Developmental differences of the female genital tract: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Get emergency help for sudden severe abdominal pain with faintness, collapse, shoulder pain, or heavy bleeding.
If you could be pregnant, these symptoms may indicate internal bleeding or an ectopic pregnancy and require immediate assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, especially with fever, vomiting, abdominal swelling, or difficulty passing urine.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if:
Periods have not started by age 15 or within about three years of breast development
You have repeated monthly pelvic pain without bleeding
Tampon insertion or vaginal penetration is unexpectedly difficult or painful
You have ongoing pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, or fertility concerns
A scan suggests a difference in the uterus, cervix, or vagina