LOWER ABDOMINAL PAIN: CAUSES, TYPES, & TREATMENT

Lower abdominal pain and stomach pain are common issues that many people experience at some point in their lives. These terms are often used interchangeably, but stomach pain usually refers more broadly to discomfort anywhere in the belly area, including the upper and lower parts, while lower abdominal pain specifically affects the area below the belly button.

Pain in the lower abdomen can range from a mild ache to a sharp, severe pain. The causes vary widely—from simple digestion issues like indigestion or gas to more serious conditions involving organs like the intestines, bladder, or the reproductive system. This blog breaks down the common causes of lower abdominal and stomach pain based on where the pain is felt and whether it affects men or women.

What Is Lower Abdominal Pain?

Lower abdominal pain refers to any discomfort or pain you feel below your belly button. This area contains many important organs, such as parts of the intestines, the bladder, and, in women, the uterus and ovaries.

Pain can be described as:

• Acute pain: Sudden and intense, lasting for a short time.
• Chronic pain: Ongoing discomfort lasting weeks or even months.

Noticing the exact location of your pain and any other symptoms can help detect the cause.

Lower Left Side Abdominal Pain:

Pain on the lower left side of your abdomen can come from several sources, including the intestines, urinary tract, or reproductive organs.

Common Causes:

Condition	Description
Diverticulitis	Small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected. More common in people over 40.
Constipation	A buildup of stool in the colon can cause cramping and pain, especially on the left side.
Kidney stones	Stones moving through the left ureter can cause intense pain, which can radiate to the groin area.
Ovarian cyst (in women)	A fluid-filled sac on the ovary causes sharp pain, especially if it bursts.

Lower Right Side Abdominal Pain

The lower right side of the abdomen includes the appendix, right ovary, and fallopian tube in women, and parts of the intestines.

Common Causes:

Condition	Description
Appendicitis	Painful swelling of the appendix that often starts near the belly button before moving to the lower right side.
Right kidney stones	Sharp, wave-like pain caused by stones passing through the urinary tract.
Ovarian conditions (in women)	Cysts or pain related to ovulation can cause discomfort.
Inguinal hernia	When the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, more common in men.

Lower Abdominal and Stomach Pain in Women

Condition	Description
Menstrual cramps	Common before or during periods.
Endometriosis	Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)	Infection of the reproductive organs is usually caused by bacteria.
Ovarian cysts	It can be painful if they rupture or twist.
Ectopic pregnancy	A pregnancy developing outside the uterus; an emergency.

Lower Abdominal and Stomach Pain in Men

Condition	Description
Inguinal hernia	Lump or bulge with pain, especially when lifting or bending.
Testicular torsion	Twisted testicle cutting off blood flow; a medical emergency.
Prostatitis	Infection or swelling of the prostate gland.
Kidney stones	Intense pain spreading to the groin.
Bladder infections	Less common in men but possible.

Causes of Lower Abdominal and Stomach Pain:

Category	Common Causes	Helpful Clues
Digestive causes	Gas, constipation, appendicitis, IBS, diverticulitis	May come with bloating, stomach cramps, or bowel changes
Urinary	UTIs, kidney stones, bladder infections	Pain during urination or frequent urge to urinate
Reproductive (Women)	Menstrual cramps, endometriosis, PID, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy	Often linked to menstrual cycle
Reproductive (Men)	Prostatitis, testicular torsion, hernias	Pain may radiate to groin or testicles
Musculoskeletal	Muscle strains or injuries to abdominal wall	Usually after exercise or lifting

How Is Lower Abdominal and Stomach Pain Diagnosed?

Doctors use a combination of your medical history, physical exams, and tests to identify the cause.

Diagnostic Methods May Include:

• Physical exam to find tender spots
• Blood tests for infection or inflammation
• Urine tests to check kidneys or infections
• Ultrasound to view reproductive organs or internal issues
• CT scan for detailed images
• Pelvic exam in women to check gynecological health

At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, our team uses state-of-the-art imaging and lab services to quickly diagnose abdominal pain so you can receive timely care.

Early diagnosis helps guide the right treatment.

When to See a Doctor for Lower Abdominal Pain:

• If the pain is sharp, sudden, or severe, don’t wait it out. This could be a sign of something serious, like:
  • Appendicitis
  • Kidney stones
  • Diverticulitis
  • A reproductive health issue
• If the pain doesn’t go away after a couple of days, or it keeps coming back, it’s time to get it checked.
• Watch for symptoms that come along with the pain, such as:
  • Fever (especially over 102°F / 39°C)
  • Nausea or vomiting that won’t stop
  • Bloody or black, tarry stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • A lump or swelling in the abdomen
• If you’re pregnant—or think you might be—and you’re having lower abdominal pain, don’t delay. It’s always better to be safe and talk to a healthcare provider.

Treatment Options for Lower Abdominal and Stomach Pain

Treatment depends on what’s causing the pain. Some conditions improve on their own, while others need medicine or surgery.

Common Treatments:

• Pain relief with medications
• Antibiotics for infections like UTIs or PID
• Lifestyle changes: more water, fiber, and stress management for digestive issues
• Heat packs for menstrual cramps or muscle pain

Serious Cases May Require:

• Surgery for appendicitis, hernias, or ectopic pregnancy
• Hormonal therapy for conditions like endometriosis
• Removal or drainage of cysts or abscesses by an expert general surgeon

Conclusion

Lower abdominal and stomach pain can be caused by many different conditions. While some causes are minor, others require urgent care. Knowing where the pain is and what other symptoms you have can help you get the right treatment faster.

If you notice any unusual or severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to see a healthcare provider. Getting evaluated early can improve outcomes and help you feel better sooner.

Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi is here to support you with expert diagnostics, experienced doctors, and advanced technology to treat a wide range of abdominal concerns.