic pelvic pain, and only 40% of them are referred for evaluation by a specialist [33]. Furthermore, the participants in this study present endometriosis as the second symptom worsening with menstruation, which coincides with previous research, such as the study by Vercellini et al. in which they showed that women with endometriosis had a significantly higher rate of abnormal menstrual scores (dysmenorrhea, flow duration, cycle length) than those without the disease [34]. Similarly, Sachedina A. et al. noted that endometriosis worsens with continued menstruation and advised patients on menstrual suppression until pregnancy is desired [22]. Patients affected by endometriosis may commonly exhibit classic symptoms of dysmenorrhea (80%), dyspareunia (30%), dysuria, and dyschezia [35]. This evaluation partly elucidates why, in this study, everyday pelvic pain and endometriosis were significantly linked to increased symptoms during menstruation. ... A significant association was observed between the exacerbation of various pelvic symptoms and the early menstrual phase, emphasizing the importance of considering the MC in their clinical management. Not all analyzed symptoms showed a clear link with menstruation, highlighting the necessity for individualized approaches depending on the type of symptom and its interaction with hormonal factors.
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Overview: Period pain - InformedHealth.org - NCBI Bookshelf
The source describes dysmenorrhea, where pain worsens during menstrual periods, supporting the claim.
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Many girls and women have problems like abdominal cramps and pain during their menstrual period. The medical term for painful periods is “dysmenorrhea.” Severe menstrual symptoms can usually be treated effectively. If you have very painful periods or the pain keeps getting worse over time, it can be a good idea to speak to your gynecologist. The abdominal pain is sometimes caused by a treatable condition such as endometriosis. ... Lots of women experience abdominal cramps and pain during their period, and sometimes nausea and headaches, too. The symptoms can be so severe that normal daily activities are no longer possible. ... Period pain might only affect the lower abdomen, or it might be felt in the back or legs, too. It can cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in some women, as well as headaches or general discomfort. Women who have heavier periods often have more intense pain too. ... Doctors distinguish between two types of period pain, called primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is where the period pain is caused by the womb muscle contractions alone. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins play an important role here. They cause the muscles in the womb to tighten, helping to shed the lining of the womb. Women who have primary dysmenorrhea probably make too many prostaglandins or might be particularly sensitive to them. Primary dysmenorrhea is more common in women under the age of 30 and women with heavy periods. It can run in families, and stress can play a role too. Period pain that is caused by something other than the muscle contractions is called secondary dysmenorrhea. Benign (non-cancerous) growths in the womb, such as fibroids or polyps, are often responsible for secondary dysmenorrhea. Severe period pain can also be a symptom of endometriosis. The tissue lining the womb then also grows in the abdomen outside of the womb. Sometimes contraceptive coils (IUDs: intrauterine devices) used for birth control can also cause secondary dysmenorrhea. ... Period pain is very common: most girls and women have pain of varying intensity at some point during their period. In 1 out of 10 women the pain is so bad that they're unable to carry out their usual daily activities on one to three days every month. The pain is usually worse in women under the age of 20. It usually gets better or even goes away completely within a few years of their first period. In many women period pain becomes milder after the birth of their first child. ... often first arises after a young woman ... . Here, ... pain at times ... other than during ... Women and girls get a lot of (sometimes contradictory) advice from doctors and other women. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen are effective. These belong to a group of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). They can relieve period pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Although NSAIDs are usually well tolerated, side effects can occur, especially stomach problems. ... Menstrual symptoms are not always taken seriously, sometimes not even by doctors. Lots of women also think that they just have to put up with the pain because it is “part of life as a woman,” and try to hide it as much as possible. But severe pain that affects your everyday activities on several days a month, maybe even preventing you from working, isn't something that you just have to live with because it's “natural.” Talking to people close to you about your symptoms, getting medical advice and looking for suitable treatment can all be important steps towards being able to cope with the symptoms better.
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Pelvic Pain: Causes, Symptoms, And When To Seek Care - Acibadem Hospitals Group
The source mentions that pelvic pain can worsen around periods, aligning with the claim.
