Lower abdominal pain is considered a common symptom that may affect many people. The causes of lower abdominal pain vary and range from simple cases that do not require concern, to others that may be a sign of health problems that require careful medical follow-up. Understanding these causes helps in accurately diagnosing the condition and taking appropriate measures. In this article, we will learn about the most important causes of lower abdominal pain and how to deal with them.

Causes of lower abdominal pain

The causes of lower abdominal pain vary and may be simple and fleeting or indicate a health condition that requires medical attention. The most common causes are the following:

• Digestive disorders such as gas accumulation, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Urinary tract infections or kidney or bladder stones.
• Problems in the reproductive system in women may occur due to polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine infections, or ectopic pregnancy, while in men it may be associated with prostatitis or disorders in the testicles.
• Appendicitis or a hernia in the abdominal wall.

Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor if the pain persists or if it is accompanied by a high temperature, nausea, or changes in urination or excretion, in order to accurately diagnose the condition and receive appropriate treatment.

Causes of pain in the lower right abdomen

There are many causes of pain in the lower abdomen on the right side, and it is one of the common symptoms that may indicate the presence of a health problem that varies in severity and seriousness. Determining the cause depends on the nature of the pain, its duration, and the symptoms accompanying it. Below we mention the most important possible causes of this type of pain:

• Appendicitis: It is one of the most common causes and usually begins with mild pain in the navel area and then moves to the lower right side and increases with time.
• Urinary tract infections: They may be accompanied by a burning sensation during urination and an increased frequency of urination, along with pain in the lower right side.
• The presence of stones in the kidneys or ureters: This may lead to sharp and sudden pain extending from the flank to the lower abdomen, along with a feeling of nausea or the presence of blood in the urine.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: It causes recurring abdominal pain that is often associated with a change in bowel movement, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
• Problems with the right ovary: such as ovulation, ovarian cyst, or the presence of a cyst on the ovary, which may be accompanied by changes in the menstrual cycle or abnormal bleeding.
• Ectopic pregnancy: especially if it occurs in the right fallopian tube and is considered an emergency that requires immediate intervention.
• Hernia on the right side of the abdomen: It may appear as a painful protrusion that increases when coughing or exerting physical effort.
• Inflammation or torsion of the testicle in men: Pain may extend from the testicle to the lower abdomen and be accompanied by swelling or a change in skin color.

Causes of pain in the lower left abdomen

There are many causes of pain in the lower abdomen on the left side, and it may be the result of several causes, some of which are simple and go away on their own, and others may indicate a health condition that requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The causes vary depending on age, gender, and health history. Below we mention the most important possible causes of this type of pain:

• Diverticulitis, which are small pouches that form in the wall of the colon, especially in the elderly, leads to sudden and severe pain in the lower left side.
• Gas builds up in the intestines and may cause abdominal pain or pressure that often relieves after passing gas or defecating.
• Chronic constipation, which leads to the accumulation of waste in the colon and is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen.
• Problems with the left ovary in women, such as ovulation, ovarian cysts, or the presence of a cyst, which may lead to pain in that side.
• Inflammation of the reproductive system, such as infections of the uterus or fallopian tube, which may be accompanied by abnormal secretions or high temperature.

Read also: What is it? Causes of upper abdominal pain ؟ دليل شامل مع طرق التشخيص والعلاج

Causes of lower abdominal pain in women

Lower abdominal pain in women is a common symptom that may appear at different stages of life. Determining the cause depends on the timing and nature of the pain and the symptoms accompanying it. Below we mention the most important possible causes of this type of pain in women:

• Ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle and may be accompanied by mild pain in one side of the lower abdomen and lasts for a day or two.
• The menstrual cycle: Many women suffer from cramps and pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition that leads to pain in the lower abdomen with menstrual disorders or increased hair growth.
• The presence of ovarian cysts, which may cause sudden and constant pain in a certain side of the abdomen, especially if it ruptures or twists.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease is an inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes as a result of infection. It may cause chronic pain in the lower abdomen with abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that may cause pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis with heavy bleeding during menstruation.
• Bladder infection or urinary tract infections, which lead to pain in the lower abdomen with burning in the urine and frequent urination.
• Pregnancy, as it may be accompanied at the beginning by mild pain in the lower abdomen as a result of hormonal changes and expansion of the uterus.

