^

Health

Abdominal pain left

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Fact-checked
х

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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The pain in the abdomen to the left is often associated with the onset inflammatory process in the large intestine, more precisely in its lower part. Thus there are a number of other signs - a constipation, a swelling.

The pain on the left in women often indicates problems with the genitourinary system. If there are severe pains that are accompanied by a feeling of nausea, sometimes vomiting, high fever, then perhaps this is due to the ovarian cyst, and the pain on the left can spread throughout the lower abdomen. In principle, any pain in the lower abdomen for a woman should be an occasion to visit a gynecologist.

Causes of abdominal pain on the left

The pain in the abdomen on the left most often occurs in the following cases:

  • inflammatory process in the lower intestine. Usually, with such a pathology, there are other symptoms: bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Most often, this disease occurs in women who are prone to dysbacteriosis, entoro-colitis and some other pathologies of the digestive system. If the pain on the left side of the abdomen is caused by inflammation in the intestine, then a few days of dieting will help reduce discomfort, but if even after that the pain does not go away, but on the contrary, it intensifies, you need to seek qualified help;
  • diseases of the genitourinary system. In women, pain on the left can occur with inflammation of the internal organs. When the inflammation of the appendages, fallopian tubes, there is a sharp pain in the ovaries, which gives into the inguinal zone. Often when such conditions are accompanied by high temperature. Also, sharp pain accompanies the ovarian cyst, especially if there is severe inflammation or rupture. In this case, the temperature rises, there may be vomiting, severe pain, a pre-stupor condition. With these symptoms, you should immediately call an ambulance;
  • ectopic pregnancy. In this case, the pain is cramping. If you suspect a ectopic pregnancy, you should immediately contact a specialist. In such cases, surgical treatment is indicated. With a rupture of the uterine tube, severe complications can arise, up to infertility;
  • pain on the left side of the abdomen may appear for physiological reasons. For example, with ovulation, when the egg breaks the follicle. Usually, such pains go away in a few days. The cause for the consultation of a gynecologist should be very painful menstruation with the release of clots, which may indicate an inflammation of the appendages.

trusted-source[1], [2]

Abdominal pain left of men

Pain in the abdomen on the left in men occurs for a variety of reasons.

This kind of pain can indicate inflammation of the testicles, whale formation, hernia. Often, in addition to pain, it can be disturbed by fever, general weakness, nausea. Also, the pain on the left may appear after an unusual shaking for the internal organs, especially after physical exercises. Pain in the abdomen in this case has a pulling or tingling nature.

In any case, if the pain does not go away for several days, intensify, accompanied by other symptoms, you need to consult a specialist and establish the cause of the pain to avoid serious complications. For example, with the started inflammatory process in the testicles, the reproductive function of the male is disrupted. Often the inflammatory process in the testicles begins after a cold or infection.

Most often, pain is associated with diseases of the genitourinary system. Inflammation of the bladder, as a rule, is accompanied by aching or pulling pain on the left, with urination often unpleasant sensations are amplified, in addition, the frequency of urination per day increases. Very rarely, inflammation of the bladder is accompanied by a temperature.

Also, one of the most common causes of the appearance of pain on the left is inflammation of the prostate, in which case the pain is pulling or cutting. Pain can spread to the groin or testicles, and may appear when urinating. The main sign of inflammation of the prostate gland is an erection disorder.

trusted-source[3], [4], [5], [6]

Abdominal pain on the left side of pregnancy

Pain in the abdomen of a pregnant woman is conditionally divided into gynecological, i.e. Those that are associated with the possibility of spontaneous miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, and non-gynecological, i.e. They are associated with digestive function disorders, displacement of internal organs and stretching of the muscles of the growing uterus.

Usually, abdominal pain is the result of the body's reaction to the growing fetus. Also, pain can occur with infections of the genitourinary system, constipation, problems with digestion.

