[28F] Experiencing abdominal pain, bloating, and lower back discomfort

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The exact cause of IBS isn't known, and treatment focuses mainly on symptom relief.

  • Treatment typically involves changes in diet and lifestyle, as well as managing stress. If these aren't enough, your doctor might suggest medication or counseling.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. UTIs can cause pain in your abdomen and changes in your urine.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

• Gynecological conditions: Conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort during sex. Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity, while ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface.

  • Treatment for these conditions can involve medication or, in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Keep a food diary to see if certain foods trigger your symptoms.
2. Drink plenty of water to help with your urinary symptoms.
3. Try over-the-counter pain relievers to help with your abdominal and back pain.
4. Avoid sexual activity if it exacerbates your pain.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your pain becomes severe or unbearable
• If you develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F) or chills
• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve over time

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.