Family Planning Plus

It is possible that you became pregnant prior to starting your birth control. Anytime you have unprotected intercourse, there is the risk of pregnancy. It takes at least 7 days of use before birth control pills are effective. If your next period is more than 1 week late, do a pregnancy test.

Extreme cramping in your stomach and bladder are usually not the first signs of pregnancy. Nor are they common side effects of beginning pill use. If you are feeling cramping/pain in your bladder area, you may have a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections can cause burning or pain with urination, pelvic/bladder pressure and/or urinary frequency. A urinalysis is usually done to detect any bacteria in your urine. Infections are treated with antibiotics.

Pelvic pain can be a sign of a vaginal infection. With some vaginal infections, women may experience pelvic discomfort, itching/burning of the vaginal area, and/or abnormal vaginal discharge and odor. In this case, a vaginal infection check could detect any infections, including any STDs.

Since you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, you would know your body better than anyone. If you’re having a “flare-up” of your IBS, then this may be the reason for the cramping & pain. Most people with IBS know what causes their symptoms to appear or become worse. If you feel that this pain is different than your normal IBS pain, it would be wise to call your doctor for a check up and evaluation.