Sharp, Stabbing stomach pain/cramping?!

Sharp, Stabbing stomach pain/cramping?

Tonight, all of a sudden, I got a sudden sharp stabbing in my upper abdomen. We weren't doing anything strenuous besides walking and I hadn't eaten anything irritating. Then later, I got moderate cramping in my lower abdomen. It hurt most when I laid on my left side. I took some advil, and now it's okay. But what could the pain be from? (I am an 18 year old sexually active female.)

There are many, many problems that can cause the kind of pain you are describing, and few of them have anything to do with sexuality. The fact that it is worse when you lay on your left side seems to indicate that it is related to a stomach problem (possibly an ulcer, but not necessarily). That's because the stomach is on the left side of the abdomen, and when you lay on your left side your other organs put pressure on it. It could also be an intestinal problem, or a problem with one of your other organs, gall bladder for instance.

One suggestion: Do NOT take Advil for stomach or abdominal pains. If you are suffering from an ulcer, or even an ulceration (small ulcer), it will make it worse. Even if you do not have an ulcer, your stomach or intestines may be prone to ulcers, and Advil can make it worse, even cause it to bleed. And internal bleeding is no fun.

Advil is actually Ibuprofen, the same as Motrin. Ibuprofen is one of a category of drugs called NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), along with aspirin. NSAID's are VERY hard on the stomach lining, as I described in the previous paragraph. You should read the ingredients of any pain medication you take, and avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxin until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Also, if you start feeling weak, call your doctor right away. It is possible you have developed a bleeding ulcer, or some sort of GI bleed. If so, you need immediate treatment. Your doctor in that case would probably recommend a transfusion. This is not a high probability in your case, but you need to be aware of the possibility.

The only one who can tell you for sure what the problem is is your doctor, whom you should see as soon as possible if the pain is consistent. It may be a mild irritation, or it could be something more serious, even at your age. Ask your doctor about ulcers, IBD/IBS, Crohn's disease, Colitis, all of which you can find more information yourself by googling these terms.

But do not diagnose yourself. See your doctor.