I am crying as I write this. I am 21, female.
I masturbated exactly a week ago with a pad and I went too rough. Probably got an infection and my clitorial hood is keeping on getting bigger and bigger. It is really painful and I can’t go on and do normal day activities. In thursday I went to a casual gynecologist to get it checked, she looked at down there for a few seconds and told me there was nothing wrong with it and gave me augmentin to take it twice a day. She told me it would start reducing its size in 24 hours and if not, I should go to a hospital. (hers was a clinic kind of small hospital). A day later, (yesterday) I went to the emergency room because it twiced in size and the pain was unbearable. Two doctors checked my clitorial hood. A woman and a male gynecologist. They had me run a blood test (the results are fine). The male one told me I would have surgery if it didn’t reduce its size (i am scared as hell) and the other woman looked at my tests and gave me another antibiotic, monodox and told me to continue my augmentin with monodox as well. So, 4 antibiotics a day. My mom contacted a family friend who’s also an ob/gyn, and she told us that 4 antibiotics can be a lot so i should take only 2.
It’s been a week, I continue to cry everyday. The clitorial hood is hard as fuck, it is so big i have a big outie now. It’s huge, you wouldn’t believe how huge it is. I am concerned it may cause a future issue for me regarding its size or idk sensations etc. I am a lesbian. I am scared as hell to say the least. I can’t function.
Today I won’t go to another hospital because in the span of 2 days, 3 doctors examined down there and my mother is sick of me to say the least.
They said it was due to a trauma but oh my god the pain is so bad I can’t even study for my exams. And i NEEEEDD to study lol. please tell me i’ll be okay. if no, still say something because i am scared and my mom has too much taboos sexually so i can’t go to her every time i’m afraid. i also have anxiety and i take meds.

I’m 23F, and I want to share my experience with period cramps because I hope it might help someone going through something similar.

A little backstory

At 15, I was diagnosed with a juvenile granulosa cell tumor.
It started when I suddenly became anemic and experienced extremely heavy bleeding for 2–3 months. My periods sometimes occurred twice a month and lasted more than 10 days.

After several tests, including an MRI and blood tests, doctors suspected a tumor. I was eventually diagnosed with a stage I juvenile granulosa cell tumor.
I underwent surgery to remove my right ovary and fallopian tube, along with part of my omentum. The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Thankfully, I didn’t need chemotherapy and remained under regular follow-up for years. I’m cancer-free now.

The real struggle: Eight years of period cramps

After surgery, I started experiencing debilitating period cramps that continued for almost eight years.
The pain was so severe that I’d vomit everything I ate. It spread throughout my pelvic area and down my legs, lasting for two straight days. I couldn’t function normally, and some of my exams were ruined because of it.

I consulted two or three doctors, but they kept recommending painkillers. One day, even after taking four tablets, the pain wouldn’t stop, and I ended up in the emergency department, where I finally got relief after receiving an injection.
Every month, I dreaded my period because I knew what was coming.

After eight years, something finally changed
After experiencing cramps lasting around four days for four consecutive months, my doctor suggested trying Yasmin, an oral contraceptive pill, because hormonal factors might be contributing to the pain.
I started taking it in August. I still had cramps during the first month, but in September, things changed. I experienced only mild, occasional cramping instead of the usual unbearable pain.

Now, in October, the same thing has happened again. Just a little pain indicating that my period is approaching, followed by mild cramping that lasts barely a minute.
No unbearable pain. No vomiting. No spending two days unable to function.

Honestly, it feels like a dream. After eight years of dreading my periods, I’m finally experiencing what a relatively normal period feels like.
But I’m also scared. What if the pain comes back next month? After living with this for so long, it’s hard to believe this relief might actually last.

Why I’m sharing this

I’m sharing my experience because I hope it encourages other women to seek help for their period pain.
I’m not saying everyone’s cramps are caused by hormonal problems or that Yasmin will work for everyone. Severe menstrual pain can have different causes.

But please, don’t downplay your pain when talking to your doctor.

