What could be causing lower abdominal pain and unusual bleeding after a negative pregnancy test?

Question #29586

49 days ago

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What could be causing lower abdominal pain and unusual bleeding after a negative pregnancy test? - #29586

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my last month period was 1-4march then next was 22-25 same month then 6th had unprotected sex -2 took a preganxy test with strip and blood negative 12 stared having pain in lower abdomen that starts abd stops with soft smelly poop 16 started a period i think that was brown first then red to nect day thurd day spotted brown and fourth day and today but my normal period i do four days third day i dont have my period is always stopped but resumes fourth day mind u i still spir bron today snd pain in lower abdomen stops and resumes still here

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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.

48 days ago

Hello
Lower abdominal pain and unusual bleeding after a negative pregnancy test can happen for several common reasons, and in your situation the most likely causes are hormonal imbalance, irregular ovulation, effects of emergency contraception or birth control, or a mild pelvic or gastrointestinal issue rather than pregnancy.
Having two periods in March (1–4 and 22–25) suggests your cycle was already irregular that month, which can lead to spotting, brown discharge, or a shorter or lighter bleed in April. Brown blood simply means older blood leaving the uterus more slowly. Hormonal changes from contraception or stress can also cause on-and-off lower abdominal cramps and irregular bleeding patterns.
The fact that your pregnancy blood and urine tests on the 12th were negative makes pregnancy less likely, but if the test was done less than about 2 weeks after sex, it could have been slightly early. Soft, smelly stools with abdominal pain also point toward a bowel cause such as mild infection, food intolerance, or irritable bowel changes, which can mimic pelvic pain.
Other possible causes include a mild ovarian cyst, ovulation pain, a uterine lining disturbance, or a vaginal infection, especially if discharge changes, but these are usually benign and self-limited.
What to do now is repeat a pregnancy test about 3 weeks after the last unprotected sex to be fully certain. If the test is negative and the pain or spotting continues for more than another week, becomes severe, or you develop fever, foul-smelling discharge, heavy bleeding, or dizziness, you should see a clinician for a pelvic exam and possibly an ultrasound.
Take care

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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.

47 days ago

Thanks for sharing the full timeline – it helps a lot.
You had unprotected sex, then a negative pregnancy test (blood + urine), but now pain + irregular bleeding + soft smelly stool. Here’s what could be going on:
🔎 Possible causes (even with negative pregnancy test)
1. Early ectopic pregnancy – Rare but serious. Blood test can be falsely negative very early. Pain + spotting + negative test does not rule it out.
2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – Infection after unprotected sex. Causes lower abdominal pain, irregular bleeding, sometimes loose stools from pelvic irritation.
3. Ovulation bleeding + cyst – Mid-cycle spotting (around day 14–16) with a painful ovarian cyst can mimic this.
4. Hormonal imbalance – Your cycles are short (18 days between periods). This can cause breakthrough bleeding and cramping.
5. Bowel infection (gastroenteritis) – Explains soft smelly poop, but not the bleeding. Possibly two separate issues.
⚠️ Why the negative test doesn’t fully reassure
· Ectopic pregnancy can show negative urine and even low positive blood test – but levels may be too low initially.
· PID doesn’t affect pregnancy test at all.
✅ What you MUST do now
1. Repeat blood pregnancy test (quantitative hCG) – not just urine.
2. See a gynecologist today for:
· Transvaginal ultrasound (looks for ectopic, cyst, or fluid in pelvis)
· Pelvic exam + swabs for chlamydia/gonorrhea
3. Go to ER immediately if:
· Pain becomes sharp or severe
· Bleeding increases (soaking a pad/hour)
· You feel dizzy, faint, or shoulder pain
📌 For the soft smelly poop – likely a separate mild stomach bug, but tell your doctor.
I’m a urologist – this is a gynecological issue. Don’t wait. Even with negative tests, your symptoms need a doctor’s exam today.
Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
Urologist

