Are you aware that in America, more than 50% of all emergency room visits are by women? The data presented by the CDC reveals that, compared to men, women tend to have other symptoms and encounter specific health crises that can easily escalate in case of their disregard. Severe stomach cramps and even mental breakdowns, the female body tends to speak in signals that demand urgent attention, but too often.
Knowing the most common reasons women visit the ER can help you respond quickly, seek the right care, and avoid serious complications.
1. Abdominal and Pelvic Pain – The Reason Women Rush to the ER
Those cramps you have in your stomach? It could be something much more serious
Women are also found to rush to the ER in cases of sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain that may occur due to a wide variety of causes, some of which are benign, and some of which pose life-threatening dangers.
Common culprits:
-
- Appendicitis
- Ovarian cyst rupture
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Dysmenorrhoea
The CDC reported that out of all ER visits, abdominal pains can reach almost 10% in the U.S. source. The reproductive system is highly complicated, and the organs overlap, which is especially dangerous to women.
When to go to the ER:
- Pain is sudden and severe
- Accompanied by fever, nausea, or dizziness
- You’re pregnant and unsure of the cause
- Pain radiates to your back or shoulder
- Heavy Vaginal Bleeding
2. Chest Pain – A Silent Signal for Heart attack in Women
In the U.S, heart disease is the main cause of death for women. However, here is the catch: it does not necessarily appear as you would like. Although chest pains may be a warning of a heart attack, women usually have their symptoms, which do not correlate with those of men, and thus are much more difficult to detect at an early stage.
Symptoms women may feel:
- Pressure or tightness (not always pain)
- Fatigue, sweating, or nausea
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
The ratio of atypical symptoms is higher among women; thus, according to the American Heart Association, various types of symptoms are likely to be identified incorrectly, resulting in misdiagnosis or delays in care.
If something feels wrong in your chest, even if it’s not “pain,” get checked. It’s better to walk out with peace of mind than ignore a warning.
3. Shortness of Breath or Trouble Breathing
Are you having trouble breathing? You shouldn’t wait for that to happen.
Possible causes:
- Asthma or allergic reactions
- Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung)
- Panic attacks
- COVID-19 or pneumonia
Avoid the urgent care center and go directly to the emergency room if you’re having trouble breathing while at rest, such as wheezing or struggling.
4. High Fever and Infections – Especially During Pregnancy
A high fever might seem harmless until it isn’t.
Women frequently go to the emergency room for illnesses that develop rapidly:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that progress to kidney infections
- Respiratory infections like the flu or pneumonia
- Sepsis, especially postpartum or post-surgery
During pregnancy, even mild infections can threaten both mom and baby.
ER if:
- Fever is over 103°F
- You have chills, rapid heart rate, or confusion
- You’re pregnant and having a fever
5. Heavy Vaginal Bleeding or Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding that soaks through a pad for multiple hours? That’s an emergency.
Causes include:
- Miscarriage or pregnancy complications
- Fibroids
- Hormonal imbalance
- Bleeding disorders
Go to the emergency room if the bleeding is severe, ongoing, or results in weakness or fainting. Blood loss can get worse quickly, even if it doesn’t seem life-threatening, especially if you’re taking medication.
6. Mental Health Crises
According to NIMH, women had a significantly higher prevalence of any anxiety disorder in the past year (23.4%) than men did (14.3%). Women are twice as likely to experience anxiety or depression as men. But stigma and silence keep many women from getting care until things feel unbearable.
ER-worthy mental health situations:
- Suicidal thoughts or plans
- Psychotic episodes or hallucinations
- Panic attacks that mimic physical emergencies, like a heart attack
7. Injuries from Accidents or Domestic Violence
Emergency rooms treat everything from trauma from domestic abuse to injuries suffered in car accidents. Intimate partner violence disproportionately affects women, and regrettably, many of them do not disclose it until they show obvious injuries.
Signs to go to the ER:
- Head trauma or loss of consciousness
- Deep cuts or heavy bleeding
- Fractures or broken bones
8. Pregnancy-Related Complications
Expectant mothers sometimes assume that unless their water breaks, it’s not an emergency. Not true.
Pregnancy issues that require the ER:
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage
- Signs of preeclampsia (Severe headache, Visual disturbances, Upper abdominal pain, High BP)
- Signs of Eclampsia: Features of Preeclampsia with Seizure
- Contractions before 37 weeks
- Sudden pain or cramping
Particularly in the early stages of pregnancy, don’t hesitate. For instance, if ectopic pregnancy is not treated quickly, it can rupture and become fatal.
Your Health Can’t Wait—Visit Us Now
At Total Point Emergency Center, we’re here for you—whether you’re dealing with suspicious symptoms or just need answers. We offer fast, compassionate care for women of all ages with walk-in availability and extended hours. Get rapid, compassionate emergency care from experienced physicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and zero wait times—24/7, every day of the year.
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FAQs
1. What symptoms should a woman never ignore?
A. Chest pain, sudden abdominal pain, shortness of breath, heavy bleeding, or severe headaches.
2. Is it better to go to urgent care or the ER for abdominal pain?
A. If the pain is sudden, intense, or paired with other symptoms (like fever or vomiting), go to the ER.
3. How can I tell if chest pain is a heart attack or anxiety?
A. It’s hard to self-diagnose—better to go to the ER. Women often feel fatigue, nausea, or subtle pressure instead of sharp pain during a heart attack.
4. What causes heavy vaginal bleeding that requires emergency care?
A. Miscarriage, fibroids, hormonal issues, or even cancer can be behind the bleeding. If it’s soaking multiple pads per hour or causes dizziness, go to the ER.
5. Can mental health issues lead to an ER visit?
A. Yes. Severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or emotional breakdowns can all require emergency evaluation and care.
