What Leads To What Lower Abdominal Pain?
Discover common causes of lower abdominal pain, from digestive issues to reproductive conditions. Understand symptoms, possible diagnoses, and when to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. J T Hema Pratima MBBS
Last updated on 12th Sep, 2025
That nagging, aching, or sometimes sharp pain in your lower abdomen is a common experience, but figuring out its source can feel like solving a complex puzzle. Is it something you ate? A sign of your monthly cycle? Or something more serious? Lower abdominal pain can stem from a wide range of issues, from simple indigestion and muscle strains to urgent medical conditions like appendicitis or infections. This discomfort can be brief or persistent, mild or severe, and its location often holds the key to its cause. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the potential reasons behind your lower abdominal pain, organised by cause, location, and gender-specific factors. We’ll equip you with the knowledge to understand your symptoms and, most importantly, know when it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice from a platform like Apollo24|7.
Understanding Your Abdomen: A Map of the Pain
Before we dive into specific causes, it's helpful to understand the geography of your abdomen. Doctors often divide this area into four quadrants to help pinpoint the origin of pain. Imagine a line running vertically down the centre of your body from your sternum and another running horizontally across your belly button.
The lower right quadrant (LRQ) and lower left quadrant (LLQ) are particularly important. Pain in the LRQ is famously associated with appendicitis, while pain in the LLQ might point to diverticulitis or issues with the sigmoid colon. However, pain can also be generalised across the entire lower abdomen, which is common with bloating, cramping from menstruation, or a urinary tract infection.
Also, pay attention to the type of pain:
- Sharp, stabbing pain often suggests a sudden event like a kidney stone or rupture.
- Cramping, colicky pain comes in waves and is typical of muscles contracting, as seen with gas, IBS, or menstrual cramps.
- A dull, constant ache might indicate a chronic inflammation or infection.
Common Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain for Everyone
Many conditions don't discriminate by gender and are related to the digestive and urinary systems.
1. Digestive Disturbances
Your gut is a common source of trouble. What you eat and how your body processes it can directly lead to discomfort.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the gut-brain interaction is disrupted. It doesn't cause visible damage to your digestive tract but leads to very real symptoms. People with IBS often experience lower abdominal cramps and pain that is relieved by having a bowel movement. This is frequently accompanied by bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation. Triggers are highly individual but often include certain foods (like FODMAPs), stress, and hormonal changes.
- Constipation: When stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, it becomes hard and difficult to pass. This backlog creates pressure and distension in the colon, leading to a feeling of fullness, bloating, and a dull, constant ache in the lower abdomen, often more pronounced on the left side. Straining can also cause associated muscle soreness.
- Diverticulitis: Diverticula are small, bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system, most often in the colon (large intestine). When these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis. It causes constant, often severe pain in the lower left abdomen that may last for several days. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, and a marked change in bowel habits.
2. Urinary Tract Issues
Problems with your kidneys, bladder, and urethra are frequent offenders.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, most commonly affecting the bladder (cystitis). This causes inflammation and irritation, leading to a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, and pressure and pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area. The pain is usually centralised and constant.
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. The pain doesn't start in the lower abdomen; it begins when a stone moves into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney and bladder). This can cause severe, sharp, cramping pain in the back and side, under the ribs. This pain often radiates to the lower abdomen and groin in waves, fluctuating in intensity. It's often described as one of the most severe pains imaginable and is frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Causes Specific to Women’s Health
The female reproductive system adds several potential sources of lower abdominal pain.
- Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): This is one of the most common causes. These cramps are caused by prostaglandins, chemicals that make the uterine muscles contract to shed its lining. These contractions can cause mild to severe cramping pain in the lower abdomen, which can also radiate to the lower back and thighs.
- Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): Some women feel a brief, sharp, or crampy pain on one side of their lower abdomen when the ovary releases an egg roughly midway through their menstrual cycle. The pain can switch sides month-to-month and usually lasts a few minutes to a few hours.
- Endometriosis: This is a disorder where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it. This tissue acts as it should—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle—but it has no way to exit the body. This leads to inflammation, scarring, and incredibly severe pelvic pain and cramping, especially during periods. The pain can be chronic and is often associated with painful intercourse and infertility.
- Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in an ovary. Most are harmless and disappear on their own, but if a large cyst ruptures or causes the ovary to twist (ovarian torsion), it can cause sudden, sharp, and severe pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst. Dull aching or pressure can also occur.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. It can cause lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge with a foul odour, and pain during intercourse or urination. It’s a serious condition that requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent damage to the reproductive organs.
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Causes Specific to Men’s Health
While some conditions overlap, men have specific anatomical structures that can cause pain.
- Inguinal Hernia: This occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles in the groin area. This can cause a noticeable bulge and a burning, aching, or heavy sensation in the groin or lower abdomen, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting. The pain often improves when lying down.
- Testicular Torsion: Although the pain starts in the testicle, it can radiate severely to the lower abdomen. It occurs when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, twists and cuts off the blood supply. This causes sudden, severe pain and swelling and is a urological emergency that requires immediate surgery to save the testicle.