Causes of lower abdominal pain for pregnant women

The causes of lower abdominal pain are varied, and it is one of the common symptoms that many women suffer from during pregnancy. The interpretation of this pain depends on the age of pregnancy, the nature of the feeling, its duration, and the symptoms accompanying it. Below we mention the most important possible causes of lower abdominal pain during pregnancy:

• Stretching of the uterine ligaments, where the growth of the uterus causes tightening of the ligaments surrounding it, leading to a feeling of sharp or stabbing pain in one side of the lower abdomen, especially when moving or changing position.
• Hormonal changes at the beginning of pregnancy may lead to mild abdominal cramps that resemble menstrual pain.
• The growth of the uterus puts pressure on surrounding organs such as the bladder or intestines, causing a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Constipation resulting from slow bowel movement during pregnancy due to the effect of hormones, which causes pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
• Gas and bloating are a result of digestive system changes during pregnancy and may lead to painful cramps or constant discomfort.
• Urinary tract infections are common during pregnancy and may cause pain in the lower abdomen, burning during urination, or increased frequency of going to the bathroom.
• Ectopic pregnancy is an emergency that occurs in the first weeks and is accompanied by severe pain in one side and vaginal bleeding.
• Early miscarriage, which may be accompanied by persistent pain in the lower abdomen with bleeding or abnormal secretions.
• Braxton Hicks contractions appear in recent months. They are irregular contractions and are often painless, but they may cause discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Premature birth if regular contractions occur early in pregnancy accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or back or abnormal discharge.

Causes of lower abdominal pain for men

Lower abdominal pain in men may be caused by a variety of reasons. Below we mention the most common causes of this type of pain in men:

• Urinary tract infections are common causes and cause pain in the lower abdomen with a burning sensation during urination or a frequent need to urinate.
• Prostatitis, whether acute or chronic, may be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back, with difficulty urinating or pain during ejaculation.
• Inguinal hernia, which is the protrusion of part of the intestine in the groin or lower abdomen area, causes pain that increases when standing or carrying heavy objects.
• The presence of stones in the kidneys or ureters, which may cause severe pain starting from the flank and extending to the lower abdomen, along with nausea or a change in urine color.
• Colon disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, which causes frequent cramps with gas, bloating, and changes in bowel movement.
• Chronic constipation resulting from slow bowel movement, which leads to the accumulation of waste and pressure on the lower abdomen.
• Inflammation or torsion of the testicle, which may be accompanied by pain in the testicle itself that extends to the lower abdomen, with swelling or a change in skin color.
• Intestinal infections, such as appendicitis, which usually begin with pain around the navel and then move to the right side of the lower abdomen and increase over time.
• Bladder infections or problems in the urinary system lead to pressure and pain in the lower abdomen with difficulty in excreting urine.

Causes of lower abdominal pain after menstruation

Lower abdominal pain after the end of the menstrual cycle is one of the things that some women may notice. Below we mention the most important possible causes of this type of pain:

• Remnants of menstrual blood in the uterus, where the delayed exit of the remaining blood leads to mild cramps in the lower abdomen.
• Early ovulation in some women may occur immediately after the end of the period and cause pain in one side of the lower abdomen.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition that causes recurring pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen, especially after menstruation.
• Pelvic infections resulting from an infection in the uterus, ovary, or fallopian tube and may cause constant pain with abnormal secretions.
• Endometriosis is a condition that causes endometrial tissue to grow outside the uterus. This may lead to pain after and during menstruation.
• Suffering from a urinary tract infection, which may appear after menstruation due to temporary immune weakness and causes pain in the lower abdomen with burning in the urine.
• Digestive system disorders such as gas, constipation, or colon irritation, which may coincide with the end of the period and cause discomfort in the lower abdomen.
• Early pregnancy, if it occurs shortly after ovulation, may be accompanied by mild abdominal pain similar to postmenstrual cramps.

Causes of lower abdominal pain in children

The causes of lower abdominal pain vary. Lower abdominal pain is a common symptom in children, and the cause may be simple and temporary. Below we mention the most important possible causes of lower abdominal pain in children:

• Gas and bloating resulting from swallowing air or eating certain foods may cause cramps and temporary discomfort.
• Chronic constipation due to lack of drinking water or lack of fiber in food leads to pain in the lower abdomen with difficulty in defecation.
• Urinary tract infections cause pain during urination and pain in the lower abdomen with an increased number of times going to the bathroom.
• Appendicitis is considered an emergency condition and begins with pain around the navel and then moves to the right side of the lower abdomen with high fever and nausea.
• Viral infection of the digestive system that leads to abdominal cramps with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Testicular torsion in boys is an emergency condition that causes severe pain in the testicle and lower abdomen with swelling or nausea.
• الحساسية من بعض الأطعمة مثل الحليب أو الغلوتين مما يسبب ألم في البطن وانتفاخ أو إسهال.
• Anxiety or psychological tension, as the child may express his tension through abdominal pain without a clear organic cause.
• Intestinal worms are widespread among children and cause recurrent abdominal pain, especially at night, with itching in the anal area.