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Pelvic pain may be sudden or long-lasting and can have urinary, digestive, gynecologic, urologic, musculoskeletal, or nerve-related causes. The pattern of pain matters, including whether it is one-sided, linked to periods, associated with urination or bowel movements, or worsened by movement or sex. ... A useful way to think about pelvic pain is by its pattern rather than by one single disease. Pain may be linked to menstruation, urination, bowel movements, sexual activity, exercise, or posture. Noticing these clues can help a doctor decide whether the pain is more likely to be gynecologic, urologic, digestive, musculoskeletal, or nerve-related. ... Pelvic pain may be constant or intermittent. Some people describe cramping similar to menstrual pain, while others notice a stabbing pain on one side, pressure deep in the pelvis, or aching that spreads to the lower back, groin, buttocks, or thighs. Chronic pelvic pain often affects daily activities, sleep, mood, and concentration. Associated symptoms can help narrow the cause. Urinary symptoms such as burning, urgency, frequent urination, or blood in the urine may suggest a bladder or urinary tract problem. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or pain with bowel movements can point toward the digestive tract. Vaginal bleeding outside normal periods, unusual discharge, or pain during sex may suggest a gynecologic cause. ... - Pain that worsens around periods or ovulation - One-sided lower pelvic pain - Pain during pregnancy - Pain with fever, chills, or vomiting - Pain that gets worse when walking, lifting, or changing position - Pain linked to urination or bowel movements ... Pelvic pain has many possible causes, and it is not limited to gynecologic conditions. In women, pain may come from menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, or pregnancy-related problems. In men, pelvic pain may be linked to prostatitis, urinary infection, bladder issues, or referred pain from nearby muscles and nerves. In any adult, kidney stones, appendicitis, hernias, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and pelvic floor dysfunction are also possible causes. ... Diagnosis begins with a careful history. A doctor usually asks where the pain is, when it started, whether it is constant or cyclical, what makes it worse or better, and whether there are urinary, bowel, menstrual, sexual, or pregnancy-related symptoms. They may also ask about surgeries, infections, medications, and family history. ... There is no single treatment for pelvic pain because the symptom can come from many different conditions. Short-term pain relief may be used while the cause is being investigated, but lasting improvement usually depends on treating the underlying problem. This may involve antibiotics for infection, hydration and observation for some stones, hormonal treatment for menstrual-related causes, bowel management for constipation, or targeted therapy for chronic conditions. ... Not all pelvic pain can be prevented, but some steps may reduce flare-ups or support earlier diagnosis. Good hydration, timely treatment of urinary symptoms, bowel regularity, safer sex practices, and avoiding prolonged straining can lower the risk of certain causes. For people with recurrent symptoms, a symptom diary can be especially useful. A simple diary can include the date, time, pain intensity, exact location, relation to periods, urination, bowel movements, sex, exercise, and any foods or stressors that seem to trigger symptoms. This kind of record often reveals patterns that are hard to notice in everyday life and can make medical appointments more productive. ... Pelvic pain should be assessed promptly if it is severe, sudden, or clearly different from usual cramps or previous episodes. Immediate medical attention is especially important when pain occurs with fainting, dizziness, fever, heavy vaginal bleeding, vomiting, a rigid abdomen, blood in the urine, or inability to pass urine or stool.
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Dysmenorrhea - Gynecology and Obstetrics - Merck Manual Professional Edition
The source details dysmenorrhea, noting that pain peaks during menstruation, supporting the claim.
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Dysmenorrhea is uterine pain around the time of menses. Pain may occur with menses or precede menses by 1 to 3 days. Pain tends to peak 24 hours after onset of menses and subside after 2 to 3 days. It is often crampy or a dull constant ache but may be sharp or throbbing; it may radiate to the back or legs. Headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, lower back pain, and urinary frequency are commonly associated with dysmenorrhea; vomiting occurs occasionally. ... Primary dysmenorrhea typically begins within a year after menarche and occurs almost invariably in ovulatory cycles. The pain usually begins when menses start (or just before) and persists for the first 1 to 2 days; this pain, described as spasmodic, is superimposed over constant lower abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back or thigh. Patients may also have malaise, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low back pain, or headache. ... - Early age at menarche - Long or heavy menstrual periods - ... iparity - Age ... 30 - Depression, anxiety, or high levels of stress - Cigarette smoking - Excessive alcohol use - A family history of dysmenorrhea ... - The age at which symptoms began - Their nature and severity - Factors that relieve or worsen symptoms (including the effects of contraceptives) - Degree of disruption of daily life - Effect on sexual activity - Presence of pelvic pain unrelated to menses - Response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - History of dyspareunia or infertility (associated with endometriosis) ... If pain is bothersome, NSAIDs (which relieve pain and inhibit prostaglandins) are typically tried. NSAIDs are usually started 24 to 48 hours before and continued until 1 or 2 days after menses begin. There is little evidence for superiority of any individual NSAID for pain relief or safety and no evidence that COX-2 specific inhibitors are more effective (1). ... reducing both blood ... menses (3 ... - Dysmenorrhea is uterine pain around the time of menses. Pain may occur with menses or precede menses by 1 to 3 days. - Most cases of dysmenorrhea are primary (idiopathic).
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Endometriosis Is More Than Just ‘Painful Periods’ - Yale Medicine
The source title suggests a focus on endometriosis but lacks detailed content to evaluate the claim.
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Endometriosis Is More Than Just ‘Painful Periods’ Yale Medicine
If sexually active, ectopic pregnancy is a serious possibility, though less typical at this age.
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Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition for sexually active women of childbearing age.
