Odd discharge and abdominal pain

Hi, I'm concerened because a friend of mine mentioned that she has had an odd, mucus-like, thick yet clear discharge that has just started happening a few days ago.  She also said her stomach has been hurting and that she feels "fat" even though she's been dieting and excersising, so I'm not sure if it's bloating or what.  She said that she has also just felt "crappy" and tired.  She had her period about a week ago but she said it was lighter than usual.  She is sexually active and was before she had her most recent period, but hasn't been since.  I don't know if this is enough information, but maybe you could steer us in the right direction of what could be going on with her.  Thanks!!!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Please tell your friend to see her health care provider right away.  The combination of abdominal pain and vaginal discharge is not to be taken lightly; it could be quite serious, even if the pain is mild.  I'm concerned about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or fallopian tube infection--most commonly due to chlamydia or gonorrhea--and also about ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.  If your friend doesn't have a regular provider who can see her right away, get her to your local STD or family planning clinic.

Please post a follow-up and let me know what happened.

HHH, MD