What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females

RAPID CARE ER

Abdominal Pain in Females. No woman enjoys feeling pain in her lower abdomen. Unfortunately, this area is particularly prone to discomfort, thanks to everything from period cramps to more serious health conditions.

Keep reading to learn about some of the most common causes of lower abdominal pain in women.

What causes lower abdominal pain in females?

One of the most common causes of lower abdominal pain is menstrual cramps, which are caused by the uterus contracting during menstruation. For many women, these cramps are mild and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, some women experience more severe cramps that may require prescription medication.

Another common cause of lower abdominal pain is ovulation. During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg, and the resulting increase in hormone levels can sometimes cause discomfort in the abdomen. This pain is usually temporary and should go away on its own within a day or two.

In some cases, lower abdominal pain can be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as endometriosis or ovarian cancer. If you experience persistent or severe pain in your lower abdomen, it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can rule out more serious causes of your symptoms.

While lower abdominal pain is often nothing to worry about, it’s always best to consult with a doctor if you’re experiencing persistent or severe discomfort. By doing so, you can ensure that any underlying health condition is properly diagnosed and treated.

What causes lower central abdominal pain?

As mentioned, there can be many reasons why a female can experience lower central abdominal pain, such as:

Menstruation

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females
What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females

A woman goes through different hormonal changes during her menstrual cycle. These can sometimes lead to pain and cramps in the lower abdomen as the uterus contracts to expel the uterine lining.

Urinary tract infections (UTI)

UTI is more common in women then men, because the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra. This makes it easier for bacteria to travel up into the bladder, where they can cause an infection. UTI symptoms can include pain in the lower abdomen, as well as a burning sensation when urinating and/or cloudy urine.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females
What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females

PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can occur when bacteria from a UTI spreads upwards into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. PID can cause pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen, as well as fever, chills, and irregular menstrual bleeding.

Endometriosis

This is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the organ. Endometriosis can cause severe pain in the lower abdomen, as well as other symptoms like fatigue, constipation, and heavy periods.

What causes lower left abdominal pain?

When a woman feels pain on their left side of the abdominal, the causes may be:

Gas (flatulence)

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females
What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females

The intestinal gas will pain on the left side. When this happens, people will sometimes also feel bloating, burping, and nausea.

Polyps or diverticular disease

It is a common condition that affects the large intestine (colon). Diverticulitis can cause severe pain on the lower left side of the abdomen, as well as fever, constipation, and diarrhea.

Kidney stones

When small pieces of minerals form in the kidneys, they can sometimes travel down the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder) and become lodged there. This can cause severe pain on either side of the lower abdomen, as well as back pain, nausea, and vomiting.

What causes lower right abdominal pain?

There are several possible causes of lower right abdominal pain, including:

Appendicitis

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females
What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females

This is a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and infected. Appendicitis symptoms can include pain on the lower right side of the abdomen, as well as nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Gallstones

Gallstones are small pieces of hard material that form in the gallbladder. They can sometimes cause pain on the right side of the abdomen, as well as nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive tract. Crohn’s symptoms can include pain and cramping on the right side of the abdomen, as well as diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.

What causes general lower abdominal pain?

There are many different reasons why a woman might experience general lower abdominal pain. Some of the most common causes include:

Muscular pain

The abdominal muscles can sometimes become strained or injured, leading to pain in the area. This is often the result of overuse, such as from coughing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.

Indigestion

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females
What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a general term that describes discomfort in the upper abdomen. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as overeating, eating spicy or fatty foods, and stress. Indigestion symptoms can include pain in the lower abdomen, as well as bloating, burping, and nausea.

Pregnancy

General lower abdominal pain is a common symptom of pregnancy, as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus. Pain can also be caused by Baby’s position in the womb, and may be more pronounced on one side or the other.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is a type of pregnancy where the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus. This is a medical emergency, as it can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, leading to internal bleeding. Ectopic pregnancy symptoms can include lower abdominal pain, as well as shoulder pain, lightheadedness, and vaginal bleeding.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a disorder that affects the digestive system. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain in the lower abdomen, as well as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Have Your Abdomen Check Right Away!

Now that you know the causes of lower abdominal pain in women, it’s time to get it checked out by a doctor. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with your gynecologist or primary care physician right away. They’ll be able to determine the cause of your pain and recommend the best course of treatment.

Remember, abdominal pain is not always indicative of a serious medical condition. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So if you’re experiencing any type of abdominal pain, don’t hesitate to get it checked out by a doctor.

We at Rapid Care Emergency Room are open 24/7 to help you with any abdominal pain you may be experiencing. We offer a wide range of services, from X-rays and lab tests to ultrasounds and MRI scans. We also have a team of experienced doctors who can provide you with the care and treatment you need.

Don’t wait, come see us today!