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

47 days ago

The symptoms you’re describing—lower abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding patterns, and changes in bowel habits—could be attributed to various factors. First, hormonal fluctuations or imbalances might cause irregular bleeding or changes in menstrual cycle. Stress, dietary changes, or sleep irregularities could also be factors affecting your cycle. Another possibility could be a mild gastrointestinal issue leading to the abdominal discomfort and altered bowel movements.
However, there’s also the possibility of a gynecological condition such as a uterine fibroid, ovarian cyst, or endometriosis which could explain the abdominal pain and unusual bleeding. Infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or urinary tract infection (UTI), can also cause similar symptoms, including abdominal pain and cases of abnormal discharge or bleeding. It’s encouraging that the pregnancy tests came back negative, but it would be prudent to consider a visit to a healthcare provider for a more thorough evaluation. They might recommend an ultrasound or additional blood tests to help identify the root cause.
In the meantime, keep track of your symptoms—note when the pain occurs, the nature of the bleeding, and any other changes in your cycle or bowel habits. Avoiding potential irritants such as caffeine or spicy foods may alleviate bowel symptoms, but consult a doctor if pain becomes severe or you experience heavy bleeding or fever. Given the complexities and variations in cycles and symptoms, professional assessment ensures accurate diagnosis and management, prioritizing your overall health and safety.

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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.

49 days ago

Hello dear
See at your age this can be attributed to hormonal alterations or physiological variation
Also there can be chances of PCOS.
Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation of exact diagnosis.
Please share the result with gynaecologist in person for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician
Serum ferritin
Serum tsh
Serum prolactin
Serum progesterone
Rft
Lft
CBC
Urine analysis
Pelvic USG
Serum estrogen
Serum progesterone
Hopefully you recover soon
Regards

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

48 days ago

Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. From your history, this does not strongly suggest pregnancy. Pregnancy is very unlikely, but we’ll still keep it in mind if symptoms worsen. Your issues might be due to Hormonal imbalance ir anovulatory bleeding or gut related pain, etc. Even though risk is low, we will have to rule out ectopic pregnancy if Pain becomes severe and continuous, Dizziness / fainting, Shoulder pain appears. In that case, repeat Urine Pregnancy Test, Blood Pregnant Test & Ultrasound of Abdomen+Pelvis. Here is my further advise-
1. Wait and observe for this cycle- This kind of irregular bleeding often settles on its own.
2. Repeat pregnancy test- Do it 2–3 weeks after intercourse if still unsure.
3. For pain- You can take Tab. Paracetamol 650mg when needed.
Manage gut by Light diet & Avoiding gas-forming foods.
4. Track next cycle- If cycles remain irregular, evaluation needed.
Physically See a doctor if: Bleeding becomes heavy, Pain becomes severe, Irregular cycles continue for 2–3 months.
This is Most likely hormonal irregular bleeding + gut-related pain. Pregnancy is very unlikely given negative tests. Usually self-settling, but monitor symptoms.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain
MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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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.

48 days ago

Hello
Thanks for sharing all those details; it really helps to understand your situation better. Let’s break down what you’ve experienced:
1. Menstrual History:
- Last period: March 1-4
- Next period: March 22-25
- Unprotected sex: April 6
- Negative pregnancy tests: April 12 (both strip and blood)
- Period-like bleeding: Started on April 16, brown blood initially, then red, followed by brown spotting on the third and fourth days.
2. Symptoms:
- Ongoing lower abdominal pain that starts and stops, along with soft, smelly stools.
- Spotting continues today.
### What This Could Mean:
- Irregular Periods: Your bleeding on April 16 could be a lighter period or breakthrough bleeding, especially since you had unprotected sex earlier in the month. The brown blood often indicates older blood, which is common at the beginning or end of a menstrual cycle.
- Hormonal Changes: Stress, hormonal fluctuations, or changes in your body can lead to variations in your menstrual cycle, including lighter periods or spotting.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements could be related to digestive issues, which can sometimes coincide with menstrual symptoms.
### Next Steps:
1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your bleeding and any abdominal pain. If the pain worsens or if you have any other concerning symptoms (like fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding), it’s important to see a doctor.
2. Consider Another Pregnancy Test: If your symptoms continue or if you have any doubts, you can take another pregnancy test a week after your expected period or consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
3. Consult a Doctor: If the abdominal pain persists or if you have any unusual discharge, it’s best to consult a Gynecologist to rule out any infections or other conditions.
Thank you

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Dr. Alan Reji

I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.

42 days ago

From your timeline, pregnancy is very unlikely since both urine and blood tests were negative, and the bleeding you had on the 16th (brown → red → spotting) fits more with a hormonal/irregular period or ovulation disturbance rather than implantation. The on-off lower abdominal pain with loose, smelly stools points more toward a gut issue (like mild infection or IBS) combined with cycle-related hormonal changes, not something serious like pregnancy. Still, because your cycle suddenly changed and pain is persisting, you should see a Gynecologist for an exam and possibly an ultrasound to rule out cysts or infection and help regulate your cycle.

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