The pain in the abdomen on the left side of the woman during pregnancy should be the reason for contacting the gynecologist. Such a condition can be associated with appendicitis inflammation, although the process is on the right side, changes in the internal organs caused by the growing fetus can cause sensation of pain on the left side.

Also, pain can indicate inflammation of the appendages. When there are pulling, cramping pains, giving to the sacrum, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, as this may indicate a threat of miscarriage. Often with pain arising from the rejection of the fetus, there are spotting. In a pregnant woman with unsuccessful movement of the body or a change in the position of the ligament that support the uterus may stretch, while the woman may feel pain, but this condition does not pose a threat to the health of the mother and child.

trusted-source[7], [8]

How does the abdominal pain show up on the left?

The abdominal pain on the left, depending on the cause, may be permanent or periodic. In terms of severity, they can be intense, weak. Also, the pain can manifest itself in the form of a piercing, cutting, cramping, pulling.

Drawing pain in abdomen left

Drawing pains in the abdomen on the left are often caused by inflammation of the internal organs located in this part of the peritoneum - the internal genitalia, the left kidney, the lower parts of the intestine. Drawing pains in the left part of the abdomen appear in connection with a variety of problems: spasms, inflammation of the organs of the genitourinary or digestive system, adhesive or inflammatory processes in the peritoneum, etc.

First of all, the drawing pains occur when:

  • adhesive processes;
  • spasms of the intestine;
  • adenoma, prostatitis;
  • problems of gynecological nature;
  • oncology and others.

trusted-source[9], [10], [11]

Severe abdominal pain

Severe pains in the abdomen on the left appear, usually in conditions requiring immediate surgical treatment (bleeding, tears or twisting of the internal organs, inflammation of the peritoneum, etc.)

Severe pain in a woman during pregnancy can be associated with the threat of premature birth, rupture of the uterus, an early detachment of the placenta. Under such conditions, the woman and her child are endangered. Also, severe pain can bother a woman with an ectopic pregnancy. In some cases, a fetal egg can not enter the uterus and is attached to the fallopian tube. In this case, a woman can experience all the signs of pregnancy (lack of menstruation, malaise, etc.) or even not to suspect her situation. After a while, the growing embryo creates a threat of rupture of the uterine tube and the woman has severe pain.

Also, severe left pain can occur with ovarian ruptures (apoplexy). Often this condition is preceded by too intense sex or physical stress. Severe pain can be given in the lower back, rectum, accompanied by nausea, weakness, loss of consciousness is possible.

Aching of abdominal pain left

Inflammation in the peritoneum may be the cause of aching pain in the lower abdomen.

In women, this kind of pain often occurs with diseases associated with gynecology, sometimes the pain that appears on the left can spread throughout the abdomen, give back, and other symptoms of the disease may also appear.

Often aching pains occur with inflammation of the appendages, fallopian tubes, ovaries, with cystitis. In men, aching pains in the lower abdomen on the left may indicate prostatitis or inflammation of seminal vesicles.

trusted-source[12], [13]

Severe pain in abdominal left

Sharp pains in the abdomen on the left often appear in case of bowel disease (obstruction, intestinal infection, flatulence, rectal cancer, hernia), inflammation of the genitourinary system, and violation of the left kidney.

It is worth noting that the sharp pains, which for a long time do not stop, is a good reason to call a doctor. Such pain can be associated with rupture of the cyst, a tumor. In men, such pain can talk about the onset of prostatitis. If the cause of pain is the intestine, then usually there are other symptoms: a digestive disorder, nausea, bloating, fever.

Losing a person with complaints of severe pain on the left side of the abdomen can be associated with the development of a malignant tumor.

Stitching pain in abdominal left

Pregnant women, especially in the first months of pregnancy, can feel abdominal pain left or right. This condition in most cases is associated with the restructuring of the body and muscle stretching. This kind of pain is more typical of those women who were too painful before the pregnancy of menstruation.

