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Differential Diagnosis for Prolonged Bleeding with Late Period on Progesterone Only Contraception and Left Iliac Fossa Pain

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Irregular Uterine Bleeding due to Progesterone Only Contraception: This is a common side effect of progesterone-only contraception, which can cause changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, including prolonged bleeding and irregular periods. The left iliac fossa pain could be related to the bleeding or a separate issue like constipation or musculoskeletal strain.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Ovarian Cyst: These are common in women of reproductive age and can cause pelvic pain, irregular menstrual bleeding, and can sometimes rupture, leading to severe pain. The use of progesterone-only contraception might influence ovarian cyst formation or rupture.
    • Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less likely if the contraception is used correctly, it's a possibility, especially if there's a failure of the contraceptive method. Ectopic pregnancy can present with abdominal pain and irregular bleeding.
    • Constipation or Gastrointestinal Issues: These can cause left iliac fossa pain and might be unrelated to the menstrual irregularities but are common enough to consider.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Ectopic Pregnancy: As mentioned, this is critical to rule out due to its potential for severe consequences, including death. Any suspicion of ectopic pregnancy warrants immediate investigation.
    • Ovarian Torsion: This is a surgical emergency that can cause severe pain and might be associated with an ovarian cyst. It's less common but critical not to miss.
    • Appendicitis: Although the pain is typically in the right lower quadrant, atypical presentations can occur, especially in women, and appendicitis can sometimes mimic gynecological conditions.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Malignancy (e.g., Ovarian Cancer): While rare, especially in younger women, any persistent or unexplained symptoms should prompt consideration of malignancy.
    • Endometriosis: This can cause pelvic pain and irregular bleeding but is less directly linked to the use of progesterone-only contraception and the specific symptom of left iliac fossa pain.
    • Adnexal Torsion: Similar to ovarian torsion but involves the fallopian tube and can cause severe pain. It's rare but requires urgent attention.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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