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Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. Prompt recognition of this condition is essential, as in the United States, approximately 1% to 2% of pregnancies are affected, and an estimated 2.7% of pregnancy-related deaths are caused by ectopic pregnancy rupture. Risk factors include pelvic inflammatory disease, smoking, prior ectopic pregnancy, fallopian tube surgery, and infertility. Symptoms typically include lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, particularly if intrauterine pregnancy has not been confirmed. ... Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, a condition that affects approximately 1% to 2% of pregnancies in the United States. Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition and accounts for 2.7% of pregnancy-related deaths.[1] Most ectopic pregnancies (approximately 97%) occur within the fallopian tube, commonly linked to underlying fallopian tube abnormalities.[2][3] Such abnormalities may result from prior infections (eg, gonorrhea or chlamydia), tubal surgeries (including sterilization), prior ectopic pregnancies, or exposure to diethylstilbestrol in utero. Additional risk factors include conception while using intrauterine devices (IUDs) or progesterone-only contraceptives.[1][4] ... Advanced maternal age: Women older than 35 have a higher risk ... Ectopic pregnancies within the adnexa typically present with variable pain that typically starts as colicky abdominal or pelvic discomfort, often localized to one side, though clinicians should be aware that not all ectopic pregnancies have this characteristic presentation. For tubal ectopic pregnancies, as the fallopian tube distends, the pain may become more generalized if rupture and hemoperitoneum occur. Additional symptoms can include dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting, shoulder pain, urinary symptoms, or rectal pressure.[1] Therefore, women of childbearing age presenting with these symptoms should be evaluated.[6] Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies can range from asymptomatic presentations during routine obstetrical ultrasound to uterine rupture.[5] Clinicians should also identify the patient's last menstrual period and whether they have monthly routine menstrual periods. A missed last period, abnormal uterine bleeding, or sexual activity are suggestive of a possible pregnancy and, therefore, are also indications for further testing with a pregnancy test.[6] Risk factors for ectopic pregnancy should also be obtained in the clinical history.[13] ... Deterrence ... patient education play a crucial role in reducing ... pregnancy. Patients ... pelvic inflammatory disease ... prior ectopic pregnancy ... tubal surgery ... infertility treatments, ... Clinicians should also counsel patients on modifiable risk factors, eg, smoking cessation and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through safe sexual practices, as these can reduce the risk of tubal damage and future ectopic pregnancies. Patients undergoing fertility treatments or with known tubal abnormalities should be closely monitored in early pregnancy with serial β-hCG measurements and transvaginal ultrasounds to detect an ectopic pregnancy before rupture occurs. Providing emotional support and resources, including counseling services, can also help patients cope with the psychological impact of an ectopic pregnancy and any associated fertility concerns. ... Effective management of ectopic pregnancy requires a well-coordinated, interprofessional approach to ensure accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, and optimal patient outcomes. When a woman presents to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of an ectopic pregnancy, the healthcare team—including nurses, emergency physicians, obstetricians, advanced practitioners, and pharmacists—must work collectively to provide efficient, patient-centered care. Nurses play a critical role in the initial assessment by recognizing key symptoms and ensuring prompt evaluation by a physician. It is the responsibility of the clinician to consider ectopic pregnancy in any sexually active woman of childbearing age presenting with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. Evidence-based tools can enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce unnecessary testing or delays in care. By incorporating standardized protocols and leveraging clinical decision-making models, healthcare teams can improve efficiency and enhance patient safety.
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Ectopic Pregnancy - Gynecology and Obstetrics - Merck Manual Professional Edition
Confirms ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition for women of reproductive age.
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Ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of a pregnancy in a site other than the endometrial lining of the uterine cavity—ie, in the fallopian tube, uterine cornua, cervix, ovary, or abdominal or pelvic cavity. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition for a pregnant woman; such pregnancies cannot be carried to term and eventually rupture or involute. Early symptoms and signs include pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. Hemorrhagic shock can occur with rupture. Diagnosis is by measurement of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin and ultrasonography. Treatment is with laparoscopic or open surgical resection or with methotrexate. ... Ectopic pregnancy can cause life-threatening hemorrhage, and if it is suspected, the patient should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible. Incidence of ectopic pregnancy is approximately 2/100 diagnosed pregnancies (1). Patients with possible ectopic pregnancy or other cause of early pregnancy failure often present with symptoms early in pregnancy, when ultrasonography is not able to confirm the anatomic location or viability of the pregnancy. Therefore, these pregnancies are referred to as pregnancy of unknown location. ... - History of pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infections (particularly due to Chlamydia trachomatis) - Infertility - Cigarette smoking ... Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy vary and may be absent until rupture occurs. Most patients have pelvic pain (which can be dull, sharp, or crampy), vaginal bleeding, or both. Patients who have irregular menses may not be aware that they are pregnant. ... Cervical motion tenderness, unilateral or bilateral adnexal tenderness, or an adnexal mass may be present. Pelvic examination should be done carefully because excessive pressure may rupture the pregnancy. The uterus may be slightly enlarged (but often less than anticipated based on date of the last menstrual period). ... - Quantitative serum beta– human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) ... Ectopic pregnancy is suspected in any female patient of reproductive age with pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or unexplained syncope or hemorrhagic shock, regardless of menstrual, contraceptive, and sexual history. Findings of physical (including pelvic) examination are neither sensitive nor specific. ... - Suspect ectopic pregnancy in any female patient of reproductive age with pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or unexplained syncope or hemorrhagic shock, regardless of menstrual, contraceptive, and sexual history and examination findings. The first step in diagnosis is a urine pregnancy test, which is approximately 99% sensitive for pregnancy (ectopic and otherwise). If urine beta-hCG is negative and if clinical findings do not strongly suggest ectopic pregnancy, further evaluation is unnecessary unless symptoms recur or worsen. If urine beta-hCG is positive or if clinical findings strongly suggest ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy may be too early to detect based on urine beta-hCG, quantitative serum beta-hCG and pelvic ultrasonography should be done. ... If the beta-hCG level is below ... discriminatory zone and ultrasonography is unremarkable ... intrauterine pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. If clinical evaluation suggests ectopic pregnancy with active bleeding or rupture (eg, signs of significant hemorrhage or peritoneal irritation ... diagnostic laparoscopy may be ... for diagnosis and treatment. ... | Ectopic pregnancy ... | Urinary tract infection | Suprapubic discomfort, often with bladder symptoms (eg, burning, frequency, urgency) Sometimes, fever, chills, and/or flank pain (risk of pyelonephritis is increased in pregnancy) | Urinalysis and culture Consider complete blood count and blood culture if concern for systemic infection | ... - Symptoms can include pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding in a pregnant woman, but the woman may not be aware she is pregnant and symptoms may be absent until rupture occurs, sometimes with catastrophic results. - Suspect ectopic pregnancy in any female of reproductive age with pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or unexplained syncope or hemorrhagic shock. - If a urine pregnancy test is positive or clinical findings suggest ectopic pregnancy, determine quantitative serum beta-hCG and do pelvic ultrasonography.
