Pulls the lower abdomen after menstruation (and lower back): causes (can there be pregnancy)

The female body is a harmonious system influenced by hormones and their combinations. All the changes taking place with her are aimed at fulfilling the most important mission - the birth of a new life. The body, at the slightest "breakdown", lets you know with pain or discomfort. That is why, if the lower abdomen pulls after menstruation, then you need to pay attention to this.

Cycle changes

To begin with, let's remember what happens in the female reproductive system during the menstrual cycle.

The onset of menstruation is the first day of the cycle. Bloody discharge indicates the renewal of the inner layer of the uterus - the endometrium, in response to the death of an unfertilized egg. Due to the absence of pregnancy, the concentration of progesterone and estrogen drops sharply, which causes spasm of the endometrial vessels and the release of prostaglandins, which provoke uterine contractions. All this causes spotting and painful sensations in the lower abdomen during menstruation.

Simultaneously with menstruation, the follicular phase begins, during which all changes are aimed at maturation of the follicle with a new egg. At this time, the concentration of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones gradually increases. By the 12-14th day of the cycle, ovulation occurs: the mature follicle will burst and the egg, ready for fertilization, will leave the ovary and move through the fallopian tubes into the organ cavity.

Three days later, under the influence of luteinizing hormone, the maturation of the corpus luteum begins at the site of the ruptured follicle. If the girl becomes pregnant, it is this temporary organ that will synthesize pregnancy hormones until the placenta is formed. If the meeting of the egg and sperm does not occur, the corpus luteum atrophies and the cycle repeats.

Physiological causes of lower abdominal pain at the end of menstruation

Most often, pain in the lower abdomen accompanies the first 1-3 days of menstruation itself. However, it happens that as a result of hormonal changes in girls with a low pain threshold, the stomach hurts both at the end of menstruation and after them for several days.

If the pain is not accompanied by a violation of the cycle, does not cause much discomfort, is not associated with other pathological discharge, lasts no more than 3 days after the end of menstruation and goes away on its own, cause for concern no.

Try to get more rest and exercise regularly.

For some women, ovulation does not fit into book standards and does not occur on the 12-14th day, but earlier, from the 6th to the 10th day of the cycle. During this natural process, due to the rupture of the follicle, a small amount of blood enters the pelvic cavity, which irritates the peritoneum. Early ovulation is the reason why the lower abdomen and lower back hurt after menstruation.

If such pain in the left or right side lasts no more than two to three days and is not accompanied by pathological signs (bleeding, weakness, lethargy, dizziness, decreased appetite, low blood pressure), may be calm.

Beginning of pregnancy

If you ovulate early and the lower abdomen aches 10-14 days after your period, you should think about the possible pregnancy. It is on these days that the moment of attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus may occur. A woman can feel, in addition to pulling pain, slight weakness and observe short-term spotting of a small volume for 1-3 days (implantation bleeding).

Sometimes, with an unstable cycle, during the last meager menstruation, the girl takes just implantation bleeding, then after that the stomach will also ache due to pregnancy.

If the lower abdomen pulls right after menstruation, this may be the beginning of pregnancy. You need to use a test (modern technology makes them hypersensitive and able to determine the onset of the gestation period at the earliest possible date). You can donate blood to determine the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the antenatal clinic.

Intrauterine device

During menstruation, the cervix opens slightly to allow for the normal course of the process. Against this background, the location of the IUD may change, which provokes the onset of pain. This usually does not require medical attention and goes away on its own.

Taking hormonal contraceptives

At the very beginning of taking oral contraceptives, the lower abdomen may ache due to hormonal changes in the body. The pills are started when the previous cycle ends. Usually, soreness in the abdomen is temporary, not very intense, and goes away on its own. However, it should be remembered that COCs can cause miscarriage if pregnancy occurs. Therefore, taking these drugs should always be coordinated with a gynecologist.

This is where the main physiological causes of pain are over. Now let's talk about what will require immediate gynecological care and expert comment.

