Lower right abdominal pain in women: possible causes

Lower right abdominal pain in women appears suddenly or drags on for months, and similar sensations can hide different organs. Below is what is located in the lower right part of the abdomen, which causes are more common, and when you must not delay. You can make sense of your symptoms so you can talk to a doctor calmly and to the point.

Which organs are located in the lower right abdomen

The abdomen extends from the lower part of the chest to the groin, and pain can come from any organ in this area. In the lower right, the appendix, cecum and beginning of the small intestine are located next to each other, along with the right adnexa — the ovary and fallopian tube. The kidney and ureter are also located on the right. The uterus and bladder lie closer to the center.

Gynecological causes of lower right abdominal pain

Pelvic pain is more common in women, and some causes are related to the reproductive system: painful menstruation, ovarian cyst, endometriosis, pain during pregnancy. Less often, such pain is caused by ectopic pregnancy, uterine or ovarian cancer, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Ovarian cyst and endometriosis are among the conditions that affect the female reproductive organs and cause pelvic pain. Ovarian rupture is among the conditions with bleeding into the abdominal cavity. STIs are among the common causes of pelvic pain; unusual vaginal discharge together with pain is a reason to seek medical help.

Non-gynecological causes: appendicitis, intestines, kidneys

Appendicitis and peritonitis require urgent surgical treatment, and they cannot be ruled out on your own. Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are common causes of pelvic pain, as are urinary tract infections. Among the causes of acute abdominal pain, doctors name intestinal obstruction, strangulated hernia and diverticulitis. Distension of a hollow organ — the intestine, ureter, fallopian tube — produces cramping, intermittent pain.

How stabbing, aching and acute pain differ

Pain can be different: sharp, stabbing or burning, appearing suddenly; increasing slowly and not going away; dull, heavy, like a feeling of pressure; felt like a twisted knot; cramping or throbbing, which comes and goes; occurring only with exertion — for example, during exercise, sex or urination. Separately: irritation of the parietal peritoneum during movement or stretching leads to acute pain. Visceral pain is poorly tied to a point and is felt closer to the middle of the abdomen, while somatic pain is vivid and clearly localized. Pain lasting up to three months is considered acute, and longer is considered chronic; recurrent — if it recurred at least three times within three months.

Which signs indicate a dangerous situation

Severe pain that intensifies or radiates with movement and touch is a reason for immediate help. Warning signs: fainting or near-fainting, pain in the tip of the shoulder, difficulty breathing, heavy vaginal bleeding, sudden confusion. Tense, hard muscles of the anterior abdominal wall are considered by doctors to be one of the most significant signs of surgical pathology. Vomiting blood, blood in the stool, absence of stool and gas together with vomiting, pallor and cold sweat are dangerous.

A reason for a planned visit to a doctor is:

• pain comes and goes or does not go away at all;
• bloating appears and disappears or persists constantly;
• you lose weight without effort, feel full quickly, have lost your appetite;
• constipation or diarrhea does not go away;
• pain persists for a week or longer or occurs together with other symptoms.

Call 103 or 112 if lower right abdominal pain is severe, increasing or radiates with movement and touch; if you feel weakness, dizziness or have lost consciousness; if the tip of the shoulder hurts or it is difficult to breathe; if there is heavy vaginal bleeding; if confusion appears suddenly. Emergency help is also needed for vomiting blood, blood in the stool, a hard and tense abdomen, and absence of stool and gas together with vomiting.

How a doctor finds the cause of pain: examination and testing

Diagnosing pelvic pain sometimes takes time: symptoms are very similar across different conditions. The doctor asks how the pain started, whether it changes, whether it is related to menstruation, sex, urination or defecation, whether there is discharge and fever, and whether pregnancy is possible. Next comes an examination and tests: a complete blood count, ultrasound of the abdominal and pelvic organs, and a plain abdominal X-ray. If the cause is not clear, you will be referred for additional tests or to a specialist. This text is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

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