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Chapter 14 – Acute Pelvic Pain and Other Gynaecological Emergencies – Family Planning NSW
Ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency for women of reproductive age.
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Gynaecological emergencies may present with acute severe pelvic pain or heavy vaginal bleeding, and may be associated with hypovolaemic or septic shock. Causes can include ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubo-ovarian abscess, post-partum sepsis or haemorrhage, or post-operative infection or haemorrhage.(1) The key points in management are to ensure hemodynamic stability, instituting emergency resuscitation measures where indicated and to rapidly distinguish between pregnancy-related causes, gynaecological disorders and non-reproductive tract causes. It is important to remember that early pregnancy complications and loss not only represent potential medical emergencies but may also be very distressing for a patient and their partner. ... All women of reproductive age presenting with pelvic pain and/or vaginal bleeding should be assumed to be pregnant until proven otherwise. ... ectopic pregnancy pregnancy of unknown location miscarriage red degeneration of fibroid (where a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and undergoes necrosis) ... DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS TYPICAL PRESENTATION FINDINGS THAT SUPPORT THE DIAGNOSIS DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Ectopic Pregnancy Pelvic pain and/or bleeding in the first trimester (typically 6 to 8 weeks) Pain may localise to one side Positive pregnancy test Empty uterus on ultrasound Ectopic pregnancy identified on imaging and/or laparoscopy Appendicitis Acute onset (hours to days) Migration of pain from peri umbilicus to RIF Systemic symptoms present: anorexia, nausea, vomiting Migration of pain from umbilicus to right iliac fossa Onset of pain not associated with menses McBurney’s point site of maximal tenderness Appendicitis confirmed on imaging, laparoscopic and/or histological findings Ovarian cyst complications (rupture/ ... Onset days to weeks and Appendicitis: usually presents with right iliac fossa pain and systemic features which may include fever, anorexia and vomiting. Pain may commence at the umbilicus before migrating to the right iliac fossa.(3) Adnexal tenderness may be present on pelvic examination.(15) Computed tomography (CT) scan has a higher sensitivity and specificity than ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.(15) Definitive diagnosis is made at the time of surgery. Prompt referral to hospital is recommended if appendicitis is suspected. Diverticulitis: an important differential, especially in patients aged over 40, and typically presents with left sided pain with or without associated rectal bleeding. CT scan may show changes associated with diverticular disease.(15) In some cases, abscess formation and bowel perforation can occur. Urinary tract pathology including infection or renal calculi. Acute gynaecological emergencies may present with bleeding and subsequent hypovolaemic shock. Severe bleeding and shock require management and resuscitation in an emergency setting. Treatment primarily involves identification of the source and control of bleeding, reversal of possible coagulopathy, and administration of adequate fluids and blood products to maintain normal tissue perfusion.(18) Prompt physical examination including assessment of vital signs, vaginal and pelvic examination and rapid bedside ultrasound in the emergency setting are important management tools. A pregnancy test should be performed in all patients of reproductive age presenting with bleeding. ... may include: miscarriage or threatened miscarriage gestational trophoblastic disease ectopic pregnancy complication of termination of pregnancy anovulatory bleeding vaginal trauma uterine fibroids gynaecological malignancy antepartum or postpartum haemorrhage ... PID and tubo-ovarian abscess – severe PID may involve peritonitis, tubo-ovarian abscess and sepsis. Tubo-ovarian abscess may occur in up to one-third of patients admitted with PID.(23) Pelvic ultrasound has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of tubo-ovarian abscess.(23) These appear as multiloculated complex masses with internal debris, septations, irregular thick walls and increased vascularity. They are often bilateral and tender to probe pressure.(15) It is thought that 60-80 per cent of tubo-ovarian abscesses can be managed conservatively with analgesia, intravenous fluids and parenteral antibiotics, however those with abscess rupture, peritonitis and sepsis require urgent surgical management and delay can be fatal.(23) Septic abortion – refers to an abortion or miscarriage accompanied by an intrauterine infection. Septic abortion is less common in women with spontaneous miscarriage compared with termination of pregnancy. Whilst rare, it can be severe and life threatening. Management includes assessment for haemodynamic stability, administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and surgical evacuation of any retained products of conception.(24) Bartholins abscess – this is a perineal abscess that ... Wound infection Wound dehiscence may indicate infection and require return to theatre Pelvic collection – requires imaging if suspected and may warrant return to theatre Ureteric/bladder injury – the incidence of urinary tract injury ranges from 0.05 per cent to 8.3 per cent for laparoscopy. Bladder injury is more common than ureteric injury, with the latter more commonly missed at the time of surgery.(28) Post-operative urinary symptoms require urgent review. Bladder or ureteric injury requires urgent surgical management. Post-instrumentation PID – any instrumentation of the uterus (e.g. IUD insertion, hysteroscopy, dilatation and curettage) may result in post instrumentation PID within 4-6 weeks of the procedure. Intestinal injury – only 30-50 per cent of intestinal injuries are recognised at the time of surgery; the remainder may take up to 30 days after surgery to present depending on the site and type of injury. Symptoms may be subtle and include abdominal distension, low grade fever, diarrhoea with few peritoneal signs. Others may
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Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) | STI Guidelines Australia
Mentions ectopic pregnancy as a differential diagnosis but does not address age-related typicality.
