Abdominal Pain: Just Gas Or An Emergency?
(continued)

Ovarian Cysts:

Most ovarian cysts are benign and cause no symptoms.  There are many different types, but generally, they are simply fluid-filled sacs that grow on the outside of the ovaries.  Many cysts can be treated medically, often as simply as with birth control pills or other medication.  If you have ovarian cysts, ask your doctor how often you should be examined.  Some cysts, however, can bleed, leak, or rupture, causing a range in pain, usually on one side of the abdomen.  Rarely, a large cyst may cause the entire ovary to twist on itself called "ovarian torsion".  This cuts off the blood supply to the ovary, is very painful, and is a surgical emergency.  This condition can also be mimicked by a cyst that has its own stalk and twists upon itself.  In the first case, the ovary may need to be removed; in the latter case, the cyst itself may be removed.

Mittelschmerz:

Some women feel a mild or sharp pain in one side at mid-cycle when they are ovulating, or releasing an egg.  Once a woman is aware of this, it is not a cause of concern.  This is a common "scare" for teenagers, however, who may be experiencing this for the first time.

Ulcers:

An ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or small intestine.  The pain is generally recurrent, but may worsen over time.  They cause frequent bouts of upper, middle abdominal pain which worsen with movement.  Sudden agonizing pain in someone with a history of ulcers could indicate a ruptured ulcer.  This may cause internal bleeding and a stiffening of all the abdominal muscles-we call this "board-like rigidity".  This may be accompanied by vomiting, which may include blood.  The good news is that we now know that a common cause of ulcers is actually an infection, which is often successfully treated with oral antibiotics.   Other causes that predispose to ulcers include smoking, alcohol, excessive use of aspirin or  other pain medicines.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease:

Numerous bacteria can infect the lower female genital tract; the infections of greatest concern are those that we've labeled "sexually transmitted diseases" (STD's).  When these infections (most commonly chlamydia or gonorrhea) are not treated early, they can travel up the reproductive tract to the internal organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease or PID.  The symptoms can range in severity, but generally start with mild lower abdominal pain or pain with intercourse.  The pain increases in severity and is accompanied by a foul-smelling vaginal discharge and extreme abdominal tenderness.  These infections are generally treated with antibiotics but are preventable by practicing safe sex.

Created: 10/10/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.