I keep having bad lower stomach pain. Could I have pelvic inflammatory disease?

Answers (3)

Mandi Beman, M.D. (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) answered (4/25/2011)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a infection of the pelvic organs that is cause by an STI (sexually transmitted infection.) Sometimes, the only symptom is lower abdominal pain. However, the pain may also be accompanied by fever, chills, vaginal discharge, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. If you are at risk for an STI with multiple sexual partners, have had a STI in the past, have a partner with symptoms, or have unprotected intercourse you should see a health care provider.

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Evelyn Resh MPH,CNM (Certified Sexuality Counselor & Nurse-Midwife) answered (8/12/2012)

My experience in practice has taught me that whenever women have lower abdominal pain they automatically assume they have something wrong with their reproductive organs. How's your digestion and how are your bowels working? It's not just your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries that are in your pelvic region or cause pain there. If you struggle with constipation much of the time (or diarrhea) you may experience pain in your lower abdomen. Also, when does the pain occur? If it has any relationship to your eating pattern or is associated with needing to move your bowels, you may have symptoms of an over-active bowel. Think about your eating and elimination habits. The answer might lie in there somewhere. Otherwise, I agree with the the first answer you received.

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charh5 answered (4/7/2013)

I am aware that this thread is a couple of years old, however this is a classic question and it was given two informative but incomplete answers.

This woman asked about lower stomach pain, not lower abdominal pain. If you're having lower stomach pain, do the symptoms get better right after you eat, and then worsen after that? Sometimes that is an indication of an ulcer. If you suspect an ulcer, a little research on reputable websites/ your local academic library and a visit to a nurse practioner or doctor will clear it up.