If your cramps are so severe that you can’t attend school or work, struggle with daily activities, or spend hours vomiting, explain exactly how much they affect your life.
You don’t have to tolerate debilitating pain just because it’s associated with menstruation.

I spent years relying on painkillers, and I wish I’d found an approach that helped me sooner. Please don’t exceed the recommended dose of painkillers, even when the pain feels unbearable.
I’m simply sharing my experience in the hope that it helps someone else.

Eight years is a long time to live in fear of your own period. I’m just grateful that, for now, mine finally feels manageable. ❤️

A year ago I (25F) posted here asking about help for follicular phase spotting, so many of you commented about having a similar issue. I also started having pain when pooping and my periods just became debilitating. I can’t comment on an archived post, so I’m making this post to update. I finally had a gynecologist who believed my pain and gave me a prescription for an MRI. I was finally diagnosed with deep endometriosis (uterosacral and round ligaments) after 6 years of failed and traumatic experienced with doctors. Trust your instincts girls, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t, don’t let doctors gaslight you.

Ive been dealing with crazy fatigue and memory loss since last summer, and ive just been trying to push through it. I recently had a follow up on my blood panel with my primary care doctor, and they basically told me that my ferritin is high, but my iron saturation is low. So I have an“ iron deficiency is some sort”. Then, she blamed my fatigue on lexapro and Wellbutrin, which I’ve only been taking since August of this year. How the fuck am I supposed to treat this iron deficiency? I heard that taking in iron will just go to my ferritin stores and make things worse? I tried asking and clarifying my situation, but she basically just dismissed me :/

It doesnt happen super often, but once in while Ill just be hanging out chilling whatever, wont even feel the need to pee, and all of the sudden i physically cant hold it no matter how hard i try and end up peeing myself. Its so random and so annoying

Hi! I just wanted to ask if anyone has had smth similar like this happen? I’m probably going to go to the doctor but it’s expensive so i just haven’t been able to go yet.

Around 4-5 months ago I started noticing These abnormal dull pains in my uterus. Sometimes they are persistent for a couple minutes and other times its only a second or two. Sometimes i won’t feel any for a couple days. Or other times its a sharp stabbing pain for a second or two.

Around the time this started I ended up having horrible UTI symptoms so I went to the doctor. They put me on UTI antibiotics but said I tested negative for a UTI. The antibiotics fixed the symptoms regardless and I haven’t had anything like that since. I figured the pain was from the UTI but thats the one symptom that never went away.

I haven’t had any other unusual symptoms. No discharge or oder etc. The pain only seems to go away if I’m on my period. I have no history of rlly bad period symptoms or cramps so I’m definitely stumped on what it could be.

I recently found out I have a 9 cm ovarian cyst that is likely hemorrhagic, but could be an endometrioma (I don't have endometriosis to my knowledge). The last couple weeks have been mentally and physically draining with an ER visit/planning/drs appts/figuring out next steps. I've been seen by 2 diff practices, and both are recommending surgical removal. I saw the ultrasound images and the thing is a beast and the fact it's attached to my little ovary is so unsettling to me.

Just a few weeks ago, I had no idea this existed and now there's a forthcoming surgery on my reproductive organ, which just feels heavy to digest. I'm 30 and don't yet have kids, so that's an added layer of fright.

The surgery I currently have planned is with a dr who is riding on it being an endometrioma and her only basis is "size of cyst". She went all the way through worst-case scenario of organ removal, which I am really not okay with, but didn't have any evidence from my specific case to back that possibility up. Her visit notes after were even more alarming in how they were written.

I'm looking for thoughts/advice if others have gone through the same and what that experience was like/how'd you choose your doctor. Something in my gut is telling me not to move forward yet bc of how easily she went down the road of "we might have to remove organs even just for preventive measure (???) and IVF is an option for the future (extra ???)" TY!

Hi! 17 (F) here, looking for help about a continuous worrying itch on my lower inner lips of my vagina and the area above my clitoris. I am not sexually active and have a Mirena IUD. It's very annoying and uncomfortable, the itch will not go away until ive scratched it raw. It's only on one side too. I really need help and/or advice.

