Women's Health

Do you have severe pain that is different from your usual menstrual discomfort?

Have you had moderate pain or cramping for longer than 24 hours?

Have you had mild pain or cramping for longer than 5 days?

Have you had menstrual cramps for 3 cycles in a row that could not relieved with home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Do you think your menstrual cramps may be caused by sexual abuse?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Have you developed a rash that looks like a sunburn with a fever of or higher?

Have you developed a rash that looks like a sunburn with a suspected high fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?

Do you have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place?

Do you have a fever of or higher?

Have you had a fever of and lower abdominal pain for 24 hours?

Do you think that you have a moderate fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?

Have you had a fever of to for 24 hours or longer?

Do you think that you have had a mild fever for 24 hours or longer, but you have been unable to measure your temperature?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Do you have low back pain?

Do you have a vague feeling of body weakness or discomfort (malaise)?

Does having sex cause pain?

Are your menstrual cramps so severe that you are thinking about having your IUD removed?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Do you have low back pain?

Do you have a vague feeling of body weakness or discomfort (malaise)?

Does having sex cause pain?

Have you had prolonged menstrual cramps for 3 or more menstrual cycles, but you do not have other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Has the pattern of your menstrual cramps continued to get worse for 3 months in a row?

Have your menstrual cramps not improved with home treatment for 3 cycles?

Are cramps interfering with your normal activities, such as school or work?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may need immediate care. Call your health professional now to discuss your symptoms and arrange for your care.

• Symptoms are likely to worsen without medical care.
• If you do not have a health professional, seek emergency care.
• Emergency transportation is not needed. However, if you are not able to travel safely either by driving yourself or having someone else drive you, call an ambulance.

You do not need to answer any of the other questions.

You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you need to call your health professional to discuss your symptoms and arrange for care.

• An appointment today is usually needed.
• Symptoms are unlikely to improve without medical care.

Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.

You have answered "Yes" to a question that indicates you may wait to see if your symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or the specified time period). If symptoms improve, no appointment is needed.

• If symptoms do not improve after 24 hours (or the specified time period), an appointment within the next 24 hours is usually needed.
• If appropriate, try home treatment to relieve your symptoms.
• Check your symptoms in 24 hours, or sooner if there is any change.
• Call your health professional if symptoms get worse.

Return to the Check Your Symptoms section and answer the questions. You may need to see a health professional sooner if you have other more serious symptoms.