Lower Abdominal Pain
Lower abdominal pain, occurring below the belly button, is a common symptom that can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. This region contains numerous organs including the bladder, reproductive organs, parts of the intestines, and major blood vessels. The pain may be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent, and can occur on one or both sides. While often caused by minor issues like gas or menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pain can also signal serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention. Understanding the characteristics of your pain and associated symptoms helps determine when to seek emergency care versus when home management is appropriate.
⚠️ Seek Emergency Care For:
- Severe, sudden onset pain
- Pain with fever and vomiting
- Signs of shock (rapid pulse, dizziness)
- Rigid or board-like abdomen
- Heavy vaginal bleeding with pain
- Possible pregnancy with severe pain
- Unable to pass gas or stool
- Blood in urine or stool
- Pain after abdominal trauma
- Testicular pain (males)
Common Causes
Both Genders
- Appendicitis
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney stones
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Constipation
- Gastroenteritis
- Hernia
Women
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovarian cysts
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Fibroids
- Ovulation pain
Men
- Prostatitis
- Epididymitis
- Testicular torsion
- Inguinal hernia
- Bladder problems
- Referred testicular pain
Serious Causes
- Appendicitis
- Bowel obstruction
- Peritonitis
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Cancer
- Twisted ovary
Pain Characteristics and Causes
Sharp, Sudden Pain
- Appendicitis
- Ovarian cyst rupture
- Kidney stones
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Bowel perforation
Cramping Pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Intestinal gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- IBS
- Early pregnancy
Dull, Aching Pain
- Urinary tract infection
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic congestion
- Chronic constipation
- Fibroids
Burning Pain
- UTI/bladder infection
- Interstitial cystitis
- STIs
- Nerve pain
Pain by Location
Right Lower Quadrant
- Appendicitis (classic location)
- Right ovarian problems
- Right kidney issues
- Ileitis (Crohn's disease)
- Right inguinal hernia
Left Lower Quadrant
- Diverticulitis
- Left ovarian problems
- Left kidney issues
- Constipation
- Left inguinal hernia
Central/Suprapubic
- Bladder infection
- Uterine problems
- Prostate issues (men)
- Bowel problems
- Pregnancy-related
Associated Symptoms
Lower abdominal pain often occurs with:
- Urinary symptoms: Burning, frequency, urgency
- Bowel changes: Diarrhea, constipation, bloating
- Gynecological: Vaginal bleeding, discharge
- Systemic: Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting
- Sexual: Pain during intercourse
- Menstrual: Irregular periods, heavy bleeding
- Back pain: Often radiates to lower back
- Leg pain: May radiate down legs
Common Conditions Explained
Appendicitis
- Starts around belly button
- Moves to right lower quadrant
- Worsens with movement
- Fever, nausea, vomiting
- Requires emergency surgery
UTI/Bladder Infection
- Burning with urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Pelvic pressure
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- May have fever
Ovarian Cysts
- One-sided pain usually
- May come and go
- Bloating sensation
- Pain during intercourse
- Irregular periods
Endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Pain with intercourse
- Heavy periods
- Infertility issues
Medical Evaluation
Physical Examination
- Abdominal palpation
- Checking for tenderness
- Rebound tenderness test
- Pelvic exam (women)
- Rectal exam
- Vital signs assessment
Diagnostic Tests
- Blood tests: CBC, inflammation markers
- Urine tests: Infection, pregnancy
- Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, X-ray
- Pelvic ultrasound: Reproductive organs
- Colonoscopy: Bowel problems
- Laparoscopy: Direct visualization
Treatment Options
Immediate Relief
- Rest in comfortable position
- Heat pad (if appropriate)
- Over-the-counter pain relief
- Gentle movement
- Hydration
- Avoid heavy meals
Medical Treatment
- Antibiotics for infections
- Antispasmodics
- Hormonal therapy
- Stronger pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Specific condition treatments
Surgical Options
- Appendectomy
- Ovarian cyst removal
- Hernia repair
- Endometriosis treatment
- Bowel resection
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
Long-term Management
- Dietary modifications
- Stress management
- Regular exercise
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Hormonal management
- Pain management program
Home Care Guidelines
Safe Home Remedies
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity
- Apply heat (unless appendicitis suspected)
- Stay hydrated
- Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods
- Try different positions for comfort
- Practice relaxation techniques
What to Avoid
- Don't apply heat if appendicitis suspected
- Avoid laxatives with undiagnosed pain
- Don't ignore worsening symptoms
- Avoid heavy meals
- Don't delay seeking care for severe pain
Prevention Strategies
- Stay hydrated: Prevents UTIs and constipation
- Practice safe sex: Reduces STI/PID risk
- Regular bathroom habits: Don't hold urine
- Dietary fiber: Prevents constipation
- Exercise regularly: Improves digestion
- Manage stress: Reduces IBS symptoms
- Regular check-ups: Early detection
- Proper lifting: Prevents hernias
- Track menstrual cycles: Identify patterns
- Maintain healthy weight: Reduces strain
When to Seek Medical Care
Emergency (Call 911)
- Severe, sudden pain
- Signs of shock
- Rigid abdomen
- Heavy bleeding
- Possible ectopic pregnancy
Urgent (Same Day)
- Moderate to severe pain
- Fever with pain
- Vomiting with pain
- Urinary symptoms
- Pregnancy with pain
Schedule Appointment
- Recurring pain
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Menstrual problems
- Mild persistent pain
- Changes in symptoms