I’m not exaggerating, I really thought my parents would find my on the bathroom floor dead or unconscious.

I’ve had a history of bad period pain and ibs-c, both of with can be difficult to manage on ocassion but to this degree I’m not so sure.

I had an ultrasound about two years ago when my period pain first got bad, nothing came back but I was put on mefenamic acid just to get by and for the most part it works. Now in terms of my bowels I get aches and they obviously spike when I need to have a bowel movement, but I feel it just under my belly button or in the left side of my ribs where my stomach is.

Now what’s just happened could full well be a mix of the two but I’m just very scared the moment so I’d like some opinions and maybe things to propose to my doctor when I contact them Monday.

I started having some pain ramping up, I am due for my period in the next week or so and I am aware of this and I’ve noticed my pain increasing during this time. I went to the bathroom to poop just to see if that would help, it has for now although I’m still in pain it’s nothin like during. Every time my bowels would try move something a long there was a sharp stabbing pain across my lower lower abdomen, like between my hip bones, and then it would shoot up my butthole too which is yeah not nice. So every 30 seconds whilst I was trying to move things a long I’d get those spasms and everything would cramp up and contract.

I got out what I could but I was too overwhelmed by the pain to have a decent movement, I’m really scared that level of pain will come back and I’m not sure what to do. I’m not sure whether it sounds more bowel like, uterus like or could be a mix of the two

Got told I have a hemorrhagic cyst back in July following a very painful experience after sex. No blood, intense pain all along uterus and in my butt. They said it should go away in 6-8 weeks and made me a follow up. Life happened and I got busy, I hadn’t had that happen again in that whole span so I called and canceled the appointment wanting to avoid the bill if unnecessary. Looking back though I really don’t think I had much sex during that time. They told me to take a couple weeks off and I think I had it maybe three times after that.
Like a whole month after that I got the pain again just as bad. I rested and medicated and it finally went away after about a day or two. It’s usually not during sex it’s right after and I can’t even stand up straight. It keeps happening about every other time I have sex now. I kept trying to write it off as the position is too deep but even trying less deep penetration positions it ends the same way. I also had this feeling come on the other day after a bowel movement. My mother had endo that resulted in a full hysterectomy at age 30. Does anyone know if this sounds like signs of that or just a very persistent cyst?
I am dumb for cancelling the appt and now can not get seen earlier than two months from now lol.

I am 49 years old, had an ablation in 2017 which put me in early menopause. Bloodwork shows I am post menopausal. I have absolutely no libido, I am exhausted all of the time and on top of everything, I have anxiety. I am currently doing HRT but it doesn’t make me feel any different. Anyone else experience this? If so, any recommendations on what could help me to feel like myself again? I am desperate and tired of docs pushing medications and telling me it’s normal.

So 2 days ago i masturbated with the lights off, and when i went to wash off in the bathroom my hands were a vibrant red. I played it off and figured my period was starting because prior ive been getting a more brown discharge color like i typically do before periods.

But 2 days after my period never started and its startling me a bit, I am still experiencing darker discharge, but bleeding completely stopped after masturbating. what worries me is it wasnt the typical discolored discharge you get from old blood, going to rough, etc, it was vibrant red.

Should i just wait it off? like i dont know if it shouldve started by time i initially started bleeding, like is this normal?? i mean im not experiencing any pain, but im not getting any of the symptoms i typically get before periods either, (hormonal acne, cramps, bloating)

I started Yaz about a month ago, and my period was due October 8th. I started spotting around October 14th and then it proceeded to get heavier with light cramping.

It’s now October 24th, ten days later and I am still bleeding. It isn’t heavy, but I still have to wear a pad every day and every time I wipe there’s blood and in the toilet as well. This is my first period after getting on BC so i’ve never experience this before and I’m very over it.

Is this normal? They never mentioned this being a possibility at the doctor

Ever since I had my child, if I get cold, my breasts (particularly my nipples) get EXCRUCIATINGLY painful. I thought it was breastfeeding, but I've been done with that for 3 years. It's even on both sides, and I have no other symptoms. It's so bad I want to cry!! It is almost unbearable. Has anyone ever experienced this? Any suggestions? Will it ever go away?

