Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Women: Causes and Warning Signs

Pain in the lower left abdomen in women can arise from different organs, and it is impossible to determine its cause from a single sensation. Below is information about which structures are located in the lower left, which conditions cause such pain, and in which cases a visit to the doctor cannot be postponed.

Which organs are located in the lower left abdomen

The abdomen extends from the lower parts of the chest to the groin, and pain in it can come from any organ in this area. In the lower left lie sections of the large intestine — the descending and sigmoid colon; nearby are the left ovary and left fallopian tube, part of the uterus, and the left ureter passes through. The point you point to with your hand does not always coincide with the source: pain may begin elsewhere but be felt in the lower abdomen.

Gynecological causes: visceral pain and ovarian rupture

The uterus and its appendages are pelvic structures, and when their walls are stretched or irritated, cramping, intermittent pain appears that is difficult to localize precisely. Such visceral pain is often felt along the midline of the abdomen or above the pubis rather than strictly on the left, and is accompanied by sweating, nausea, vomiting, and marked pallor of the skin. Ovarian rupture is classified among the conditions of the "acute abdomen" picture, where help is needed immediately.

Intestinal causes of pain: diverticulitis and other conditions

Diverticula are small outpouchings in the wall of the large intestine; while there is no inflammation, they usually cause no symptoms. Diverticular disease manifests as follows:

• pain in the lower abdomen on the left, less often on the right;
• pain worsens after eating and subsides after a bowel movement or passing gas;
• constipation or diarrhea, bloating;
• blood in the stool.

When inflammation or infection is added in the intestine, this is called diverticulitis: the pain becomes severe and constant, temperature rises, and blood or mucus appears from the anus. The picture resembles other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, so the cause is confirmed by examinations.

Kidneys and urinary tract as a source of pain

The ureters are richly supplied with somatic pain receptors, so pain from them is intense, and a woman usually points more precisely to where it hurts. Stretching of the ureter or bladder causes cramping pain, more often along the midline above the pubis. With pain in the lower left, the doctor also evaluates the urinary system: abdominal ultrasound helps rule out changes in the kidneys.

Sharp pain and referred pain

Sudden severe abdominal pain requires immediate medical help. Doctors distinguish visceral pain — distressing, with sweating, nausea, and pallor; somatic pain — intense, with clear localization; and referred pain, which occurs with very strong irritation of an organ. Referred pain is felt away from the affected organ, so the location of pain does not always coincide with the source; the cause is determined by a doctor. Severe pain does not always indicate a serious problem, and mild pain does not guarantee that everything is fine: if discomfort persists for a week or longer or comes with other symptoms, a doctor is needed.

When lower left pain requires urgent help

The examination begins with a conversation: the doctor asks how long it has hurt, whether it is related to food or bowel movements, and whether there is fever. Further, a blood test and stool test are possible, and to clarify the diagnosis — colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT, abdominal ultrasound. Diverticulitis can have complications: accumulation of pus, intestinal obstruction, fistula, perforation, and peritonitis. Immediate medical help is required for sudden severe pain, pain radiating to the chest, neck, or shoulder, blood in the stool or vomiting blood, a hard and tender abdomen, inability to have a bowel movement, especially together with vomiting.

Lower left pain by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 are needed if the pain is severe and constant and there is vomiting, a distended abdomen, or neither stool nor gas passes, as well as with severe bleeding from the anus, pale or mottled skin, very high or low temperature, rapid breathing, or new-onset confusion.

The material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: if the pain returns or does not go away for a long time, come for an appointment — discussing symptoms together with a partner is easier.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer