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Are Abdominal Aches And Pelvic Pain Symptoms Of UTI?
Question: I'm 19 and I didn't have any of the common symptoms of a UTI (no pain urinating or frequently needing to urinate) so it really didn't cross my mind, but I went to the doctor with abdominal aches and pelvic pain which had been going on for a good month, he examined my abdomen and said it all felt normal and he took a urine sample and said there was some infection in it. He gave me antibiotics (Trimethoprim) which I started 2 days ago, but basically since I got back from the doctor yesterday I have had aches in my legs, and the pelvic discomfort hasn't changed, so I'm getting quite concerned.
Brief Answer:
Need a clinical assessment with a few related investigations for diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ! Good evening. I am Dr Shareef, a general surgeon answering your query.
On your query on the UTI, this condition can present more so in ladies without any urinary symptoms like burning while passing urine or a frequency of urination. This known as an aymptomatic UTI could give rise to pain abdomen specially in the pelvic region which might be associated with fever/rigors. Trimethoprim is a good basic antibiotic for the UTI, but in case it did not give you much relief, the antibiotic could be changed to a more appropriate one after the report of a culture sensitivity test of the urine if not already done.
In addition if you are sexually active, I would advise you to get a gynaecological assessment done for you to rule out any chances of an unsuspected PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) or an associated pregnancy for which your gynaecologist might advise you for a serum HCG test, and an ultrasound of the abdomen with special reference to the pelvic organs. If any of these come out to be positive, the treatment would vary accordingly. However, these are only the possibilities which could occur not necessarily with you. The diagnosis could be made most appropriately by your treating doctor along with the reports of the related investigations. Till then you could go for an anti spasmodic along with a proton pump inhibitor drug for a symptomatic relief only.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. I wish you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
Need a clinical assessment with a few related investigations for diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ! Good evening. I am Dr Shareef, a general surgeon answering your query.
On your query on the UTI, this condition can present more so in ladies without any urinary symptoms like burning while passing urine or a frequency of urination. This known as an aymptomatic UTI could give rise to pain abdomen specially in the pelvic region which might be associated with fever/rigors. Trimethoprim is a good basic antibiotic for the UTI, but in case it did not give you much relief, the antibiotic could be changed to a more appropriate one after the report of a culture sensitivity test of the urine if not already done.
In addition if you are sexually active, I would advise you to get a gynaecological assessment done for you to rule out any chances of an unsuspected PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) or an associated pregnancy for which your gynaecologist might advise you for a serum HCG test, and an ultrasound of the abdomen with special reference to the pelvic organs. If any of these come out to be positive, the treatment would vary accordingly. However, these are only the possibilities which could occur not necessarily with you. The diagnosis could be made most appropriately by your treating doctor along with the reports of the related investigations. Till then you could go for an anti spasmodic along with a proton pump inhibitor drug for a symptomatic relief only.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. I wish you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Well I haven't been sexually active since October and I have only ever had one sexual partner, who also has only had one sexual partner, and I have got every expected period since, but the doctor did test the urine for pregnancy anyway and it came back negative so I don't think I'm pregnant, and surely PID would be unlikely?
Brief Answer:
Urine culture sensitivity test as advised might help you out.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ! Nice to hear from you so soon.
As you have excluded any chances of a pregnancy and PID, I think you could consult your treating doctor on the culture sensitivity test of the urine for deciding on the appropriate antibiotic if not relieved. Urine for PT is not a 100% fool proof test, and so I suggested for a serum HCG. However, you might not need it as seen by your confidence against it.
Good luck.
Dr Shareef.
Urine culture sensitivity test as advised might help you out.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX ! Nice to hear from you so soon.
As you have excluded any chances of a pregnancy and PID, I think you could consult your treating doctor on the culture sensitivity test of the urine for deciding on the appropriate antibiotic if not relieved. Urine for PT is not a 100% fool proof test, and so I suggested for a serum HCG. However, you might not need it as seen by your confidence against it.
Good luck.
Dr Shareef.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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