HomeAnswersGeneral Surgerystomach crampsIs any surgery needed for painful stomach cramps?

I am having painful stomach cramps. Will I need any surgery?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Tim Evans

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 14, 2016
Reviewed AtMay 23, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am having really painful stomach cramps. I do not know whether it is a symptom of pregnancy. Will I need any surgery? Do I need a scan to see any damage to my stomach? I am suffering from constipation, headache, earache, and dizziness along with this.

Answered by Dr. Tim Evans

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are describing some very common symptoms. However, you also ask the question as to whether you are pregnant or not. This is the first and most important point to determine. This can easily be done in confidence either with an over-the-counter test from the supermarket or chemist or more preferably by your own GP. I would need to know how long you have been having these cramps and where in your stomach they occur either in the top or middle or bottom or left or right.

1. Do you get problems with sickness or diarrhea?

2. Do you pass any blood when you open your bowels? Do you have to strain hard to go to the toilet?

3. Do you have any problems with passing water such as stinging, burning and bleeding?

4. Do you have any problems with your monthly cycle? Is it regular or irregular? Is there any bleeding from down below when there should not be? Do you have any discharge or smelliness from down below?

5. Is there anything that might make these symptoms worse such as certain foods or time of the day?

6. Do you take any regular medications or drugs or alcohol? Do you drink lots of caffeine or coke?

7. Is there anyone in your family with any medical problems at a young age?

8. Have you lost or gained weight recently? Have you been under any extra stress recently while these symptoms?

9. Just to re-emphasize, the most important thing to determine is whether or not you are pregnant. I would certainly think it is safest to visit your GP and discuss your concerns with them.

I also think that even if you are not pregnant, you would benefit from seeing your GP or practice nurse.

The Probable causes

Unsure at present, but need to exclude ectopic pregnancy in the first instance.

Investigations to be done

Urinary beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) pregnancy test and urinalysis at GP practice.

Differential diagnosis

1. Ectopic gestation.

2. Gynecological pathology - such as ovarian cyst, retrograde menstruation.

3. Dyspepsia or reflux.

4. Cholelithiasis.

5. Irritable bowel syndrome.

Treatment plan

To see GP to exclude pregnancy and for advice on sex.

Regarding follow up

Revert back with the answers in detail.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Tim Evans

Dr. Tim Evans

General Practitioner

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