For What Reason Do I Have Pain in My Lower Left Abdomen?
Causes Apart from Diverticulitis
For females
In men
Having a chat with your physician
Many medical conditions, including diverticulitis, hernias, endometriosis, and torsion of the testicles, can cause pain in the lower left abdomen. If you suddenly experience severe pain, especially if other symptoms appear, such as a high temperature or vomiting, you should see a doctor.
The final segment of your colon, and the left ovary in those who have them, reside in the lower left side of your abdomen. Generally speaking, minor pain in this region is not cause for alarm. After a day or two, it could possibly go away by itself.
Call emergency services, such as 911, if you’ve been hurt in an accident or are experiencing severe pain. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain in your chest, you should see a doctor right away, too.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should ask someone to drive you to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center:
fever
painfully sensitive skin in the affected area
abdominal enlargement
Discolored or bloody feces
nausea and vomiting that won’t go away
abnormally low body weight
Having a yellowish complexion (jaundice)
Keep reading to find out the causes of and treatments for lower left abdominal pain.
One of the most prevalent reasons why
The inflammation and infection caused by diverticulitis is a common cause of chronic pain on the lower left side of the abdomen.
Diverticula are pouches that form when the colon’s weak points are repeatedly compressed. After the age of 50, diverticula prevalence increases even further, according to a reliable source. This condition, known as diverticulitis, is caused by inflammation and infection after a pouch ruptures.
Additional signs and symptoms…
fever \snausea
pain in the belly area, accompanied by nausea and vomiting
Constipation and diarrhea are less common symptoms of diverticulitis, but they can occur.
Most cases of mild diverticulitis can be treated with bed rest, dietary changes, and antibiotics. If the condition is severe or persistent, surgery may be required.
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Reasons for your lower belly ache that aren’t pregnancy
Causes of pain in the lower abdomen, both left and right, are as follows.
Gas
It’s completely normal to burp and pass gas. From the stomach to the rectum, gas can be found all over the digestive system. Burping and farting are natural byproducts of swallowing and digestion.
Possible causes of intestinal gas include:
excessive air intake from eating, smoking, and gum chewing
difficulty digesting certain foods
Colon bacteria disruption due to eating foods high in soluble fiber.
In most cases, gas is just annoying. If it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, like those listed below, you should consult your doctor.
vomiting
diarrhea \sconstipation
loss of weight without trying
heartburn
presence of blood in the feces
Indigestion
Most cases of indigestion occur after a meal. While digesting food, your stomach produces acid. The esophagus, stomach, and colon can all be irritated by this acid. Pain is more common in the upper abdomen, but it can occur lower there as well.
Most cases of indigestion are not severe. Many can relate to the pain, discomfort, or burning that often follows.
Additional signs and symptoms…
heartburn
fullness or bloating burping or passing gas nauseousness
If your indigestion persists or worsens, you should see a doctor.
Hernia
When an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the muscle or tissue that normally surrounds it, the result is a hernia. Some hernias manifest as a lump or bulge in the belly or groin.
In addition, you may experience other symptoms, such as:
growing prominence of the bulge
an escalating pain level at the site, pain upon lifting, a dull ache, and a satiety-inducing fullness
There are a wide variety of hernias, each with its own unique set of symptoms. As an example, hiatal hernias don’t cause any outward signs of a bulge.
The specific type of hernia determines the underlying cause. If you suspect you have a hernia, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor right away.
A hernia of the inguinal region.
When abdominal fat or a section of the small intestine pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdomen, the result is a hernia. Women are much less likely to experience this type of hernia than men are.
Here are a few signs:
pain in the groin that is worse when straining, lifting, coughing, or engaging in physical activity a small bulge on the side of the groin that may get larger over time and usually goes away when you lie down
an enlarged or puffy scrotum
Issues of this nature are common with this hernia type. If you are experiencing:
symptoms such as extreme redness or tenderness at the bulge site, sudden onset of severe pain, and ongoing difficulty passing gas or bowel movements
Illness characterized by nausea, vomiting, and a high temperature
Urinary calculi
When a kidney stone begins to cause symptoms, it is likely to have moved within the kidney or into the ureter. When urine leaves the kidney, it travels down the ureter and into the bladder.
Subsequently, the stone could cause excruciating pain in the side and back, right under the ribs. As the stone makes its way through your urinary tract, you may experience waves of pain that are either mild or severe.
In addition, you might feel:
The presence of a foul odor in pink, red, brown, cloudy, or otherwise colored urine
symptoms like frequent or painful urination, nausea, vomiting, chills, and/or a high temperature
Kidney stones can form for a variety of reasons. The presence of a stone in your family, for example, may put you at a higher risk. If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a medical professional.
Shingles
How about chicken pox? If this is the case, the varicella-zoster virus is dormant within your system. Later on, the virus can reappear in the form of shingles. After the age of 50, you’re more likely to experience an increase in risk. Verified Reliable.
