[29F] With severe lower abdominal cramping, blood in urine, and nausea

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Given your history of UTIs and the presence of blood in your urine, it's possible that you have another UTI. UTIs can cause lower abdominal cramping, blood in the urine, and changes in urination frequency or urgency. Nausea can also be a symptom.

2. Kidney Stones: These can cause severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain, blood in the urine, and nausea. The pain is often described as sharp and may come in waves.

3. Gynecological Issues: Conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause lower abdominal cramping, unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. Blood in the urine is less common but can occur if there is significant inflammation or infection.

4. Gastrointestinal Issues: While less likely given your symptoms, gastrointestinal issues such as severe constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause lower abdominal cramping and nausea.

What you can do

For Lower Abdominal Cramping and Blood in Urine:

• Seek Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms and the presence of blood in your urine, it's important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may perform a urinalysis, blood tests, or imaging studies to determine the cause.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out your urinary system.
• Avoid Irritants: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can irritate your bladder.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage pain, but consult your doctor before taking any medication.

For Nausea:

• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage nausea.
• Ginger: Ginger tea or ginger supplements can help alleviate nausea.
• Stay Hydrated: Sip on clear fluids like water, broth, or herbal tea.

For Unusual Vaginal Discharge:

• Consult Your Doctor: Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it's dark brown or bloody, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out infections or other gynecological issues.

General Tips:

• Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share your notes with your healthcare provider.
• Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Severe Pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or is accompanied by fever, chills, or vomiting.
• Increased Blood in Urine: If you notice an increase in the amount of blood in your urine.
• Difficulty Urinating: If you experience difficulty urinating or a complete inability to urinate.
• Fainting or Dizziness: If you feel faint or dizzy, especially if it is severe or persistent.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.