Pulling pain in the abdomen in women
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Aching sensations in the abdomen in women, it is not uncommon. Painfulness can be caused by both hormonal changes and various pathologies of internal organs.
Let's look at the most common conditions that cause pulling abdominal pain in women:
- Inflammation of the bladder.
- Pyelonephritis.
- Pregnancy abnormalities (ectopic, miscarriage, placental abruption, complications after abortion).
- Inflammation of the appendix.
- Endometriosis, endometritis.
- Inflammation of the uterine appendages.
- Intestinal infections.
- Tumor neoplasms, cysts, and more.
If the soreness is due to appendicitis, the pain is localized on the right side, but can spread to the entire abdomen and even the back. An acute attack of appendicitis is accompanied by high body temperature, nausea and vomiting, fever and can be fatal.
If the discomfort is caused by intestinal infections, the pain spreads to the whole abdomen and then goes down. The patient complains of nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, increased body temperature.
In urinary tract infections, pulling pains are accompanied by problems with urination. There may be shooting pains in the back, increased body temperature, signs of general intoxication (headache, nausea, vomiting, general weakness).
In any case, the appearance of pulling and any other pains that recur on a regular basis is a reason to seek medical help.
Tight abdominal pain in the middle of the cycle
Unpleasant abdominal sensations in women in the middle of the cycle indicate ovulation. One out of five women experience this painful symptom. Discomfort is associated with the release of the ovum and rupture of the follicle. This process proceeds with irritation of receptors in the peritoneum and the release of a small amount of blood. Another possible cause of the disorder is the discharge of follicular fluid, which provokes the contraction of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Let's take a closer look at the causes of pulling pains in the middle of the cycle:
- Ovulatory syndrome - pain is localized in the lower abdomen on the right or left side. Discomfort is mild, accompanied by flatulence, and in some women and small bloody discharge, cramps.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disease that occurs when there is an increased production of androgen (male sex hormone). The main danger of this pathology is its complications (infertility, cancer). Regular pronounced pulling pains in the middle of the cycle are a reason to visit a gynecologist and undergo examination.
- Endometriosis - in this gynecologic disease, the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the organ. Overgrown tissues are found in the ovaries, vagina. Endometriosis is characterized by pelvic pain in the middle of the cycle and pronounced menstrual cramps. For treatment, patients are prescribed drug therapy, and laparoscopic surgery is also possible.
In addition to the above reasons, pulling sensations can be due to irritable bowel syndrome, a scar from appendicitis or cesarean section, salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, ectopic pregnancy and many other factors.
Pulling pains in the abdomen after your period
The appearance of painful sensations after menstruation can be a sign of inflammatory gynecological pathologies:
- Endometriosis - aching, tugging and contraction-like sensations in the lower abdomen make themselves known throughout the menstrual cycle. In this pathology, there is an overgrowth of endometrium outside the uterine cavity. Such overgrowths penetrate into nearby tissues, provoking the formation of adhesions. Adhesions in the abdominal cavity lead to obstruction of the fallopian tubes. If the ovaries are affected, it leads to cystic neoplasms and an increased risk of infertility.
- Vulvitis - in this disease there is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. Vulvitis is associated with sexually transmitted infections, yeast fungus and other pathogens. The disorder can be caused by wearing tight underwear, violation of the rules of intimate hygiene and other factors. In addition to aching pain, women note burning and itching in the external genitalia, their hyperemia and swelling. In some cases, there is a discharge of serous-purulent masses.
- Adnexitis is an inflammation of the uterine appendages caused by adhesions in the fallopian tubes. Soreness is most often manifested after menstruation and in the middle of the cycle. If the disease takes an acute form, then the body temperature rises and the general well-being deteriorates significantly. Possible attacks of nausea and vomiting, palpitations, headaches.
In any case, the appearance of pulling sensations is a reason to visit a gynecologist.
Pulling pains in the abdomen after ovulation
There are many reasons that can lead to painful sensations in the abdomen after ovulation, let's consider the main ones:
- Conception - The female reproductive system prepares the body for conception each month. This is manifested by changes in the hormonal background and preparation of the egg for fertilization. At conception, there is a destruction of the follicle and the introduction of the egg into the uterine mucosa. This is a mechanical trauma for the female body. Therefore, the appearance of pulling sensations can indicate successful conception.
- Postovulatory syndrome - this problem affects about 12-15% of women. Symptoms are similar to premenstrual syndrome, as they are also caused by hormonal changes in the body. Pathology is manifested by pulling sensations in the abdomen, general malaise, emotional lability, vaginal discharge. Some women complain of spasmodic and cutting pains.
- Gynecologic diseases - an unpleasant symptom can be caused by cystic neoplasms, inflammatory processes in the ovaries, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy and other pathologies.
- Diseases of the genitourinary system - pulling sensations can be a complication of chronic lesions of the genitourinary organs. In this case, the pulling pains have an attack-like character, intensifying with physical activity, stress, hypothermia, fatigue. Many diseases occur with profuse vaginal discharge, urinary disorders and problems with conception. Most often patients are diagnosed with inflammation of the bladder, pyelonephritis, endometritis, salpingitis, adnexitis, various infections.
