Right Time to Visit

When Is The Right Time To Visit The Doctor?

The right time to visit your doctor is when:¹

• Severe abdominal cramp located on one side of the abdomen (either left or right): Could indicate ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

• Severe cramps along with sudden and severe headache: Could indicate migraine or another neurological issue.

• Fainting due to period pain and excessive blood loss: Could indicate anemia.

• Any symptom not cyclic or having a sudden onset.

When is it an emergency as per guidelines?

1. Pain that doesn’t improve with painkillers or hormonal contraceptives.

2. Pain that has become more severe than usual.

3. Pain during other times of the cycle, and not just when bleeding, or that starts several days before and continues after bleeding.

4. Bleeding or pain during/after sex.

5. Pain when urinating or passing stool.

6. Other menstrual symptoms like heavy bleeding, bleeding during other times of the cycle, abnormal vaginal discharge.¹

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods [Internet]. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2020 [cited 2025 May 15]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods