A 17-year-old sexually active female who began having periods at age 14 reports having moderate to severe dull lower abdominal pain associated predominantly with periods but that occurs at other times as well. The history reveals a recent onset of these symptoms. A pregnancy test is negative. Which course of action is most important?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Given the recent onset of moderate to severe dull lower abdominal pain that occurs predominantly with periods but also at other times, and considering the patient's age and sexual activity, a full diagnostic workup is crucial to evaluate potential causes. This approach is important to rule out conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other gynecological issues that could be causing her symptoms.

A 17-Year-Old Sexually Active Female Who Began Having Periods at Age