What can cause right pelvic pain during periods and intercourse in a 21-year-old girl?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 21-year-old girl, and for the past six to seven months, I have been experiencing sharp stabbing pain on my right side and occasionally in my pelvic area. During most months of my period, I endure excruciating pain. It is like, if one month I have heavy periods with slight back pain, the following month I experience extreme agony with very light periods. I also experience pain during sexual intercourse, and my sex drive has decreased.

I constantly feel bloated, nauseous, and full. Fatigue is a persistent issue, and I frequently feel the urge to urinate more than usual. In addition, I suffer from chronic constipation.

I also had significant weight loss and excessive hair loss. I have been diagnosed with anemia. Over the last 12 months, I have experienced urinary tract infections four to five times. And also two years ago, I was hospitalized for two weeks due to an inflamed small intestine for which I underwent a CAT scan, MRI, abdominal ultrasound, and X-ray.

I received treatment with steroids and antibiotics. I am concerned that I may have an ovarian cyst, and I would greatly appreciate your assistance in clarifying my condition and providing guidance.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. You have been experiencing these symptoms for six to seven months, so you should seek medical consultation at the earliest. However, based on your symptoms of pain during intercourse and pelvic pain, it suggests a possible gynecological issue such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cyst, or endometriosis. Among these, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease appears to be the most likely diagnosis. To determine the cause, I suggest you undergo the following investigation:

Complete blood count (CBC) with hemoglobin estimation and peripheral smear examination.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Pelvic examination with a speculum.
Pelvic ultrasound (USG).
Urine examination.
Postprandial two-hour blood sugar estimation.

I could only suggest further specific treatment based on the identified cause. In case of infection, I would suggest appropriate antibiotics. To address your anemia, I suggest you take tablets of Ferrous sulfate and poly-vitamins. I suggest you consult a gynecologist, talk with them, and take medications with their consent.

The gynecologist will conduct a thorough examination and consider these factors to provide appropriate treatment. If endometriosis is detected, the gynecologist may also prescribe hormonal pills if deemed necessary.

I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.