Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Recurrent gastrointestinal complaints - stomach pain

March 11, 2013 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

I am a 24-year-old woman, 174cm tall, weighing 55kg, and rather athletic. A few months ago, I had terrible colicky stomach pains. It lasted for about a week until it finally disappeared. I had a terrible burning sensation in my stomach area, accompanied by cramps and pain. This problem occurred two more times in the following weeks. Since then, I have been experiencing recurring gastrointestinal problems.

I have a nearly constant mild burning and pulling sensation in the left lower abdomen. Two days ago, after consuming half a glass of red wine, I experienced terrible lower abdominal pain that started in the middle and spread. They were again mildly burning and pulling with bloating. I couldn't sit or stand. Additionally, I have a bloated stomach at regular intervals, especially in the evening hours. I have tried to switch to a lighter diet, but the pain in the left lower abdomen persists.

A few weeks ago, the doctor examined my stomach, but it does not seem to be sensitive to pressure. I have also noticed that sometimes I feel the urge to urinate even though my bladder is empty. A few weeks ago, I also felt a pulling sensation and slight pain in the lower abdomen while urinating.

I currently have a mild yeast infection. Could there possibly be a connection? I experienced symptoms of a yeast infection 3-4 times last year.

I am really starting to feel desperate. Gastrointestinal tea only helps to some extent.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good evening,

I am happy to help you further, but I still need some information. Do the "stomach pains" occur in the upper abdomen in the middle; has it also hurt there before, or always only on the lower left side? And if so: Is it in the middle at the top, or possibly further to the right? That's where the gallbladder is located.

Do you have normal bowel movements, or diarrhea or unusual constipation? Does bowel movement hurt?

Are there any foods that you cannot tolerate?

A vaginal yeast infection can cause burning during urination, but not the described cramp-like pains. If you have "trigger pain" during sex, a gynecological examination would be advisable. In any case, you should have your urine tested for a urinary tract infection, but also for blood. Since a ureteral stone is not ruled out, an ultrasound of the kidneys would also be advisable.

Best regards, Dr. F. Höllering, Physician for Internal and General Medicine