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Sharp Stomach pain with heavy spotting
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Gynecology & Pregnancy Care
Question #16804
5 days ago
48

Sharp Stomach pain with heavy spotting - #16804

mer

Female 27 years old, I’m on Lithium and Lamotragine for bipolar. I recently did all the necessary blood tests for Lithium and all results are good. Yesterday I had sudden sharp stomach pain, its mainly on both sides of my stomach and gets worse with certain movements and when my bladder is full. I also had heavy spotting even though I’m in between periods. Also, I am not pregnant

Pain
Stomach
Ache
Spotting
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
4 days ago
5

Hello dear See lithium bipolar treatment usually causes side-effects like urinary retention and weakness However it rarely causes bleeding which could be attributed to thyroid dysfunction However for exact clarification please get following tests done for confirmation Urine analysis Serum TSH Serum prolactin Serum progesterone Serum RBS Please share the result with gynaecologist in person for better clarity Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Regards

1037 answered questions
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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
4 days ago
5

Most likely scenario

Based on your description:

A ruptured ovarian cyst with reactive spotting or An irritated ovarian cyst causing bladder-sensitive pain These are painful but common and usually self-resolving. But because torsion is also possible, you must not ignore this.

You must visit a doctor immediately.

921 answered questions
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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
4 days ago
5

Hello,

📌This suggests a pelvic cause such as an ovarian cyst (including possible rupture), pelvic infection, endometriosis flare, or a urinary issue.

These symptoms are unlikely to be from Lithium or Lamotrigine alone.

Because sharp pain plus spotting can indicate something that needs timely care, you should get medical evaluation, preferably today, with a pelvic exam and ultrasound to rule out cysts or infection.

🛑🛑🛑Please Seek urgent care

I trust this helps Thank you

347 answered questions
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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
4 days ago
5

Hello Mer By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that Since the pain is sharp severe enough to stop you from normal activities, and is accompanied by heavy spotting between periods, this is definitely something that needs careful attention. The combination of sudden, severe pain and abnormal bleeding could point to a few possibilities—like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or even something acute like a ruptured cyst . The fact that the pain gets worse with movement and a full bladder also suggests it could be related to your reproductive organs or possibly the urinary tract, but infection seems less likely since you don’t have fever or urinary symptoms.

Investigations - Pelvic ultrasound Physical examination by gynecologist to rule out ovarian cyst, fibroid.

Thank you

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.
3 days ago
5

Hi Mer ,

thanks for reaching out.

Your sharp lower abdominal pain with spotting, especially worsening on movement and when the bladder is full, needs urgent in-person evaluation to rule out gynecological (ovarian cyst, infection, endometriosis) and urinary causes (UTI, bladder issues).

Since you are on Lithium and Lamotrigine and recent tests were normal, the pain is unlikely due to the medicines alone, but they do not explain the spotting, so this should not be ignored.

Do not take over‑the‑counter painkillers without your doctor’s advice, as some can interact with Lithium.

You are not pregnant by history, but if there is any chance of missed pregnancy or delayed periods, ask for a urine or blood pregnancy test during evaluation.Regards,

Dr Nikhil Chauhan Urologist

38 answered questions
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The symptoms you’re experiencing—sharp stomach pain on both sides, worsening with movement or a full bladder, alongside heavy spotting between periods—definitely raise the need for further investigation. Considering your current medications, it’s good that your lithium levels are well within the therapeutic range as lithium can sometimes affect kidney function or interact with other medications. Regarding your symptoms, it’s essential to consider several possible causes. In women of reproductive age, conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or even pelvic inflammatory disease could present with such pain and irregular bleeding. Also, considering your symptoms and the fact that you are not pregnant, we shouldn’t rule out the potential contribution of your medications to these symptoms. Lamotrigine, for instance, rarely affects menstruation, but individual responses to medication can vary. In some cases, other factors such as gastrointestinal issues might need to be evaluated, given the pain’s relation to movement and bladder fullness. It’s crucial you contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss these symptoms, as they might require a physical exam, imaging, or further lab tests to pin down the exact cause. Meanwhile, continue to monitor your symptoms, especially if you develop fever, increased severity of pain, or any new symptoms like nausea. If things worsen drastically, seeking immediate medical assistance might be prudent to ensure no urgent condition is overlooked. Keep track of any other episodes of spotting or changes in your menstrual cycle, as this information could be vital for your healthcare provider to make a more accurate diagnosis. In the interim, try to avoid any activities or postures that exacerbate the pain, and ensure you stay hydrated, particularly if the spotting is significant.

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