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What Causes Pain With Pressure Around Lower Stomach
Question: I've had pain today with pressure around my lower stomach, possibly my bladder. I started taking antibiotics 3 or so days ago for a UTI. I just noticed bright red blood on the toilet paper after going. I'm not sure if it's from my vagina (I'm 65) or from my urethra, or both.
Brief Answer:
You should put underwear or liner on to tell the difference
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am, and I hope I can help you today.
Usually, if you are having vaginal bleeding, you should see spotting on your underwear not just when you wipe yourself. It is not unusual to have blood at the end of your urine stream if you have a bladder infection though.
If you notice any blood on your underwear, you should make an appointment with a gynecologist because vaginal bleeding after menopause can be concerning and should be fully evaluated.
However the most likely scenario is that the blood is from your urinary tract. I am a bit concerned though that if you have been on antibiotics for three days and still are getting worse, the kind of antibiotic you are taking may not be the correct one to treat the specific bacteria that you have in your urine.
I suggest you see the doctor who prescribed your medication so they may send your urine to the laboratory to test it for culture. You may need a different antibiotic if this one is not working.
I hope I was able to answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me further if you need any additonal information.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
You should put underwear or liner on to tell the difference
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am, and I hope I can help you today.
Usually, if you are having vaginal bleeding, you should see spotting on your underwear not just when you wipe yourself. It is not unusual to have blood at the end of your urine stream if you have a bladder infection though.
If you notice any blood on your underwear, you should make an appointment with a gynecologist because vaginal bleeding after menopause can be concerning and should be fully evaluated.
However the most likely scenario is that the blood is from your urinary tract. I am a bit concerned though that if you have been on antibiotics for three days and still are getting worse, the kind of antibiotic you are taking may not be the correct one to treat the specific bacteria that you have in your urine.
I suggest you see the doctor who prescribed your medication so they may send your urine to the laboratory to test it for culture. You may need a different antibiotic if this one is not working.
I hope I was able to answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact me further if you need any additonal information.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I did get a culture and that is what was sent to the prescribing Dr. I just noticed that the antibiotic is a sulfa drug, sulfamethoxazole. I am allergic to all sulfa drugs, or at least I had a reaction 30 yrs ago. Do you outgrow allergic reactions?
Also, as far as vaginal bleeding, about one month ago I started taking bioidentical hormones in a new form, which is lozenges. Previous to lozenges I was taking the hormones via cream on my arms, same strength. Anyway, my breasts have been super sensitive for the last 3 weeks or so and today it almost felt like I was cramping. I have an appointment with my Dr. Wednesday anyway. Don't you think it's ok to wait until then?
Also, as far as vaginal bleeding, about one month ago I started taking bioidentical hormones in a new form, which is lozenges. Previous to lozenges I was taking the hormones via cream on my arms, same strength. Anyway, my breasts have been super sensitive for the last 3 weeks or so and today it almost felt like I was cramping. I have an appointment with my Dr. Wednesday anyway. Don't you think it's ok to wait until then?
Brief Answer:
You definitely should see your GYN and allergies don't go away
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It is true Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfa drug- but normally you don't outgrow allergies. You should finish the medication, but remind your doctor that you have a history of an allergy and would try a different antibiotic in the future.
However, women on hormone replacement therapy are an increased risk for uterine cancer and other problems so you really should see your GYN for an examination to check if there is bleeding in the vagina and you may need an ultrasound or a uterine biopsy. At your age, there may be other products, especially if you are experiencing breast tenderness, that may be safer for you- and if you are not taking progesterone as part of your regimen you are especially at risk for cancer.
So I think you can wait until you see your doctor for a few days, but even if your bleeding stops you should still see your GYN doctor to make sure everything is OK.
I hope this clarifies everything for you and that you feel better.
Sincerely, Dr. Brown
You definitely should see your GYN and allergies don't go away
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
It is true Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole is a sulfa drug- but normally you don't outgrow allergies. You should finish the medication, but remind your doctor that you have a history of an allergy and would try a different antibiotic in the future.
However, women on hormone replacement therapy are an increased risk for uterine cancer and other problems so you really should see your GYN for an examination to check if there is bleeding in the vagina and you may need an ultrasound or a uterine biopsy. At your age, there may be other products, especially if you are experiencing breast tenderness, that may be safer for you- and if you are not taking progesterone as part of your regimen you are especially at risk for cancer.
So I think you can wait until you see your doctor for a few days, but even if your bleeding stops you should still see your GYN doctor to make sure everything is OK.
I hope this clarifies everything for you and that you feel better.
Sincerely, Dr. Brown
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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