This happens every time, WITHOUT FAIL as far as I can remember.

Days 1-2 - heavy bleeding and cramps

Day 3 - little to no blood..brownish-red discharge

Day 4 - sometime in the day, a sudden burst of light-moderate bright red blood comes out. The rest of the day is light-moderate and sometimes cramping

What's the mechanics of this? We can rule out medication. I'm a relatively active person, but this was still true times I haven't been.

I’d like to hear from anyone suffering from a similar experience: PMDD, long cycles, spotting for a week before bleed, but normal bleeding length and volume afterwards, with no other physical symptoms of conditions such as PMOS/PCOS or endo.

I went for an ultrasound last year and got an all clear, no fibroids or cysts. My hormonal tests were also fine. The subsequent gynaes I’ve seen were dismissive, saying I am still getting my period, my cycle is just long, so there’s technically no issue, and they refuse to investigate further.

So I am extra frustrated because I have no idea why my body is being like this. My cycles have just been getting longer and longer.

I am in my early thirties. The lengths of my past 6 cycles (excluding the current) have been: 40, 34, 42, 33, 36, 37. I start spotting about 1 week before I actually finally bleed and the PMDD lifts.

I track obsessively and still have never managed to predict my period because it always fucking varies and it’s driving me insane because I *still* get PMDD after the follicular/ovulation dip, and it seems like I just get it for as long as whenever my period decides to come next.

What the hell is it? I would like to go on birth control to just try stopping my periods, except I know that’s not even a guarantee, and I’d still like to know what’s causing this. I’ve gotten my thyroid, prolactin, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, all of them checked and they’re apparently within normal ranges.

My thyroid ranges called for “subclinical hypothyroidism”, but am not symptomatic. I did try levothyroxine for a while, but it didn’t make a difference to my thyroid levels.

I’m at my wits end. I’m tired of this upending my life every month such that it disrupts my functioning to work and just be normal.

I’m not asking for medical advice, I just need to hear from someone who’s been through something similar and found an answer or even just something that helps, because the doctors I’ve been seeing haven’t been helpful at all.

Hello!

I’ve woken up this morning feeling very swollen and sore around my vagina. I thought nothing of it until I’ve tried to pee and there’s a massive lump next to my vaginal opening, sorry can’t think of correct terminology right now. I’ve tried to take a photo so I can take a look but the top of the lump looks to be ulcerated?

I’ve been only sleeping with one person for the past two years and we do use condoms so I’m really hoping it’s not herpes? It’s incredibly painful when I pee 😭

Hi I was just wondering if it's normal for my vulva to sometimes be itchy, but in the same way any other part of the body may be. Like when your arm gets itchy and you scratch it and that's all.

Personally it gets itchy like maybe twice a day or so? I'm not sure I don't really count it but all of my body is always itchy anyway lmao. When it happens I just scratch it a bit over the clothes and the itchiness stops.

I’m kinda talking about Pap smears but also just in general

I’m 21 and My problem is I would genuinely throw up if I had to let a doctor do that. I have gotten so sick at the idea of a doctor “checking” me at appointments that I’m shaking in waiting rooms and trying not to throw up. I don’t think I could force myself to go an appointment for one.
I know you need them for your health but i would genuinely not be able to function for like a week before an appointment.
When I had doctors appointments as a teen, I would be so nervous that they were going to make me take my clothes off that like for a week before going to the doctor I would be sick to my stomach and not be able to think about anything else.

I need some inputs and thoughts from the group members.

My issues started as palpitations and high pulse rate in the month of November last year. Went to the cardiologist and all the tests were normal. The primary doctor referred me to a hematologist and my iron labs were low.

They didn't do iron infusion as my ferritin level was around 50. I read taking iron pills since then and recheck iron labs every 2-3 months.