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What causes lower abdominal pain above the pubis?

Lower abdominal pain above the pubic area is a symptom that may result from multiple causes. Below we mention the most important possible causes of pain in this area:

• Urinary tract infections that cause pain and burning during urination with a feeling of pressure above the pubis.
• Bladder infections, which lead to constant pain above the pubic area with a frequent need to urinate.
• Urinary retention or problems emptying the bladder, causing a feeling of pain and pressure in this area.
• Problems with the reproductive system, such as prostatitis in men or uterine and ovarian infections in women.
• Uterine fibroids in women, which may cause pain and pressure in the lower abdomen above the pubis.
• Chronic constipation leads to pressure on the intestines and rectum, and the patient feels it as pain in the lower abdomen.
• Infections or injuries in the large intestine or rectum may cause pain in this area.
• Inguinal hernia, which appears as a protrusion in the area and may be accompanied by pain or discomfort above the pubis.
• Digestive disorders such as gas or cramps that cause a feeling of pressure and pain in the lower abdomen.

How is lower abdominal pain diagnosed at Al Mousa Hospital? 

Diagnosing lower abdominal pain requires a careful evaluation that includes several steps to understand the cause behind the pain. Below we mention the most important steps for diagnosing the causes of lower abdominal pain in detail within Al Mousa Hospital:

• Taking the patient's medical history, which includes the duration of the pain, its location, its nature, its severity, and accompanying symptoms such as fever, nausea, or changes in urination or excretion.
• The clinical examination includes examining the abdomen by pressing different areas to determine the location and severity of the pain, in addition to examining vital signs such as temperature and pulse.
• Blood and urine tests to check for signs of inflammation, infection, or any other disorders in the body.
• Using medical imaging such as ultrasound, which helps in seeing internal organs and determining the presence of infections, cysts, or stones.
• CT scan or MRI in cases where you need to evaluate the finer details of internal organs.
• Performing additional tests such as gastroscopy or colonoscopy if digestive system problems are suspected.
• Continuous case follow-up and evaluation to update diagnosis and adjust treatment based on response.

How can lower abdominal pain be prevented?

Preventing lower abdominal pain contributes to reducing the chances of its occurrence and improving life, and this depends on following a healthy lifestyle. Below are some important tips for prevention:

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber to avoid constipation and digestive disorders.
• Drink adequate amounts of water daily to help improve digestive and urinary tract functions.
• Exercise regularly to promote digestive health and improve blood circulation.
• Avoid eating foods and drinks that cause gas or irritate the stomach, such as fatty foods and soft drinks.
• Pay attention to personal hygiene, especially in the genital and urinary tract area, to reduce the risk of infection.
• See a doctor as soon as any abnormal symptoms appear, such as persistent pain, bleeding, or fever, to diagnose the condition early.
• Reducing stress and anxiety because they may cause muscle pain or digestive disorders that lead to abdominal pain.
• Avoid carrying heavy objects in the wrong way to avoid muscle injuries or hernias.

Frequently asked questions 

What does a tingling sensation in the lower abdomen indicate?

A tingling sensation in the lower abdomen may indicate bowel movements, gas, or slight muscle tension in the area. It may also be a sign of the beginning of a urinary tract infection, or reproductive system problems such as ovarian infections or contractions resulting from ovulation. In some cases, it requires medical evaluation if it continues or increases in severity or is accompanied by other symptoms.

When is abdominal pain serious?

Abdominal pain is dangerous when it is severe and persistent or accompanied by high fever, bleeding, persistent vomiting, difficulty urinating or breathing, or abnormal swelling of the abdomen. It also becomes dangerous when there is sudden and severe pain, especially in the right side of the lower abdomen, as it may indicate emergency conditions such as appendicitis or hernia.

Do gases cause lower abdominal pain?

Yes, gases cause pain in the lower abdomen as a result of the accumulation of air in the intestine, which puts pressure on its wall, and causes contractions and pain of varying intensity that may be accompanied by bloating or a feeling of fullness. This pain is often temporary and goes away with the release of gases or a change in diet, and in some cases it is accompanied by digestive disorders that require medical follow-up.

In conclusion, we emphasize that the causes of lower abdominal pain vary depending on the location and condition. Lower abdominal pain is a symptom that requires attention and careful follow-up because its causes are multiple and may be simple or indicate health problems that require urgent treatment. Knowing the correct cause helps in obtaining the appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor when the pain persists or worsens to maintain general health. You can go to Al-Mousa Hospital in order to identify the reason behind this pain. 

Sources 

Lower Abdominal Pain – clevelandclinic

What’s Causing Your Abdominal Bloating and Lower Abdominal Pain? – healthline