Symptoms: Slimy Discharge, Abdominal Pain and Side Cramps

When you notice changes in your body, you may wonder whether it's anything serious or something that will resolve on its own. It's also normal to wonder whether the symptoms you develop are related. In the case of slimy vaginal discharge and abdominal pain and cramps, the symptoms could indicate certain conditions or infections or may not be related at all 12.

Vaginal Discharge

Some amount of vaginal discharge is normal and varies throughout your menstrual cycle 1. Normally, discharge is clear or whitish or yellowish. Women typically experience an increase in discharge around the time of ovulation, but any change in the amount of vaginal discharge or its consistency, color or odor should be reported to your doctor 1. In particular, changes in discharge can indicate infections, including yeast infections, bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Abdominal Pain and Cramps

Abdominal pain and cramps in your side are common and often related ailments that can indicate a wide variety of illnesses and conditions, some mild and some serious 2. In some cases, where the pain is felt can help determine a cause. For example, stomach pain typically is felt in the upper abdomen, while pain the lower abdomen can involve the digestive system as well as the reproductive organs in women. Even common illnesses such as gastroenteritis -- or the stomach flu -- can cause painful cramps.

Combination of Symptoms

When you experience slimy vaginal discharge along with abdominal pain and cramps, the symptoms all could be caused by one illness or condition or may indicate separate problems 12. For example, certain sexually transmitted diseases, particularly gonorrhea, can cause a change in vaginal discharge and may progress to cause pain and cramps in the abdominal area 12. Pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause both changes in vaginal discharge and abdominal pain 125. Even something as simple as premenstrual syndrome may cause all three symptoms 4. Pain and cramps are common symptoms of PMS. And some women also experience an increase in the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge between the time of ovulation and their period beings 1.

When to See a Doctor

When you experience these types of symptoms, there are certain things you should watch for that indicate you should schedule a visit with your doctor to be evaluated. First, any change in your normal vaginal discharge warrants a doctor's visit to make sure you do not have an infection that requires treatment 1. In the case of abdominal pain, you should always schedule an appointment if it persists for more than one week or it it becomes more severe and persistent, MedlinePlus reports 23. When you experience these symptoms together, it's a good idea to get evaluated by your gynecologist. And you should always be medically evaluated if you develop these symptoms while you are pregnant.