Diagnostic considerations in women with abdominal pain
A full history and physical is required of all women with lower abdominal pain, including a detailed sexual and menstrual history, pelvic examination, and pregnancy test (for women of childbearing age). Diagnostic considerations include pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, uterine obstruction, ovarian cyst torsion, ovulatory pain (mittelschmerz), and ruptured ovarian cyst. Pain occurring at monthly intervals suggests endometriosis or ovulatory pain.