Also, stitching pain can occur with hypertension of the uterus. With minor pain, after a short rest everything should be normalized, if the pain is severe, and there are any discharges, you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Stitching pain can occur with certain digestive disorders (constipation, flatulence, etc.). In some cases, stitching pains occur with an attack of acute appendicitis.

Acute abdominal pain in the left

The pain in the abdomen on the left may have different causes. If you have acute pain, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible, since almost always such pains are associated with severe pathologies of internal organs. Often, acute pain occurs with ectopic pregnancy, when there is a risk of rupture of the tube in which the embryo began to develop. Such a condition requires urgent surgical treatment, otherwise the risk of infertility is increased in the future. Also, acute pains often accompany various inflammatory processes of internal organs (appendages, ovaries, etc.). Determine the exact cause of the onset of pain in the state only specialist.

Pain on the left side of the abdomen often occurs with inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes, with intestinal obstruction, with malignant formations in the intestine. In men, acute pain can indicate inflammation of the internal genitalia (inflammation of the testis, spermatic cord, twisting of the testicle, etc.)

trusted-source[14], [15], [16]

Dull pain in abdominal left

Stupid pain in the abdomen on the left often indicates an inflammatory process in the abdominal cavity. Determine the exact cause of these pains can only be a specialist. In most cases, ultrasound can help determine the disease.

Women with dull pain should consult a gynecologist. If the disease is not associated with the female sexual organs, the doctor will write a referral for consultation to another specialist.

In a pregnant woman, dull pain can be associated with muscle strain due to the increasing size of the uterus, which can also indicate the onset of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) or ectopic pregnancy. But in any case, an accurate diagnosis can be made after the examination.

Dull pain in the lower abdomen on the left may or may not be associated with the genitals. This kind of pain occurs when the muscles are stretched or with constipation.

trusted-source[17], [18], [19]

Cutting pain in abdominal left

Cutting pains in the abdomen on the left are most often associated with inflammation of certain parts of the intestine, genital or urinary organs, as well as with malignant tumors.

When such pains appear in women, it can also include diseases of the reproductive organs, if pain is given to the area above the pubis, it is most likely that the pains are associated with gynecological problems.

In the case of sharp, long-lasting pains that do not pass, you need to seek medical help, since in this case the pain can be caused by rupture of the cyst, ovary, etc. In men, severe pain indicates problems of the genitourinary system, usually at the onset of prostatitis.

With bowel pathology, severe abdominal pain can be accompanied by a disorder of the stool, nausea, swelling, and fever.

trusted-source[20], [21]

Cramping abdominal pain in the left

When cramping pains, usually, there is a strong spasm of smooth muscles of the hollow organs. The source of pain can be the fallopian tubes, uterus, intestines, bladder, ureters. The natural contraction of the smooth muscles of the hollow organs occurs constantly, which promotes the normal movement of the contents. For example, a person does not feel when there is a contraction of the intestine, ureter, bladder. If there is no pathology, the musculature is reduced painlessly.

Cramping abdominal pain on the left may indicate a disruption in the operation of the hollow organ (obstruction of the intestine, ureter), and this may also be related to functional disorders in the functioning of the internal organs (spastic colitis, inflammation of the intestine, etc.), in which case it is necessary you can contact your doctor more quickly.

Skin-like pains are not always associated with functional disorders. Sometimes such pains in the lower abdomen in women can indicate a serious pathology (spontaneous abortion, the formation of the myomatous node with fibroids).

Throbbing abdominal pain in the left

Pulsating pains down the abdomen to the left often appear with increased pressure inside the hollow organs.

Periodic abdominal pain left

Periodic abdominal pains on the left can appear for a variety of reasons and most often it signals a disease. Pain of this kind occurs as a result of irritation of sensitive endings of the membranes of internal organs.

Periodic pain can be acute, aching, throbbing, etc. With severe pain, which occurs from time to time, you need to urgently consult a doctor, since most often this is due to serious diseases of the internal organs.

Periodically arising pain can talk about a chronic inflammatory process or the onset of the disease.