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- A syndrome comprising a spectrum of inflammatory disorders of the upper genital tract, including any combination of endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess and pelvic peritonitis. - Clinical presentation varies widely in both severity and symptomatology. - Long term sequalae include tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain. - Prompt treatment is essential to minimise long-term sequelae. ... | Signs and Symptoms | Considerations | | --- | --- | | Abdominal and Pelvic pain | Typically bilateral, may worsen with movement and may localise to one side Pain may refer to right upper quadrant Peritonism may be present | | Dyspareunia | Deep | | Vaginal/cervical discharge | Blood stained or mucopurulent discharge | | Cervicitis | Inflammation, bleeding or mucopurulent discharge seen on speculum examination | | Abnormal Bimanual examination | Cervical motion tenderness on cervical movement | | Vaginal bleeding | Intermenstrual, postcoital and heavy menstrual bleeding | | Fever, nausea, vomiting | Indicate severe infection. Absence of these symptoms does not exclude a diagnosis of PID | ... - Examination is important to make an accurate diagnosis and assess severity. - New onset of pelvic pain among sexually active people < 30 years is highly predictive of PID (with exclusion of surgical emergencies). - Risks include: new sexual partner, partner with STI or symptoms of an STI, recent uterine instrumentation (e.g. IUD insertion, surgical abortion). - Exclude other causes of acute pelvic and abdominal pain e.g. ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis. - The presence of an STI supports the diagnosis; however in 70% of cases no organism is detected. ... - All people with a uterus of reproductive age with new onset pelvic or lower abdominal pain should have the following investigations: - Urine pregnancy test and, if positive, arrange urgent pelvic ultrasound (exclude ectopic pregnancy) - Testing for STIs with endocervical swab - Urinalysis – the presence of nitrites, blood or leucocytes plus prominent symptoms of dysuria and frequency makes a urinary tract infection (UTI) a possible differential diagnosis. - Pelvic ... is useful to detect ... causes of pain, if the diagnosis is uncertain. In PID, the pelvic ultrasound may be normal or may show indicators of pelvic inflammation ... dilated fallopian ... +/- free fluid. Transvaginal ultrasound is preferred. ... - Consider removal of IUD if no response to treatment within 48-72 hours. Balance decision with risk of pregnancy and consider oral emergency contraception. ... - clinically unwell including unstable vital signs, or pain not able to be managed in an outpatient setting - diagnosis uncertain - a surgical emergency cannot be excluded - suspicion or definitive diagnosis of a pelvic abscess - severe illness or a lack of response to outpatient management in 48 – 72 hours - intolerance to oral therapy - pregnancy - homeless or unstable accommodation. ... | Situation | Recommended | | --- | --- | | Complicated infection such as People with immunosuppression due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) | Seek specialist advice | | Pregnancy | If pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid doxycycline and use azithromycin regimen i.e. for mild-to-moderate infection: Ceftriaxone 500 mg in 2 mL of 1% lignocaine IMI, or 500 mg IV, stat. PLUS Metronidazole 400 mg PO, BD for 14 days PLUS Azithromycin 1 g PO, stat PLUS Azithromycin 1 g PO, stat, 1 week later | | Allergy to principal treatment choice | Seek specialist advice |
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Cramps But No Period: What Are the Possible Causes? - HealthCentral
Does not provide relevant information on ectopic pregnancy.
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Cramps But No Period: What Are the Possible Causes? HealthCentral
Urinary Urinary tract infection (UTI): Burning when peeing, frequent urge, cloudy urine, and lower abdominal discomfort.
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Urinary Tract Infections | UTI | UTI Symptoms | MedlinePlus
Confirms burning when urinating, frequent urge, cloudy urine, and lower abdominal discomfort as UTI symptoms.
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The urinary system is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have a UTI if you notice: - Pain or burning when you urinate - Fever, tiredness, or shakiness - An urge to urinate often - Pressure in your lower belly - Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish - Pain in your back or side below the ribs People of any age or sex can get UTIs. But about four times as many women get UTIs as men. You're also at higher risk if you have diabetes, need a tube to drain your bladder, or have a spinal cord injury. If you think you have a UTI it is important to see your doctor. Your doctor can tell if you have a UTI with a urine test. Treatment is with antibiotics. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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Leaflets to discuss or use with patients: UTI Leaflet - Women Under 65 - web version | RCGP Learning
Lists burning pain when peeing, frequency, urgency, cloudy urine, and suprapubic pain as UTI symptoms.