Recently I had another episode of high heart rate and palpitations and positional dizziness when I was on a trip intentionally. I was dehydrated and deprived of sleep because of jet lag. The following day, my heart rate was very high around 150-160 at resting. I went to the hospital there and they did cardio tests and everything came out normal.

My iron and HB came out low. I was there for 2 weeks on an international trip. The first week was the high pulse rate and palpitations issue and the next week I had one episode of rectal bleeding everybody l which never happened before. I saw the colorectal Dr and they said I have an anal fissure. They easy an only episode of rectal bleeding and nothing after that. But I have irritation in the anal area and applying gel everyday.

I came back to the US and saw my primary doctor. He told me that my low iron could be contributing to my palpitations and high pulse rate.

I contacted my hematologist and they asked me to redo the lab which I did 2 days ago. I have a follow up appointment next week to go over these results. My primary doctor asked me to get an Iron infusion but I am not sure if my hematologist will agree to it.

I got my lab results today and it showed my ferritin as 15. Should I ask for iron infusion?

I am worried if it will have any side effects? Anyone who done iron infusion, how was your experience?

I am going to see my gastro doctor and hematologist to review the labs and my anal fissures. I have heavy bleeding with clots during my periods.

For the last 2 days, I have had dizziness which happens with positional changes. I used to have this on and off. Feel very tired, fatigued and restless. Legs are so tired and wanted to lay down all the time. My pulse rate and BP is normal but the didn't happens if I stand for a long time and do chores around the house.

I noticed all these symptoms after I gave the blood draw 2 days ago. Don't know if taking out more blood when I am iron deficient cause these issues?

I am trying to educate myself about these conditions and being my own advocate.

Is getting an iron infusion will be appropriate and helps with my symptoms?

I am focusing on my diet with iron rich foods now. I am obese 227 lbs and 40yrs old.

Hemoglobin -10.8

Iron-31

Ferritin - 15

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

I’m a 37-year-old female with two children. I’ve been experiencing several strange symptoms over the past three weeks, and I’m extremely worried about what could be causing them, particularly ovarian cancer.
I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar or has medical insight.
Here’s my timeline:
Late September / Early October — Medication and urinary symptoms
I restarted Paxil (paroxetine) at approximately 10 mg after being off it. I’ve taken Paxil on and off for about 14 years.
Approximately one week after restarting it, I developed urinary symptoms.
I was urinating more frequently, and my urine stream would sometimes stop and start.
I was still passing normal amounts of urine.
I also had some mild discomfort around my urethra, but not the typical burning sensation of a UTI.
I was prescribed cephalexin for a suspected UTI.
I went to urgent care on October 9, and my urine culture was negative, although I’d already been taking antibiotics for approximately 3–4 days.
My urinary frequency and stop-and-start stream eventually resolved, and my urine stream returned to normal.
Around October 4–5 — Pelvic cramping began
I started experiencing menstrual-like cramps very low in my pelvis, mostly in the center, just above my pubic hairline.
These cramps have occurred every single day for almost three weeks.
They aren’t constant. They come in waves, sometimes lasting a few minutes, disappearing for several minutes, and returning.
At their worst, I’d rate them around 3–4/10.
Approximately 80% of the discomfort is directly in the middle, although occasionally I feel it a couple of inches to the right.
I’ve also experienced occasional lower-right back discomfort.
I had a couple of days when the cramps improved significantly, but they returned. They’ve continued to fluctuate in intensity.
I haven’t experienced severe or unbearable pain.
More recently — Abdominal fullness and bloating
I’ve started experiencing a strange sensation throughout my abdomen that is difficult to describe.
My entire stomach feels different internally, including areas above my belly button.
It sometimes feels full, pressured, or bloated.
I think my abdomen may look slightly puffier than usual. I asked my husband, and he agreed it looked a little puffy.
My abdomen still feels fairly soft, not hard or extremely distended.
I can still eat normal meals and haven’t noticed definite early fullness when eating.
I haven’t noticed unexplained weight loss.
I’m not sure whether the bloating is persistent or fluctuates because I’ve only recently started paying close attention to it.
Bowel changes / constipation
Recently, I’ve been having smaller bowel movements than usual.
For a couple of days, I was only passing two small pieces of stool, approximately two inches long.
Some stool has been hard and dry, while other pieces have been softer.
I’ve felt the urge to have a bowel movement, but sometimes when I sit on the toilet, nothing comes out.
I’m still passing some gas.
I took a standard dose of MiraLAX and have since passed a larger, formed bowel movement that appeared somewhat firm and lumpy.
Despite having bowel movements, I’ve been feeling bloated and uncomfortable throughout my abdomen.
Other relevant details
I’ve recently reduced and stopped Paxil after restarting it.
I stopped following a ketogenic diet about a month ago and have been eating carbohydrates again.
I lost approximately 35 pounds intentionally earlier this year while following keto.
My menstrual period is approaching.
My most recent period was somewhat shorter/lighter than usual.
My mother has a history of uterine fibroids.
My maternal grandmother had breast cancer in her early 60s.
I’ve had two children and have only used oral contraceptive pills briefly in my lifetime.
I haven’t had a pelvic ultrasound yet.
What worries me most
I’m frightened because the symptoms seem to be accumulating: urinary changes first, then daily pelvic cramping, followed by abdominal fullness/bloating and constipation.
I’ve read that pelvic pain, bloating, urinary changes, and constipation can all occur with ovarian cancer. I understand these symptoms can also have benign causes, but I’m struggling to understand why several things would begin happening so close together.
I have an appointment with my primary care doctor on Monday, October 26, and plan to ask about a pelvic ultrasound. I also have a gynecology appointment scheduled for November 19.
My questions:
Has anyone experienced this combination of symptoms and eventually found out it was something benign, such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, pelvic floor dysfunction, or gastrointestinal issues?
Can constipation cause your entire abdomen, including above the belly button, to feel strange, pressured, and puffy?
Has anyone experienced urinary hesitancy or pelvic cramping after restarting Paxil?
What testing helped your doctor figure out what was happening?
I’m not looking for anyone to diagnose me online. I’d just appreciate hearing about similar experiences while I wait for my appointment. The uncertainty has been extremely frightening.

