Medical expert of the article
New publications
Pain in lower abdomen
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pain in the lower abdomen is a common problem, not only women but also men are affected by it. Soreness in this case can have a different appearance: piercing, pulsating, aching, compressive. Such pain is deceptive: it can change the intensity, becoming then almost unbearable, then considerably weakening. The site of its localization is also often questioned, since it can spread into the umbilical, epigastric region, move to the left and right, to the coccyx, the sacral spine.
Diseases that cause pain in the lower abdomen
Among the common causes of pain in the lower abdomen can be identified:
- Appendicitis.
- Kidney diseases.
- Inflammation of the pelvic organs.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Soreness associated with the menstrual cycle.
Appendicitis
If the cause is appendicitis, the pain will concentrate first in the umbilical region, then spreading to the lower abdomen. Patients at the same time lose their appetite, vomiting and chills are possible. If you have suspicions of appendicitis, you should urgently call a doctor! With particularly strong pain, you can take an anesthetic.
Kidney Diseases
With inflammation of this organ, the main symptoms characteristic of patients will be chills, a slight increase in body temperature. The presence of kidney stones is also accompanied by a sharp pain that can spread into the thigh. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient should conduct urinalysis, and also conduct pyelography - a study of the kidneys using radiopaque substances. Treatment is a milk-vegetable diet with the use of mainly vegetables and fruits.
Inflammation of the pelvic organs
A common cause of pain is inflammation of the pelvic organs, namely, andexitis, salpingitis, oophytus. The main symptom that characterizes problems with the genitals is a slight increase in temperature, as well as pain that spreads throughout the lower abdomen, possibly moving to the left, and also to various parts of the spine. Attention: in case of inflammation of the genitals do not use alternative methods, since they can signal about infertility! Be sure to go to the doctor!
Bowel obstruction
One of the most unpleasant causes of painful sensations may be the obstruction of the intestine, both the thick and the small intestine. You will feel a sharp pain in the lower abdomen, which then becomes compressive, blunt. Accompany her may vomit, as well as stool retention. As in the case of the genitals, when turning the bowels, it's best to contact a surgeon immediately!
[12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17]
Menstrual cycle
Perhaps, this reason is well known to women. Enough unpleasant sensations can appear in the middle of the cycle (with ovulation) or directly in the first days of menstruation. Sharp pain in the lower abdomen more often lasts a few hours, in rare cases, it can drag on for a couple of days. Typically, to eliminate pain, you just need to take a pill of pain medication or just wait, but if you notice a lot of bloody discharge, contact a gynecologist, as this may be a cyst.
Thus, no matter what factor causes pain in the lower abdomen, it must be treated with the exceptional attention that the doctor will give you!