[25M] Experiencing right-sided abdominal soreness and altered bowel habits

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

• Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine. It typically presents with pain in the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, and sometimes fever. However, your symptoms are not entirely typical of appendicitis, as the pain is usually severe and gets worse over time.

  • If you have appendicitis, you may need surgery to remove your appendix. This is usually done as an emergency procedure.

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever. Your symptoms of watery stools, abdominal discomfort, and foul-smelling gas could be consistent with this.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to help with symptoms.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. Symptoms can include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Your symptoms of abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and gas could be consistent with this.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as changes in diet and regular exercise, as well as medications to help control symptoms.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by viruses and fungi. UTIs are among the most frequent clinical bacterial infections in women, accounting for nearly 25 percent of all infections. Your symptoms of feeling like you have to urinate more than usual and constantly feeling like your penis has urine in it could be consistent with this.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some of these conditions, such as appendicitis and UTIs, can worsen if not treated promptly. In the meantime:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you're having diarrhea.
2. Rest: If you're feeling unwell, make sure to get plenty of rest.
3. Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications can help with symptoms such as heartburn and gas.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Blood in your stool or urine
• High fever (temperature over 100.4°F)

Please remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.