Ask a doctor on the topic of Gynecology

Complaints in the lower abdomen and vaginal area

July 24, 2014 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg

Good evening,

I kindly request that my question be answered exclusively by a specialist in gynecology.

I am reaching out to you with my concern because my gynecologist is already on the weekend and otherwise I would only have the option to go to the emergency clinic at the university hospital, which I really only want to visit in case of an emergency.

As mentioned above, I am experiencing discomfort in the lower abdomen/vaginal area. Last night, when I turned onto my stomach, I felt a slight pressure or pulling in the lower abdomen, but I fell back asleep in a different position immediately. This morning, I then had a slight pulling sensation in the lower abdomen - basically like mild period cramps - as well as a very strong burning sensation in the vagina. Since I occasionally have a yeast infection, I suspected that it could be one. I reached for Canesten Once. The burning sensation has since significantly decreased, it is now only very weak. However, the pulling sensation in the lower abdomen, more on the left side (appendix has been removed), is still noticeable, not throughout the whole day, but off and on, consistently for 2-3 hours, accompanied by a slightly bloated feeling.

I have never had such issues with a yeast infection before. I do not have pain when urinating, and I did not notice any discharge before using Canesten.

On Tuesday evening, after intercourse, I had a slight bloody discharge, but only very little and not lasting.

Furthermore, 3 weeks ago I had a gastrointestinal infection with bloody diarrhea, which has completely subsided for about 2 weeks now. What could this be and more importantly, what can I do?

Thank you!

Dr. med. Ralf Berg

Good evening,

based on your description, you are experiencing cramp-like pulling pains. These pains, especially given your medical history (intestinal infection) and the location (lower left abdomen), could also be coming from the intestines instead of the uterus. In the colon (medically known as the sigma), small protrusions (diverticula) can form over the course of life, which can become inflamed again after an intestinal infection. With intestinal cramps, a change in position can often provide temporary relief from the pain, as you described for yesterday.

Of course, without a gynecological examination, it cannot be definitively ruled out that the uterus may have increased muscle tone, causing the pulling sensation.

What can you do today? In both cases, warmth (hot water bottle) and antispasmodic medication (e.g. Buscopan tablets) can help alleviate the pulling sensation. Buscopan can be obtained over-the-counter at a pharmacy open for emergencies.

Lastly, a question: Has the cause of the intestinal infection been determined? Bloody diarrhea typically does not occur with a simple stomach flu (unless it persists for weeks). Have there been any trips abroad? Has a colonoscopy ever been performed? Have genetically based inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) been ruled out?

Wishing you a speedy recovery,
R C. Berg.

Kind regards and