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Pain in the lower abdomen
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Pain in the lower abdomen is a common problem, and it affects not only women but also men. The pain can be of various types: stabbing, pulsating, aching, squeezing. Such pain is deceptive: it can change intensity, becoming almost unbearable, then significantly weakening. Its location is also often questionable, as it can spread to the umbilical, epigastric region, shift to the left and right, to the coccyx, sacral spine.
Diseases that cause pain in the lower abdomen
Common causes of lower abdominal pain include:
- Appendicitis.
- Kidney disease.
- Inflammation of the pelvic organs.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Pain associated with the menstrual cycle.
Appendicitis
If appendicitis is the cause, the pain will be concentrated first in the umbilical region, then spreading to the lower abdomen. Patients will lose their appetite, vomiting and chills are possible. If you suspect appendicitis, you should call a doctor immediately! If the pain is particularly severe, you can take a painkiller.
Kidney diseases
When this organ is inflamed, the main symptoms characteristic of patients will be chills and a slight increase in body temperature. The presence of kidney stones is also accompanied by sharp pain, which can spread to the hip. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient needs to undergo a urine test, as well as pyelography - a study of the kidneys using radiopaque substances. Treatment is a dairy and plant-based diet with mainly vegetables and fruits.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
A common cause of pain is inflammation of the pelvic organs, namely adnexitis, salpingitis, oophoritis. The main symptom characterizing problems with the genitals is a slight increase in temperature, as well as pain spreading throughout the lower abdomen, possibly moving to the left, as well as to various parts of the spine. Attention: in case of inflammation of the genitals, do not use folk methods, as they can signal infertility! Be sure to see a doctor!
Intestinal obstruction
One of the most unpleasant causes of painful sensations can be intestinal obstruction, both of the large and small intestines. You will feel a sharp pain in the lower abdomen, which will then become squeezing and dull. It may be accompanied by vomiting, as well as constipation. As in the case of the genitals, in case of intestinal volvulus, it is better to immediately consult a surgeon!
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Menstrual cycle
Perhaps, this reason is well known to women. Quite unpleasant sensations can appear in the middle of the cycle (during ovulation) or directly in the first days of menstruation. Sharp pain in the lower abdomen most often lasts for several hours, in rare cases it can drag on for a couple of days. As a rule, to eliminate the pain, it is enough to take a painkiller or just wait, however, if you notice heavy bleeding, consult a gynecologist, as it may be a cyst.
Therefore, no matter what factor caused the pain in the lower abdomen, it should be treated with exceptional attention, which will be given to you by a doctor!