Sexually transmitted infections

An increase in body temperature, pain, discharge from the genital tract with an unusual color and smell - a possible cause of all this may be the presence of a sexually transmitted infection. This group also includes such obvious diseases as syphilis, gonorrhea, lymphogranulomatosis venereal disease, herpes, and latent infections: chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, trichomoniasis. All of them require the earliest possible therapy, in the absence of which there is a high likelihood of developing complications, including infertility, since the presence of most of these signs indicates the severity process.
If you find the listed symptoms and unprotected intercourse has taken place, you should immediately consult a doctor and take the necessary tests.

Endometriosis

Sometimes, for unknown reasons, the cells of the inner layer of the uterus are carried to other organs and tissues, causing unusual discharge there. All this leads to inflammation and disruption of the reproductive system itself and the affected organs.

In addition to the fact that with endometriosis, the uterus hurts a lot after menstruation (the pain can be cyclical or constant, during or before menstruation), the following symptoms of this dangerous diseases:

• change in the duration and intensity of bleeding during critical days;
• pain during intercourse;
• pain during bowel movements and / or urination;
• problems with conception.

If you find one or more symptoms of endometriosis that have appeared within the last month, please do a pelvic ultrasound as soon as possible and see your doctor.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

If the endocrine system is disrupted, PCOS develops - polycystic ovary syndrome. Due to hormonal disruption in the ovary, not one follicle matures, but several at once. The body's strength is not enough to bring at least one egg to the end, therefore, at the stage of maturation, everything ends.

Due to the imbalance of hormones and the "overflowing" ovary, the cycle is disrupted, ovulation does not occur, after menstruation it pulls down abdomen and nausea (aches and pains can accompany the entire menstrual cycle), mood changes, weight, does not occur pregnancy.

Tumors

If the question arises why the lower abdomen hurts immediately after menstruation, after a week or two, during menstruation, the pain is intense, accompanied by a violation of the cycle, bloody irregular discharge and a violation of general well-being, you should consult a doctor soon. All these symptoms can be a manifestation of a malignant process or a benign formation. Both require therapy, and as soon as possible.

In addition to the genitals, pay attention to the mammary glands: a change in their size and appearance, engorgement of the nipples and discharge from them should alert you and cause an appointment for an ultrasound scan.

Inflammatory processes in the small pelvis

If it hurts on the left or right below after menstruation, you should think about inflammatory diseases of the reproductive sphere: adnexitis (inflammation of the ovary and tube), oophoritis (isolated inflammation of the ovary), salpingitis (inflammation of the uterine pipes).

The neglect of these diseases will lead to serious complications, in most cases requiring surgical intervention. Therefore, with an increase in body temperature, lethargy and fatigue, a violation of the menstrual cycle, if the period has passed, and the lower abdomen is still pulling. It is worth seeking help from a specialist.

Diseases of the urinary and digestive system

In the pelvic cavity are not only the female genital organs, but also many others: part of the large intestine and rectum, bladder and ureters. The pathology of these organs can cause pain. Therefore, if after menstruation, the lower back and stomach hurt, think about it.

1. Appendicitis. Fever, nausea, vomiting, weakness, passing pain in the abdomen (from the stomach to small pelvis) and especially its localization in the lower right corner can be a sign of inflammation of the vermiform appendix. Due to its special location in some women, pain can be defined in the very lower abdomen and be misleading. However, it is impossible to delay appendicitis: urgently go to the admission department of a surgical hospital, to a polyclinic or call an ambulance. Especially the urgency of care concerns pregnant women.
2. Pyelonephritis (inflammation of the tubular system of the kidney) is a dangerous disease that, if neglected, can be life-threatening. If, before, during or after menstruation, your back hurts, there is a fever and intoxication, you should urgently pass a urine test and consult a doctor for treatment.
3. Cystitis, urethritis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder and urethra. These diseases, in addition to a specific abdominal pain, usually make it difficult and painful to urinate.
4. Osteochondrosis. Yes, we shouldn't forget about the spine. Its lesions are often the cause of back pain, especially in the lumbar region.

Remember, "spare health" is not given to a person. Therefore, be vigilant, monitor your cycle and its changes. Be attentive to its signals and alarms.