QuestionHi I am writing from Nashville..
I just went in to my obgyn for an emergency pelvic and vaginal ultrasound because of lower back and menstrual like cramping. I am 6 DPO and cramping bad! ( I am estimating ovulation based on BBT temperature. I have noticed cramping for the past 3 months early after ovulation but this month is worse. It is in my lower back and front. The results came back normal. No cysts or anything. They also checked my progesterone levels and they were fine. I think that was 5 DPO yesterday and my levels were 17.5 I am not due for my period untill next Sat so I still have 8 days. I am worried that something is going on and that they didn't see anything. I am also temping my BBT and my temp has been up for the past 5 days. Would pregnancy result in cramps so early. Can you tell me what would cause cramping each month around 7 DPO if nothing was found to be wrong during my tests yesterday.
AnswerHello Carrie from the U.S.,
The cramping you are having is way too early for a pregnancy. Implantation has not even occurred yet. It is mostly likely due to a ruptured ovarian cyst or corpus luteum cyst. That is why they did not see anything on ultrasound, except that they might have seen increased fluid in the culdesac. Many patients have cramping after ovulation and that is how they know that it is occurring. Your progesterone level was consistent with ovulation and your BBT should have been as well. The only worry is why the cramping is increasing over time. It could be endometriosis, which would require a laparoscopy to find.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf
