QuestionI have read through the questions and have not found one EXACTLY like this. I am 21 years old and have always had an irregular period. I have not had my period in 2 months but have been experiencing sharp lower abdominal pain, almost a soreness and still have no period or spotting and I am a virgin so I am not pregnant. Any help you can provide would be most appreciated. At times I am in much pain. Thank you.
AnswerDear Samantha,
Since you are having lower abdominal discomfort combined with the irregular cycles, I would suspect this pain might be ovarian in nature. You may have a cyst on your ovary which is causing both the delayed period and the discomfort.
The most common type of ovarian cyst is called a functional cyst, which often forms during the normal menstrual cycle. Each month, a woman's ovaries grow tiny cysts that hold the eggs. When an egg is mature, the sac breaks open to release the egg, so it can travel through the Fallopian tube for fertilization. Then the sac dissolves. In one type of functional cyst, called a follicular cyst, the sac doesn't break open to release the egg and may continue to grow. This type of cyst usually disappears within 1-3 months. A corpus luteum cyst, another type of functional cyst, forms if the sac doesn't dissolve. Instead, the sac seals off after the egg is released. Fluid then builds up inside of it. This type of cyst usually goes away on its own after a few weeks. However, it can grow to almost 4 inches and may bleed or twist the ovary and cause pain.
Many women have ovarian cysts without having any symptoms. Sometimes, though, a cyst will cause the following symptoms:
-pressure, fullness, or pain in the abdomen
-dull ache in the lower back and thighs
-problems passing urine completely
-pain during sexual intercourse
-weight gain
-painful menstrual periods and abnormal bleeding
-nausea or vomiting
-breast tenderness
Symptoms such as pain with fever and vomiting, sudden/severe abdominal pain, faintness, dizziness, or weakness, and/or rapid breathing should be reported to a doctor right away.
Since ovarian cysts may not cause symptoms, they are usually found during a routine pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor is able to feel the swelling of the cyst on your ovary. Once a cyst is found, the doctor may perform an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the body. With an ultrasound, the doctor can see how the cyst is shaped; its size and location; and whether it's fluid-filled, solid, or mixed. If you are not due for a routine exam soon, I would suggest that you go ahead and schedule an appointment if the pain continues so that an actual cause for it can be determined.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