All of the above conditions require medical attention and effective treatment.
Pulling pains in the abdomen during pregnancy
Many expectant mothers face such symptoms. Most often the discomfort is caused by hormonal changes in the body, fetal growth and displacement of internal organs.
Let's look at the main types of pain that occur in pregnant women:
- In the groin and pubic area in the first trimester - such pulling sensations are a reason for immediate medical attention. There is a risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
- In the pubic area in late pregnancy - considered normal if it goes from the pubis to the thigh area. They occur due to the body's preparation for labor.
- Discomfort when the baby is active and thrusting - if the pulling symptoms become severe and the thrusting increases, you should consult a doctor. Such symptoms can be a sign of hypoxia, i.e. Oxygen deprivation of the fetus.
Minor pulling sensations in the first trimester are normal, because during this period the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall. Pain may increase with weight lifting and physical activity due to stretching and softening of tissues.
Frequent pulling pains may indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbation of chronic diseases and other pathologies that require medical attention and complex diagnostics.
In order to avoid the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the abdomen during pregnancy, it is recommended to perform special exercises, rest more, avoid overwork and increased physical exertion.
Pulling pains in the abdomen at the beginning of pregnancy
Unpleasant aching sensations in pregnant women can occur at any term, but most often women face them in the early period. Pulling pains in the abdomen at the beginning of pregnancy are associated with many causes and factors, let's consider the main ones:
- Pain as a sign of pregnancy. In addition to delayed menstruation, aching sensations in the lower abdomen can also indicate successful conception. Discomfort occurs in the process of fertilization of the egg with a sperm. At this point, there is a violation of the integrity of the uterine lining, which occurs with unpleasant sensations and even ointment discharge.
- Hormonal and physiologic changes. During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size. There is a gradual stretching of muscles and ligaments, displacement of pelvic organs. All this provokes the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the abdomen.
- Pain associated with obstetric abnormalities. This group includes frozen pregnancy, threatened miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy.
- Pain not related to pregnancy. These can be inflammatory processes, diseases from the digestive system, as well as other organs and systems.
If painful symptoms persist for an extended period of time and begin to increase, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Pulling abdominal pain in the first trimester
According to medical statistics, it is in the first trimester that the risk of miscarriage and the development of various pathologies is the highest. That is why the appearance of pulling sensations in the abdomen causes anxiety in expectant mothers.
Unpleasant symptoms can be provoked by both physiological factors (not dangerous for the mother and fetus) and serious pathologies that require medical attention.
Causes of soreness:
- Implantation of the fetal egg (conception).
- Stretching of the uterine ligaments.
- Elevated progesterone levels (pain is due to hormonal changes in the body).
- Toxicosis (aching sensations run with attacks of nausea and vomiting).
- Uterine hypertonicity.
- A frozen pregnancy (anembryony).
- An ectopic pregnancy (implantation of a fetal egg outside the uterine cavity).
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases (cystitis, cholecystitis, pyelonephritis, gastritis, appendicitis).
The appearance of soreness is a reason to seek medical help. The doctor will conduct a consultation and a comprehensive examination, the results of which can be prescribed treatment.
Breast pain, lower abdominal pain.
The main reason for the appearance of such symptoms in healthy women is the premenstrual period. When critical days are approaching, hormonal changes occur in a woman's body. Before the onset of menstruation appears heaviness in the chest, nipples become more sensitive, pulls the lower abdomen because the uterus is preparing to reject the endometrium lining it. Pulling and aching sensations pass by themselves and in most cases do not require medical intervention.
Also possible causes of pain in women include:
- Ovulation - unpleasant sensations make themselves known in the middle of the cycle. During this period, the follicle bursts in the ovaries, which leads to the release of an egg that can be fertilized. During ovulation, a woman's hormonal status changes, which is manifested by pulling sensations in the lower abdomen and pain in the breasts.
- Pregnancy - in this case, discomfort develops against the background of delayed menses. Soreness is associated with the growth of hormones and changes in the uterus. To confirm an interesting position, a pregnancy test should be done.
- Ectopic pregnancy - normally the embryo is implanted in the uterus, but in some cases, it becomes lodged in the fallopian tubes. This causes a complex of unpleasant symptoms, including pulling sensations in the lower abdomen and pain in the chest, nausea, a sharp deterioration in general well-being. This condition requires surgical intervention, as without surgery there is a risk of rupture of the fallopian tube.
- Condition after abortion or miscarriage - the recovery period lasts about 14 days during which unpleasant sensations may occur. If the pulling pain increases and becomes acute, you should inform your doctor.
- Mastitis - this problem is most often faced by women after childbirth. In mastitis, the mammary glands become inflamed and pus starts to come out of the nipples. The disease develops due to pathogenic microorganisms. It occurs with fever and pain, which without timely treatment takes an acute form.
In addition to the above reasons, soreness can be due to endometriosis, uterine prolapse, ovarian cysts and even food intoxication. Also possible causes of soreness include: the state after surgery, menopause, taking hormonal medications, hypothermia, overexertion, hard intercourse and many others.
If unpleasant sensations occur frequently, you should consult a doctor. After a complex comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor will determine the cause of the disorder and give recommendations for its elimination.