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## For women under 65 years with suspected lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) or lower recurrent UTIs (cystitis or urethritis) ... Key signs and symptoms - Dysuria: Burning pain when peeing - New nocturia: Needing to pee in the night - Cloudy urine: Pee looks cloudy ... - Frequency: Peeing more often than usual - Urgency: Feeling the need to pee immediately - Haematuria: Blood in your urine - Suprapubic pain: Pain in your lower tummy ... ### If you are not pregnant If you have none, or only one of, dysuria, new nocturia or cloudy urine, or you have a vaginal discharge (on its own or with any of the above): ... - a UTI is much less likely; - you may need a urine test to check for a UTI - antibiotics are less likely to help; and - the infection will usually last 5 to 7 days ... - Self-care and pain relief - symptoms may get better on their own ... self-care and pain relief. Start antibiotics if your symptoms: - get worse, or do not get a little better with self-care within 48 hours If you have 2 or more of dysuria, new nocturia, cloudy urine or bacteria in your urine and no vaginal discharge: ... - a UTI is more likely and antibiotics should help - you should start to improve within 48 hours - symptoms usually last 3 days - Immediate treatment with antibiotics, plus self-care - If your symptoms are mild, start delayed or backup treatment with antibiotics, plus self-care ... - Stop bacteria spreading from your bowel into your bladder. Wipe from front (vagina) to back (bottom) after using the toilet - Avoid waiting to go to the toilet. Pee as soon as you need to - Go for a pee after having sex to flush out any bacteria that may be near the opening to the urethra - Wash the external vagina area with water before and after sex to wash away any bacteria that may be near the opening to the urethra - Drink enough fluids to make sure you pee regularly throughout the day, ... during hot weather ... UTIs are caused by bacteria getting into your urethra or bladder, usually from your gut. Infections may occur in different parts of the urinary tract. ... for a pee all
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10 Possible Reasons for White Tissue in Urine - HealthCentral
Related topic, but excerpt is not about the same subject named in the claim.
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10 Possible Reasons for White Tissue in Urine HealthCentral
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10 cancer symptoms women shouldn't ignore - UT MD Anderson
Related topic, but excerpt is not about the same subject named in the claim.
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10 cancer symptoms women shouldn't ignore UT MD Anderson
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Urinating and Diabetes: What to Know - Everyday Health
Related topic, but excerpt is not about the same subject named in the claim.
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Urinating and Diabetes: What to Know Everyday Health
Kidney stones: Sharp pain that may radiate to the back or groin, sometimes with blood in urine.
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Acute Renal Colic - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Describes sharp pain radiating to the groin and mentions hematuria associated with kidney stones.
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Acute renal colic is a severe and sudden flank pain primarily caused by ureteral calculi obstructing the urinary tract. The pain typically originates at the costovertebral angle and radiates anteriorly and inferiorly toward the groin or testicle. Ureteral stones, which can occur anywhere along the path between the kidneys and the bladder, are the leading cause of this condition. Contributing factors to urolithiasis include aciduria, low urine volume, urinary infections, hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, hyperuricosuria, and hypocitraturia. Initial evaluation of acute renal colic involves detailed history-taking, physical examination, laboratory testing, urinalysis, and imaging studies. Appropriate imaging studies include ultrasonography with resistive index, a plain abdominal x-ray of the kidney, ureter, and bladder, and unenhanced (non-contrast) computed tomography scans. ... Acute renal colic is a severe and sudden flank pain that typically originates at the costovertebral angle and extends anteriorly and inferiorly toward the groin or testicle. This condition is usually caused by an acute urinary tract obstruction due to calculus and is often associated with nausea and vomiting. ... The intensity of pain is related to the degree of obstruction, rather than the size of the stone, although stone size can help predict the likelihood of spontaneous passage. Although kidney stones are not the only cause of flank pain, their prevalence and the severity of the pain they cause make ureterolithiasis the most likely presumptive diagnosis when sudden, severe flank pain occurs, particularly when associated with hematuria. ... inadequate hydration, ... hypercalciuria ... As a kidney stone moves through the renal collecting system, it can significantly disrupt urine flow in the genitourinary tract by causing either constant or intermittent obstruction and hydronephrosis of the ureter. This leads to urine backing up into the kidney, ureteral dilation, pyelolymphatic backflow, and stretching of the renal capsule, which triggers pain by releasing prostaglandins. ... Patients with renal colic typically present with an acute onset of flank pain radiating inferiolaterally to the lower abdomen, groin, or testicle. They often describe a dull, constant discomfort, which is interspersed with colicky episodes of intense, sharp pain. The constant discomfort is usually due to the stretching of the renal capsule from obstruction, while the colicky pain results from peristalsis of the ureteral smooth muscle. Many patients report associated nausea or vomiting, and most (85%) will exhibit gross or microscopic hematuria. As the kidney stone moves distally toward the bladder, the patient may experience increasing lower urinary tract symptoms, such as dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, or difficulty urinating. ... Urinalysis reveals microscopic or ... hematuria in 85 ... stone patients and should also be assessed for crystalluria, pH levels, and signs of infection (such as white blood cells [WBCs] and bacteria). A urinary pH greater than 7.5 may suggest a urease-producing bacterial infection, while a pH below 5.5 may indicate the presence of uric acid calculi. If there are signs of infection, a urine culture should be obtained. Please see StatPearls' companion resources, " Uric Acid Nephrolithiasis" and " Struvite and Triple Phosphate Renal Calculi," for more information ... Pregnancy can complicate the diagnosis and management of renal colic. The pressure from the gravid uterus on surrounding structures can alter the flow of urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder. Additionally, pregnant patients may excrete higher levels of calcium in their urine.[110] Ultrasound is the preferred first-line study for evaluating renal colic in pregnancy, as it poses no risk of ionizing radiation. However, the results may be nondiagnostic or equivocal.[56] Options for management include conservative measures and observation, low-dose CT imaging, magnetic resonance urography, or ureteroscopic surgery. Ureteroscopic surgery can be safely performed in pregnant patients with urolithiasis, with good outcomes and a negative ureteroscopy rate of only 14%.[57][69][70][71] ... kidney stones during pregnancy should have close obstetrical follow-up, as those admitted for renal colic are ... to a ... preterm labor. ... to maternal dehydration ... nausea and vomiting.[114]
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Flank Pain - Clinical Methods - NCBI Bookshelf
Mentions pain radiating to the groin and hematuria as common symptoms of ureteral stones.
