QuestionI had my 3rd csection in Dec. I am still having abdominal pain. I am now also having vaginal pain, pain during sex as well as bleeding after intercourse. Also, I am exhausted all the time.I have been back to my OB before I lost insurance coverage but they werent really any help. What could be the cause and is there anything I can do to help myself without going to the doctor? I cant go to the doctor because we don't have insurance and make a little too much for state services. Any insight you can provide is appreciated.
AnswerDear Kelly,
Unfortunately, there is nothing I can suggest with those symptoms for you to "do for yourself". I can only recommend that you be seen by a medical professional - either another OB/GYN or the ER. Also... have you checked into State service more recently. They are really re-vamping the criteria for many things... a change in administration philosophies I guess and those in greater need are now being helped. What a concept!
Anyway - you might want to check again and/or check into a free or reduced cost clinic in your area. You really should be seen. Pain/bleeding with or after intercourse is not a normal occurence. Here is some additional information:
There are several potential causes for post-coital bleeding (bleeding after sex). Some of these are:
1. Cervical dysplasia: Cervical dysplasia is precancerous changes of the epithelial cells that line the cervix. Risk increases with multiple sexual partners, sex before age 18, childbirth before age 16, or a past history of STDs. Treatment is usually cryosurgery or conization.
2. Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that is usually transmitted through sexual activity or contact with semen, vaginal fluid, or blood.
3. Gonorrhea: A usually sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria. Treated with medications.
4. Vaginitis or Cervicitis: Inflammation or swelling and infection of the vagina or cervix. Treatment depends on the cause.
5. Cervical polyps: Cervical polyps are smooth, red or purple, finger-like growths that grow out of the mucus layer of the cervix or the cervical canal. Cervical polyps are extremely fragile, extending out of the cervix, and easily and painlessly removed.
6. Trichomoniasis: A usually sexually transmitted disease caused by protozoan. Can also be passed to newborns during vaginal birth by infected mothers. Although very rare, transmission is also possible in tap water, hot tubs, urine, on toilet seats, and in swimming pools. May cause vaginitis.
7. Vaginal Yeast Infection: An overgrowth of the normal fungi that inhabits the vaginal area. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and an odorless, white, cheese-like discharge. Treated with medication.
8. Endometritis or adenomyosis: Endometritis is an inflammation of the endometrium (the innermost layer of the uterus). Both conditions are associated with endometriosis. Adenomysis is when endometrial tissue attaches itself to the uterus, or another organ such as the ovaries, and grows outside of the uterus.
9. Uterine polyps: Uterine polyps occur when the endometrium overgrows causing these protrusions into the uterus. It is extremely rare for these growths to grow in a way that is either benign or malignant. Women with uterine polyps frequently experience bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia), other symptoms include vaginal bleeding after sex, spotting, menorrhagia, bleeding after menopause, and breakthrough bleeding during hormone therapy. Hysteroscopic-guided curettage is the preferred treatment, since the normal D&C is basically an unguided procedure that may miss many of the uterine polyps.
10. Fibroid tumors: Uterine fibroid tumors are usually benign tumors. They are solid masses made of fibrous tissue. Fibroid tumors are rarely malignant. Symptoms of fibroid tumors vary among women, with some women never experiencing any symptoms at all. Women who can wait until menopause will see their fibroids shrink and disappear once their bodies stop producing estrogen. It's important that women with fibroids make sure they never take estrogen, in any form including birth control pills, since estrogen increases fibroid growth. Several treatments are currently available for uterine fibroid tumors from myomectomy and uterine artery embolization to the traditional hysterectomy.
Again, because there are a number of causes and nearly all require medical treatment, you should be seen by your doctor with this particular physical symptom.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