Serious Conditions You Shouldn't Ignore
Some causes of abdominal pain are critical and require immediate medical intervention.
- Appendicitis: This is the inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine. It typically starts as a dull pain around the navel that shifts to the sharp lower right abdominal pain that appendicitis is known for. The pain worsens with movement, coughing, or sneezing and is accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever. Appendicitis is a medical emergency.
- Bowel Obstruction: This happens when the small or large intestine is blocked, preventing food and liquid from passing through. This can be caused by scar tissue (adhesions), hernias, or tumours. It causes crampy abdominal pain and bloating, an inability to pass gas or stool, nausea, and vomiting. A complete obstruction is a serious emergency.
Diagnosing the Source of Your Pain
Because the causes are so varied, diagnosis requires a methodical approach.
What to Expect During Your Doctor's Visit
Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your pain: its exact location, character, duration, what makes it better or worse, and any other associated symptoms. They will perform a physical exam, gently pressing on different areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness, swelling, or masses.
Common Diagnostic Tests
Based on their initial assessment, they may order tests to confirm a diagnosis:
- Urinalysis: To check for a UTI or kidney stones.
- Blood Tests: To look for signs of infection (elevated white blood cells) or inflammation.
- Imaging: An ultrasound is often the first choice, especially for gynecological issues. A CT scan provides a more detailed view and is excellent for diagnosing appendicitis, diverticulitis, and obstructions.
- Pelvic Exam: For women, to check for tenderness, discharge, or ovarian abnormalities.
If your symptoms are persistent but unclear, consulting a doctor online with Apollo24|7 can be a great first step to discuss your symptoms and determine if you need in-person tests. For necessary lab work, Apollo24|7 offers convenient home collection services.
When to See a Doctor Immediately?
Seek emergency care if your lower abdominal pain is:
- Sudden and very severe.
- Accompanied by a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C).
- You have vomiting blood or bloody stools.
- Your abdomen is hard and tender to the touch.
- You are unable to pass stool or gas, especially with vomiting (signs of obstruction).
- You experience pain in your chest, neck, or shoulder.
- You have signs of shock (e.g., lightheadedness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, cold/clammy skin).
Conclusion
Lower abdominal pain is a universal yet complex symptom that should never be completely dismissed. While often linked to benign and temporary issues like gas or mild indigestion, it can also be the body's first alarm bell for a serious medical condition. Understanding the potential causes—from digestive troubles like IBS and diverticulitis to gender-specific issues like endometriosis or hernias—empowers you to better describe your symptoms and seek appropriate care. The most important takeaway is to listen to your body. Pay close attention to the pain's location, type, duration, and any accompanying symptoms. If your pain is severe, sudden, or persistent, or if you experience any "red flag" symptoms, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. For ongoing or less severe concerns, a timely consultation with a healthcare professional, such as through Apollo24|7, can provide peace of mind and a path to effective treatment, ensuring your discomfort is properly diagnosed and managed.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Amit Pandita
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS. MD (INTERNAL MEDICINE) DrNB (GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Piyush Vishwakarma
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB,
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Jatin Yegurla
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MD (PGI), DM (AIIMS Delhi), FAGIE (AIIMS Delhi), ESEGH (UK), Gold Medalist
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(625+ Patients)
Dr Abhishek Tiwari
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterology
15 Years • MBBS, MS, Diabetic Foot Course (Pisa, Italy)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Amit Pandita
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS. MD (INTERNAL MEDICINE) DrNB (GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Piyush Vishwakarma
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB,
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Jatin Yegurla
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MD (PGI), DM (AIIMS Delhi), FAGIE (AIIMS Delhi), ESEGH (UK), Gold Medalist
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
(625+ Patients)
Dr Abhishek Tiwari
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterology
15 Years • MBBS, MS, Diabetic Foot Course (Pisa, Italy)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean if I have a constant dull ache in my lower abdomen?
constant dull ache can be caused by many things, including chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a lingering urinary tract infection (UTI), or, in women, conditions like endometriosis or ovarian cysts. If a dull ache persists for more than a week or two, it's wise to consult a doctor for evaluation.
How can I tell the difference between appendicitis pain and gas pain?
Gas pain is often crampy and comes in waves, moving around the abdomen, and is relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement. Appendicitis pain usually starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right quadrant, becoming constant, sharp, and worse with movement, coughing, or sneezing. Appendicitis is also accompanied by fever and loss of appetite.
Can stress really cause lower abdominal pain and bloating?
Absolutely. The gut-brain connection is powerful. Stress and anxiety can disrupt the nervous system that controls your digestive tract, leading to muscle spasms, inflammation, and changes in gut bacteria. This can manifest as lower abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation—a hallmark of IBS.
When should I be concerned about lower abdominal pain during pregnancy?
Some mild, crampy pain is normal as the uterus expands. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if the pain is severe, persistent, one-sided (which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cyst), or accompanied by bleeding, fever, chills, or dizziness.
What is the most common cause of left side lower abdominal pain?
In many adults, especially over 40, diverticulitis is a common cause of significant pain in the lower left abdomen. Other frequent causes include gas pain, constipation, and in women, pain related to the ovaries or ectopic pregnancy.