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Warning-sign checks

Mittelschmerz: 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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if severe pelvic or abdominal pain occurs with:

    • Fainting, marked weakness, confusion, or difficulty staying awake
    • Shoulder-tip pain, shortness of breath, or heavy bleeding
    • A known or possible pregnancy, especially with dizziness or bleeding
    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice for sudden or severe pelvic pain, especially if it is different from your usual symptoms.

    Urgent assessment is also appropriate when pain occurs with fever, repeated vomiting, a swollen or very tender abdomen, or significant vaginal bleeding.

    These symptoms do not mean that a serious condition is definitely present, but they can occur with internal bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, or another problem that needs prompt care.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if pelvic pain keeps returning, affects daily activities, or has not previously been assessed.

    You should also seek routine advice if pain lasts longer than one or two days, occurs throughout the cycle, or comes with unusual discharge, pain during sex, urinary symptoms, bowel changes, or bleeding between periods.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mittelschmerz. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.