Periodic dull or aching pain occurs with chronic cholecystitis, infectious inflammatory disease of the kidneys, urolithiasis. With drawing from time to time pains it can go about an ectopic pregnancy, an inflammation of appendages, ovaries. In men, this kind of pain is usually associated with urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis.

Constant abdominal pain left

Constant pains in the abdomen on the left are most often disturbed with progressive inflammatory processes (ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, malignant formations in the intestine, bulging of the intestine, hernial protrusion of the intestinal wall, polyps on the walls of the intestine, etc.).

trusted-source[22], [23]

Stomach pain in the abdomen left

Stitching pains in the abdomen to the left can indicate various diseases. In some cases, women feel a slight stabbing pain before the menstruation begins, at the time the egg leaves the follicle. Usually, a doctor's help is required when other symptoms appear together with pain (fever, nausea, vomiting). Infectious disease is indicated by pain, which is accompanied by general weakness, high fever. If the pain is provoked by the pathology of the intestine or stomach, a person is also often disturbed by nausea and vomiting. With frequent urination, sharp stabbing pains in the lower left part of the abdomen, one can assume cystitis or other diseases of the urinary system.

Diagnosis of abdominal pain on the left

When the patient complains of pain in the abdomen to the left, first of all the doctor finds out the nature of the pain, the specific place of their appearance and duration, ascertaining the anamnesis (disease in the past).

After the survey, the specialist conducts an examination (palpation, gynecological examination), which will help to establish the localization of pain to reveal new growths. After this, the doctor appoints additional methods of investigation (to confirm or establish a diagnosis). Usually, the doctor prescribes ultrasound, MRI, laparoscopy, strokes, a general blood and urine test.

trusted-source[24]

Treatment of abdominal pain left

Treatment of abdominal pain on the left depends, first of all, on the disease. Determine yourself, for exactly what reason there was pain in the lower abdomen, it is quite difficult, so it's best to immediately turn to a specialist. Do not take painkillers yourself, as in this case the doctor, because of the erasure of the clinical picture, it is difficult to determine the cause of the disease.

When inflammation of the intestine (irritable bowel syndrome) is recommended to adhere to a diet that includes more liquid food, cereal. It is necessary to exclude from the diet solid food, carbohydrates. If the pain is caused by colitis, it is recommended to completely exclude dairy products from the diet. If the disease is accompanied by frequent constipation, then the diet should include enough fruits, vegetables in a cooked or crumbed form.

Neoplasms in the abdominal cavity (polyps, cysts) must be treated under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise the probability of conversion into a malignant tumor increases. The pains that are provoked by gynecological diseases should be treated after consulting with a gynecologist and establishing an accurate diagnosis.

When severe, often repetitive, prolonged pain occurs, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Prevention of abdominal pain on the left

The pain in the abdomen to the left may suddenly appear or grow gradually and may be triggered by various diseases.

The most common cause of abdominal pain on the left is irritable bowel syndrome. With this disease, the intestinal wall becomes inflamed as a result of nervous overvoltage, malnutrition. In this case, for prevention, it is recommended to adhere to a full and healthy diet, have more rest, lead a healthy lifestyle.

For the prevention of gynecological diseases it is recommended not to overcool, wear comfortable linen from natural fabrics. It is established that when wearing too narrow clothing (especially jeans), blood circulation in the small pelvis is disrupted, which provokes diseases of the female genital organs. It is also recommended to undergo an annual checkup with a gynecologist, with a view to early detection of possible diseases. Some inflammatory processes can occur at the initial stage completely without symptoms (or with a mild manifestation).

For the prevention of prostatitis it is recommended to observe a healthy lifestyle, to give up alcohol, to smoke, to exercise moderate physical activity.

The pain in the abdomen on the left is a fairly common symptom, which can be associated with a variety of diseases. Pain can be of a different nature and with the same disease the symptoms may differ depending on the individual properties of the body. As a rule, the pain is caused by inflammatory processes of internal organs or functional disorders.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.