The rash caused by the shingles virus can be extremely painful and appears as a band of blisters along one side of the body. A rash can sometimes manifest on the face or neck. There are cases where pain is present but no rash is visible.
Additional signs and symptoms…
the sensation of heat, cold, or tingling, sensitivity to touch, blistering, scabbing, and itching
The risk of developing shingles can be reduced by receiving the shingles vaccine. Visit a medical professional if you develop shingles. Infections can be shortened and complications avoided by beginning treatment as soon as possible.
Factors unique to women
Only females are susceptible to certain causes of lower left abdominal pain. These symptoms could be indicative of a more serious problem or indicate the need for medical attention. In some cases, right-sided abdominal pain may also develop.
Adverse effects of menstruation, or cramps (dysmenorrhea)
Cramps are common in the days leading up to and during menstruation. Menstrual cramps aren’t usually serious, despite the fact that the pain can range from mildly annoying to severely hampering.
Consult a medical professional if…
you can’t go about your day to day life because of the cramps.
if you’re over the age of 25 and experiencing increasingly severe cramping, your symptoms are likely to worsen over time.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is characterized by the abnormal growth of tissue that mimics the lining of the uterus outside of the uterus. Pain in the belly may result.
Here are a few additional symptoms:
Heavy periods, painful bowel movements, or urination, painful menstrual cramps, which may worsen over time, and spotting in between periods.
No one knows what triggers endometriosis. Consult your healthcare provider regularly to track your progress.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
When fluid collects in a sac on or near the ovary, it is called a cyst.
The vast majority of cysts are asymptomatic and will resolve on their own within a few months. Discomfort is possible when a cyst grows too large. Additionally, the constant pressure on your bladder might prompt you to urinate more frequently.
A cyst that bursts open can lead to painful symptoms and even internal bleeding.
Please seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:
pain in the stomach that comes on suddenly and is very painful
signs of shock including cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, lightheadedness, or weakness Pain with fever or vomiting
Twisted ovaries
The ovary may shift location if a large cyst forms on it. There is an increased possibility of ovarian torsion, a painful condition in which the ovary twists and loses its blood supply. In addition, the fallopian tubes could be harmed.
Pregnancy and the use of hormones to stimulate ovulation both increase the risk of ovarian torsion.
Torsion of the ovary is unusual. In most cases, this occurs during the prime of reproductive life.
In the event of sudden, severe abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting, medical attention should be sought. Untwisting or removing a twisted ovary is a surgical procedure.
Possible ectopic pregnancy
A fertilized egg can implant outside of the uterus, a condition known as ectopic pregnancy. The fallopian tubes, which lead from the ovary to the uterus, are typically the site of this occurrence. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are not always present.
Some of the symptoms you might experience include abdominal pain and
Signs of pregnancy, including a lack of a menstrual period
internal bleeding
Symptoms of a watery discharge, including pain during urination or defecation
Tip-of-the-shoulder pain
If you have any of these symptoms and think you might be pregnant, but a pregnancy test came back negative, it’s still important to see a doctor.
When an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, the fallopian tube must be surgically repaired to prevent further complications. Those who fall into any of the following categories should seek immediate medical attention:
feeling faint, dizzy, or sick, and having a very pale appearance
Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Reproductive system infection (PID) is an infection that affects women. Although STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common causes of PID, it can also be caused by other infections.
Experiencing symptoms while dealing with PID is not guaranteed.
Some of the symptoms you might experience include abdominal pain and
Symptoms include high temperature, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain or bleeding during sex, a burning sensation during urination, missed periods, and/or bleeding.
If you or your partner have experienced genital symptoms like a sore or discharge, or if you suspect exposure to a sexually transmitted infection, you should consult a doctor.
Male-specific factors
Some of the causes of pain in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen only affect men. It’s possible that this is a serious medical emergency. It’s also possible for there to be pain on the right side of the belly.
Torsion of the testis
The term “testicular torsion” refers to the rotation of the testicle. This reduces circulation to the testicles, leading to discomfort and swelling. Exactly what triggers this condition is a mystery. Torsion of the testicles is a medical emergency that typically affects young males under the age of 18.
Symptoms can consist of:
Pain in the scrotum and the abdomen can flare up suddenly and be very painful.
fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and painful urination
Torsion of the testicles is a serious condition. If you experience sudden or severe pain in your testicles, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Even if the discomfort subsides on its own, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. Surgery may prevent damage to the testicle.
When to speak with your doctor
Is the pain in your stomach causing you concern? How long ago did it begin, if at all? Two yeses mean it’s time to make that doctor’s appointment.
Until then, pay attention to your pain and see if anything eases it. So what’s the deal? Listen to your body and speak with your doctor sooner rather than later if the pain persists.
