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Belivine · Apr 12, 2011, 04:02 PM

My girlfriend experiences severe pains during her period. They vary in severity. Her parents won't have her checked out because they "don't think its worth the money". I do. But What could it possibly be? This month's period was so bad she ended up in the emergency room due to cold sweats, extreme pain, fainting multiple times, and being unresponsive. This was the first time it has been this bad but they have been slowly getting worse. I feel like something needs to be done and found out for her. She deserves better treatment than peppermint tea...

Eileen G · Apr 12, 2011, 04:56 PM

I agree. Many women get nasty cramps during their periods, but if they are so bad she needs ER care, they need to be investigated. If it's about money, point out that going to a doctor is a lot cheaper than ER.

Alty · Apr 12, 2011, 05:36 PM

This sounds like me when I was younger. I ended up in the hospital a few times because of severe cramps, sweats, vomiting, passing out, etc. etc.

I found out much later, 6 years later, that I had a lump that was causing the pain. Five minutes and a laser, which wasn't fun, and my pain was gone.

This should be checked out. How old is your girlfriend? Is she old enough to seek medical advice on her own?

I know I wish I had gone sooner. For me it wasn't a matter of cost, I live in Canada and health care is free. For me it was fear that I'd never find a solution and I'd have to live with this pain forever.

I feel for her. There are medications that can help ease the cramps.

I also have to ask. Does she use tampons? Many of the symptoms you're describing can also be related to toxic shock syndrome, which is largely related to the use of tampons.

Belivine · Apr 13, 2011, 05:17 AM

She is currently 18 so she is able to receive medical care by herself. And she doesn't use tampons at all, just pads. Could the same happen from pads? And the lump you were talking about that it might be, was it an ovarian cyste? And thank you so incredibly much for helping out. She has been scared to go by herself because of money, but I should be able to cover that problem. Last night she was then worried it would be something that can't be cured. Thank you so much for your inputs. :)

Alty · Apr 13, 2011, 08:01 AM

Pads can't cause toxic shock, only tampons, so if she uses only pads then toxic shock can be ruled out.

The lump I had was a tumor on the inside wall of my vagina. It wasn't cancerous, but it did cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially during my period. Once it was removed the pain was gone. I still had ordinary cramps once in a while, but nothing like what I went through before.

I understand her fear, but not getting it checked is the worst thing she can do. It could be something very simple to fix, like it was with me. If it is something more serious then it's better that she know now so they can find some way to help.

I hope she finds a solution. I remember all too well when I went through all the pain for many years. The treatment wasn't fun, but it was worth it. :)