Bloating
Most people feel bloated occasionally - sometimes after eating certain foods or around their monthly cycle. But when bloating happens regularly and doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of something more serious.
What might it feel like?
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in your tummy that doesn’t ease
- An uncomfortable tightness that may even be painful
- Your tummy might feel or look bigger than usual—maybe your clothes are tighter around the middle
- Your tummy might feel harder than normal
- You may have a bigger tummy but have lost weight elsewhere
- You may even be able to feel a lump in your tummy
There are many less serious reasons for bloating, but if this is happening several days a week for several weeks, it's worth getting checked out.
Feeling full more quickly
Everyone gets a tummy upset now and then, but this symptom is about a persistent, noticeable change in how you feel when you eat.
What might it feel like?
- Feeling hungry but unable to eat a full meal
- Feeling very full after eating only a small amount of food or drinking a little liquid
- A reduced appetite compared to your usual eating habits
- Regular heartburn or indigestion
- Feeling sick or being sick
- A constant “upset stomach” feeling
If you have ongoing digestive issues, it’s always worth getting checked—there may be another reason for your symptoms, and you might be able to get help to feel better.
Needing to pee more often
Many things can affect how often you need to pee, like how much you drink or a urinary infection. But if you’re suddenly needing the toilet much more often, it’s worth looking into.
What might it feel like?
- Feeling like you need to wee more often than usual, even at night
- Feeling like you need to rush to the toilet but not passing much urine
- A constant or frequent urge to wee, even if your bladder isn’t full
- A change in how easy it is to fully empty your bladder
Needing to pee more often can have other causes, like infections or bladder issues, but if this is new and happening frequently for several weeks, get it checked out.
Tummy and pelvic pain
Pain in the lower tummy or pelvis isn’t unusual, especially for those who have periods, but if it’s new, frequent, or getting worse, it’s something to pay attention to.
What might it feel like?
- A dull ache or pressure low in your tummy or lower back that won’t go away
- Sharp or stabbing pains in your lower tummy or pelvis
- A heavy, dragging sensation similar to period pain
- Pain that comes and goes but keeps returning
- Pain during sex or when using the toilet
Pain can have many causes, but if it's persistent and unusual for you, it’s important to speak to a doctor.
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