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Flank pain is a sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony in the part of the body below the rib and above the ilium, generally beginning posteriorly or in the midaxillary line and resulting from the stimulation of specialized nerve endings upon distention of the ureter or renal capsule. Similar pain is sometimes caused by extraurinary abnormalities. Causes of flank pain are listed in Table 182.1. ... Flank pain that radiates to the ipsilateral testicle is usually caused by proximal ureteral or renal pelvic obstruction due to the common innervation of the testicle and the renal pelvis (T11–12). This pain usually originates in the posterior part of the flank and radiates to the testicle of the male or the labia of the female. The pain becomes lower and more anterior in the flank when the obstruction occurs in the middle third of the ureter. The pain is still lower, radiates to the scrotal skin (rather than the testicle), and is associated with voiding symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency when the obstruction occurs at the level of the ureterovesical junction. The degree of severity of the pain is directly related to the acuteness of the obstruction rather than the degree of obstruction. Therefore, a stone that passes into the ureter and suddenly becomes lodged in one position usually causes extremely severe pain. But flank pain can be very mild or absent in the presence of very severe but chronic obstruction. Mild and chronic flank pain associated with severe ureteral obstruction can produce irreversible renal damage. A stone passing through the ureter will often cause severe but intermittent pain. The intermittent pain is related to obstruction produced when the stone becomes lodged in the ureter. Therefore, each episode of pain is likely to be associated with a stone becoming lodged in a new and more distal position in the ureter. ... Gross or microscopic hematuria helps to confirm a urinary cause of the pain. Hematuria is occasionally absent with acute ureteral obstruction, however, and is often absent with chronic obstruction. Although ureteral stone is the most common cause of flank pain, many other causes should be considered (see Table 182.1). Flank pain resulting from acute ureteral obstruction can also be caused by blood clots or sloughed renal papillae passing through the ureter. Blood clots can be produced by many pathologic lesions of the kidney, tumors being the most common cause. Renal papillary necrosis should be considered in patients with a history of analgesic abuse or diabetes mellitus. Flank pain caused by chronic ureteral obstruction is generally much less severe. Occasionally, congenital anomalies such as ureteropelvic junction obstruction produce flank pain associated with a diuresis after oral intake of a large volume of fluid. Bilateral chronic ureteral obstruction or ureteral obstruction of a solitary kidney can be associated with symptoms of renal failure such as apathy, lethargy, anorexia, muscle twitching, headache, hypertension, and poor growth of a child. A dull or mild flank pain should make the clinician consider many possible causes including congenital ureteral obstruction, ureteral tumor or an extrinsic tumor compressing the ureter, acquired stricture of the ureter due to a previous operation or radiation therapy, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and a ureteral stone. ... Uncommon causes of flank pain include renal trauma, renal infarction, and vesicoureteral reflux even in the absence of ... . Renal infarction should be considered in patients ... atrial fibrillation or a recent myocardial infarction. Vesicoureteral reflux occasionally ... pain due to distention of the ureter and renal pelvis when the reflux occurs while voiding. A patient should be suspected of being an analgesic abuser when he or she presents with a history of acute severe flank pain, uric acid stones, previous reactions to contrast media, and a residence a great distance away. The physician should not be fooled by hematuria because narcotic addicts find ways to place blood in their urine specimens. Extraurinary diseases of the abdomen and chest can also cause flank pain. These diseases produce pain less characteristic of the typical "renal colic" seen with acute ureteral obstruction. Nevertheless, this vague, dull, mild flank pain is similar to the pain seen with chronic ureteral obstruction, making the differential diagnosis unclear. The correct diagnosis is made by thinking of all the diseases that have been discussed, considering the associated symptoms, physical examination, urinalysis, and performing carefully selected laboratory tests and radiographic studies. ... Flank pain originating in the ... system is caused by distention of the ureter or renal pelvis or distention of the renal capsule. The severity of the pain is directly related to the rapidity of the distention and not to the degree of distention. Therefore, a patient with acute distention of the ureter will have extremely severe pain. This patient usually has mild dilation of the ureter and no irreversible renal damage. However, a patient with a greatly dilated ureter and irreversible renal damage might have no pain or mild pain because the ureteral dilation has developed over a long period of time. ... Flank pain is the presenting symptom of many significant diseases of the urinary system. Ureteral obstruction should be recognized promptly, especially when it is associated with infection, in order to prevent renal damage. Progression of irreversible renal damage resulting from ureteral obstruction is related to many factors including the duration of obstruction, degree of obstruction, presence or absence of infection above the obstruction, preexisting renal function, status of the contralateral kidney, and age of ... obstructed kidney has a greater potential for recovery if the contralateral ... has diminished function; a younger patient
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Kidney stones - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Confirms sharp pain radiating to the groin and blood in urine as symptoms of kidney stones.
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Kidney stones form in the kidneys. Symptoms may start as stones move into the ureters. The ureters are thin tubes that let urine pass from the kidneys to the bladder. Symptoms of kidney stones can include serious pain, upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in the urine. ... If a kidney stone gets stuck in one of the ureters, it may block the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm. That can be very painful. At that point, you may have these ... - Serious, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs. - Pain that spreads to the lower stomach area and groin. - Pain that comes in waves and varies in how intense it feels. - Pain or a burning feeling while urinating. ... - Pain so bad that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position. - Pain along with upset stomach and vomiting. - Pain along with fever and chills. - Blood in your urine. - Trouble passing urine.