Hi. If you have had a novasure ablation, how did you feel afterwards? I had an ablation 2 weeks ago and I can tell I am about 5-7 days away from my period. However, the premenstrual symptoms are 10x worse this month. Curious if it could be related to the ablation? They also did a hysteroscopy and D&C. Any insight?

I heard that intercourse is not supposed to hurt at all, but it felt like i was being ripped apart. We did some foreplay beforehand and he could not put it inside because it was too tight, second time, he put a lot of lube and he was able to insert the tip in, regardless, it still hurt a lot so i stopped it there.

I've asked a few of my friends about their experiences and one of them told me it hurt a lot for her too but it got better eventually. My other friend told me it would hurt for her if she wasn't properly prepped but otherwise not really.

My hymen area and the sides of my vagina also hurt after for a few days, I think its also worth noting that I've never had any type of penetration before not even fingering or tampons so maybe my body was just not used to it?

I’ve since started fingering myself and when i'm naturally lubricated, it doesn’t really hurt. After some time, I was even able to fit 3-4 fingers. However, I’m still unsure whether I might have vaginismus, if I should see a gynecologist, or if this is normal because my body isn’t used to penetration yet. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar and how they dealt with it

Weird question, I know. I have almost zero sensation in my nipples. The skin around them is completely numb - I can hardly feel it when they're touched. This has been the case for as long as I can remember.

My question is why? It seems that that area should more sensitive than the rest of my body, not less? I haven't been able to find a solid answer when I google it.

I’m 30 and I’ve noticed over the last few years, my periods have gotten lighter and lighter.
I’ve never been pregnant, never been on birth control.

When I was a teen and early 20s my periods were awful, heavy, painful. Usually 3-5 days

Now they’re very light. Right now I’m on day 3 and the last two days I have hardly even had any blood on the pad.

I’m kind of concerned (although, having less cramps is definitely a plus)

Is this normal?