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Renal Colic: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Describes sharp pain radiating to the groin and hematuria as symptoms of renal colic caused by kidney stones.
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Renal colic is pain that occurs when a stone blocks your urinary tract. Medicines help with the pain until you address what’s causing it. You can pass small stones in pee, but you may need a procedure to remove a larger stone. You should seek emergency care if you have severe pain or signs of infection. ... form when minerals ... Renal colic usually happens because of a stone that blocks the flow of pee (urine). If a stone isn’t obstructing your urinary tract, it usually won’t cause symptoms, even if it’s large. But you should still see a urologist because you may need to have them remove it. ... Renal colic is intense flank pain on the affected side of your body, between your lower ribs and hip. This pain can radiate to your back, groin or lower belly (abdomen). You may have a dull pain that doesn’t stop. But you may also feel sharp pain off and on. ... - Pain when you pee (dysuria) - Blood in your pee (hematuria) - Cloudy urine - Urine changes, like stinky pee - Peeing more or less than usual or more often - Crystals in your urine - Fever - Chills ... Ureteral stones are the main cause of renal colic. If the stone restricts your flow of pee (urine), it can cause increased pressure and inflammation. ... source of renal colic depends on the type and size of stone you have. If you have a small urinary stone, you may be able to pass it when you pee. Your healthcare provider may ask you to pee through a strainer. This catches any urinary stone fragments so a lab can analyze them. ... If you don’t get rid of a kidney stone, it can make pee build up in your kidney or go other places it’s not supposed to go. It can also stretch out your ureter or the tissue around the outside of your kidney. When one of your kidneys can’t filter as much blood as usual, your other kidney works harder. ... If you develop flank pain that radiates to your groin, back or lower abdomen, schedule a visit with your provider. They can find out whether your pain is from renal colic or another condition. In many cases, your provider can give you medications that will quickly relieve pain from urinary stones. ... - You experience kidney colic that doesn’t improve - You have an infection with renal colic (fever, chills or other symptoms of infection) - You have renal colic with nausea and vomiting
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Nephrolithiasis Clinical Presentation: History, Physical Examination, Complications
Notes severe pain radiating to the groin and hematuria as typical symptoms of kidney stones.
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Patients with obstructive urinary calculi may report pain, infection, or hematuria. Small nonobstructing stones in the kidneys only occasionally cause symptoms. If present, symptoms are usually moderate and easily controlled. The passage of stones into the ureter ... proximal urinary tract dilation, and ... Acute onset of severe flank pain radiating to the groin, gross or microscopic hematuria, nausea, and vomiting not associated with an acute abdomen are symptoms that most likely indicate renal colic caused by an acute ureteral or renal pelvic obstruction from a calculus. Renal colic pain rarely, if ever, occurs without obstruction. ... Patients with stones obstructing the ureteropelvic junction may present with mild-to-severe deep flank pain without radiation to the groin, due to distention of the renal capsule. Stones impacted within the ureter cause abrupt, severe, colicky pain in the flank and ipsilateral lower abdomen with radiation to the testicles or the vulvar area. Intense nausea, with or without vomiting, usually is present. Pain from upper ureteral stones tends to radiate to the flank and lumbar areas. On the right side, this can be confused with cholecystitis or cholelithiasis; on the left, the differential ... include acute pancreatitis, ... ic ulcer disease, and gastritis. ... Distal ureteral stones cause pain that tends to radiate into the groin or testicle in the male or labia majora in the female because the pain is referred from the ilioinguinal or genitofemoral nerves. Stones lodged at the ureterovesical junction also may cause irritative voiding symptoms, such as urinary frequency and dysuria. If a stone is lodged in the intramural ureter, symptoms may appear similar to cystitis or urethritis. These symptoms include suprapubic pain, urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, stranguria, pain at the tip of the penis, and sometimes various bowel manifestations, such as diarrhea and tenesmus. These symptoms can be confused with pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cyst rupture, or torsion and menstrual pain in women. ... - Stones obstructing ureteropelvic junction: Mild to severe deep flank pain without radiation to the groin; irritative voiding symptoms (eg, frequency, dysuria); suprapubic pain, urinary frequency/urgency, dysuria, stranguria, bowel symptoms - Stones within ureter: Abrupt onset of severe, colicky pain in the flank and ipsilateral lower abdomen; radiation to testicles or vulvar area; intense nausea with or without vomiting - Upper ureteral stones: Pain radiates to flank or lumbar areas - Midureteral calculi: Pain radiates anteriorly and caudally - Distal ureteral stones: Pain radiates into groin or testicle (men) or labia majora (women) - Stones passed into bladder: Mostly asymptomatic; rarely, positional urinary retention ... The classic presentation for a patient with acute renal colic is the sudden onset of severe pain originating in the flank and radiating inferiorly and anteriorly. This pain can move to the upper or lower abdominal quadrant as a ureteral stone migrates distally. The pain is usually, but not always, associated with microscopic hematuria, nausea, and vomiting. Dramatic costovertebral angle tenderness is common However, the rest of the examination findings are often unremarkable. ... Approximately 85% of all patients with renal colic demonstrate at least microscopic hematuria, which means that 15% of all patients with kidney stones do not have hematuria. Lack of hematuria alone does not exclude the diagnosis of acute renal colic. Tachycardia and hypertension are relatively common in these cases, even in patients with no prior personal history of cardiac or blood pressure problems.