Are you experiencing pain in your abdominal area, but it doesn't quite feel like your stomach? The abdomen can be separated into four quadrants. The lower left quadrant of the abdomen contains the transverse, descending, and sigmoid sections of the colon; part of the small intestine; the ureter of the left kidney; and the iliac fossa (part of the hip bone and pelvis). The iliac fossa is a gateway to the reproductive organs in both men and women. Show
See this image here for a visual representation of these multiple components. Common characteristics of lower left abdominal painDue to its complexity, the lower left abdomen is susceptible to multiple conditions that can cause pain. The pain may be focal and remain in the lower left quadrant or move to other quadrants of the abdomen. The pain may be sharp and sudden or dull and achy. Other possible symptoms of lower left abdominal painTake note of the above qualities and other symptoms you may experience including:
Additional symptoms in women of reproductive ageIf you fit this description, you may also experience the following:
Make an appointment with your physician as soon as you notice any of these symptoms along with pain in the lower left abdomen. What can cause lower left abdominal pain?The lower left quadrant of the abdomen is complex, leaving its many structures prone to inflammation, obstruction, or injury. You should seek care from a physician if your symptoms continue and for a definitive diagnosis. Abdominal causesCauses of pain in the lower left abdomen directly related to the abdomen itself may include the following.
Inflammatory causesInflammatory causes of pain in the lower left abdomen may include the following.
Reproductive causes in menThe reproductive organs in men are within or very close to the lower left abdomen. Problems with these organs often cause referred pain to the lower left quadrant. In men, this may include a condition called testicular torsion. The freely mobile testes can rotate around themselves, obstructing blood flow. The lack of blood flow results in sudden, severe scrotal pain and swelling that often includes the left lower quadrant and other quadrants of the abdomen. Reproductive causes in womenThe reproductive organs in women are also within or very close to the lower left abdomen. Problems with these organs often cause referred pain to the lower left quadrant.
Trauma-related causesTrauma to the lower abdomen from a direct blow or motor vehicle accident can cause pain that may be accompanied by bruising or internal bleeding. Normal variation of constipationConstipation means bowel movements which have become infrequent and/or hardened and difficult to pass. There is wide variation in what is thought "normal" when it comes to frequency of bowel movements. Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is considered normal. As long as stools are easy to pass, laxatives should not be used in an effort to force the body to a more frequent schedule. Constipation is usually caused by lack of fiber in the diet; not drinking enough water; insufficient exercise; and often suppressing the urge to have a bowel movement. A number of medications and remedies, especially narcotic pain relievers, can cause constipation. Women are often affected, due to pregnancy and other hormonal changes. Young children who demand low-fiber or "junk food" diets are also susceptible. Constipation is a condition, not a disease, and most of the time is easily corrected. If simple adjustments in diet, exercise, and bowel habits don't help, a doctor can be consulted to rule out a more serious cause. Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: abdominal pain (stomach ache), nausea, stomach bloating, constipation, constipation Symptoms that always occur with normal variation of constipation: constipation Symptoms that never occur with normal variation of constipation: vomiting Urgency: Self-treatment Take a quiz to find out what's causing your pain. Take pain in the lower left abdomen quiz Viral (rotavirus) infectionRotavirus infection is a contagious gastrointestinal virus that most often affects babies, toddlers, and young children. It causes severe watery diarrhea, sometimes with vomiting and fever. Adults may also be infected, though usually with milder symptoms. Rotavirus spreads very quickly when any trace of stool from an infected child contaminates food or drink, or gets onto any surface. If another child consumes the food or drink, or touches the surface and then their mouth, the child will become infected. Rotavirus in children is a medical emergency because dehydration can set in very quickly. A child can die if not treated immediately. Take the child to an emergency room or call 9-1-1. Treatment consists of IV fluids and supportive care, usually in a hospital. Antibiotics will not help rotavirus because they only work against bacteria. The best way prevention is frequent and thorough handwashing, as well as washing toys and surfaces when possible. There is now a vaccine that will either prevent rotavirus infection or greatly lessen the symptoms if the child still gets the virus. Rarity: Ultra rare Top Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain (stomach ache), headache Symptoms that always occur with viral (rotavirus) infection: diarrhea, vomiting or nausea Symptoms that never occur with viral (rotavirus) infection: constipation, tarry stool Urgency: Self-treatment Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz) or midcycle spottingMittelschmerz is a German word that translates as "middle pain." It refers to the normal discomfort sometimes felt by women during ovulation, which is at the midpoint of the menstrual cycle. Each month, one of the two ovaries forms a follicle that holds an egg cell. The pain occurs when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg. This is a dull, cramping sensation that may begin suddenly in only one side of the lower abdomen. In a few cases, there may be vaginal spotting. Mittelschmerz occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. Actual Mittelschmerz is not associated with nausea, vomiting, fever, or severe pelvic pain. These symptoms should be evaluated by a medical provider since they can indicate a more serious condition. Diagnosis is made through patient history. Treatment requires only over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain. An oral contraceptive will stop the symptoms, since it also stops ovulation. Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: abdominal pain (stomach ache), last period approximately 2 weeks ago, vaginal bleeding, bloody vaginal discharge, pelvis pain Symptoms that always occur with ovulation pain (mittelschmerz) or midcycle spotting: last period approximately 2 weeks ago Urgency: Self-treatment Normal abdominal painThe complaint of abdominal pain and discomfort, with no apparent cause, is one of the most common in medicine. It is a primary reason for patients to visit a medical provider or the emergency room. The cause of abdominal pain can be difficult to find, because it can just be a completely normal abdominal pain or come from many different sources: the digestive tract, the urinary tract, the pancreas, the gall bladder, or the gynecologic organs. The pain may simply be caused by overly sensitive nerves in the gut. This hypersensitivity can occur after repeated abdominal injury and/or it may have an emotional cause due to fear of the pain itself. Diagnosis is made through physical examination, patient history, and simply ruling out any other condition. CT scan is often requested, but can rarely find a specific cause. The benefits must be weighed against the risks of radiation. Treatment first involves making any needed lifestyle improvements regarding diet, exercise, work, and sleep, in order to reduce stress. In some cases, counseling, hypnosis, mild pain relievers, and antidepressants are helpful. Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: abdominal pain (stomach ache), vaginal discharge, fever, nausea Symptoms that always occur with normal abdominal pain: abdominal pain (stomach ache) Symptoms that never occur with normal abdominal pain: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, severe abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, vaginal discharge Urgency: Self-treatment Menstrual crampsMenstrual cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are actually contractions of the uterus as it expels its lining during a woman's monthly period. A certain amount of mild cramping is normal, triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. However, painful cramps may be caused by underlying conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, high prostaglandin levels, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID.) Severe cramping may be present, as well as nausea, headache, and dull pain that radiates to the low back and thighs. It is most common in women under age 30 who smoke, have heavy and irregular periods, and have never given birth. An obstetrician/gynecologist (women's specialist) can do tests for underlying conditions such as those mentioned above. Women over age 25 who suddenly begin having severe cramps should see a doctor to rule out the sudden onset of a more serious concern. Treatment of mild cramping can be done with heating pads to the abdomen and with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Birth control pills, which regulate the menstrual cycle, are often effective in lessening cramps. Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: abdominal pain (stomach ache), abdominal cramps (stomach cramps), painful periods, lower back pain, abdominal pain that shoots to the back Symptoms that always occur with menstrual cramps: abdominal pain (stomach ache) Symptoms that never occur with menstrual cramps: being severely ill, disapearance of periods for over a year Urgency: Self-treatment Irritable bowel syndromeIrritable bowel syndrome is commonly known as IBS. Normally, the muscles of the colon, or large intestine, contract and relax to push food along. It's thought that in IBS, the muscles randomly contract either too strongly or too weakly and therefore cause alternating bouts of diarrhea or constipation. The exact cause is not known. Food allergy/intolerance; stress; hormonal imbalance; and infection or bacterial overgrowth in the colon may play a role, as well as an overly sensitive gastrointestinal nervous system. Pre-menopausal women who suffer from depression or lead very stressful lives may be most susceptible. Symptoms vary among individuals, and often come and go. These include abdominal pain and cramping; bloating; gas; diarrhea; and constipation. IBS is not associated with serious illness such as cancer, but symptoms may interfere with quality of life. Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and ruling out any other cause. Imaging may also be done. Treatment begins with improved diet and stress management. Antibiotics, antidepressants, and other medications may be attempted. Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: fatigue, abdominal pain (stomach ache), nausea or vomiting, stool changes, constipation Urgency: Primary care doctor Take a quiz to find out what's causing your pain. Take pain in the lower left abdomen quiz Intestinal inflammation (diverticulitis)When the passage of food through the colon becomes sluggish, the food can stagnate, increase in bulk, create pressure, and cause diverticula – or pouches – to form in the walls of the large intestine. If these pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. Risk factors are a low-fiber diet, smoking, obesity, chronic constipation, and lack of "good" bacteria in the gut. Patients over 50, with a previous history of inflammatory disease of the colon, are most susceptible. Symptoms include persistent abdominal pain; fever; nausea and vomiting; and constipation sometimes alternating with diarrhea. Left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to intestinal blockage and scarring. Rupture of an inflamed pouch can result, leading to peritonitis. These are medical emergencies. If suspected, take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1. Diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions through physical examination; blood, urine, and stool tests; and CT scan. Less serious cases are treated with a high-fiber diet, fluids, probiotics, antibiotics, and lifestyle management. Others may require intravenous antibiotics and/or surgery. Rarity: Uncommon Top Symptoms: abdominal pain (stomach ache), nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation Symptoms that never occur with intestinal inflammation (diverticulitis): pain below the ribs, pain in the upper right abdomen Urgency: Hospital emergency room Constipation from not eating enough fiberConstipation is defined as having stools which are large, hard, and difficult to pass. This leaves the person feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Many things can cause constipation, and a common one is lack of fiber in the diet. To determine whether lack of fiber is causing the constipation, all other causes are first ruled out:
If fiber is needed, the best sources are fresh vegetables; fresh or dried fruits; and whole wheat and brown rice, because those include the fiber-rich bran. Over-the-counter fiber tablets can be tried, though laxatives should only be used if recommended by a medical provider. Rarity: Common Top Symptoms: constipation, constipation, pain in the lower left abdomen, pain when passing stools, feeling of needing to constantly pass stool Symptoms that always occur with constipation from not eating enough fiber: constipation, constipation Symptoms that never occur with constipation from not eating enough fiber: vomiting Urgency: Self-treatment How to treat pain in lower left quadrant of the abdomenSome of the causes of lower left abdominal pain are serious and often difficult to determine on your own. You should consult your physician for lower left abdominal pain that doesn't resolve. Medical treatmentsAfter your doctor makes the appropriate diagnosis, he or she may suggest the following treatments.
At-home treatmentsYou can try the following at home to possibly counteract preventable causes such as digestive upset.
When it is an emergencySeek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms including:
Get a diagnosis and care planSee all Find expert clinicians who can help you with treatment. Reviewed by our medical team Learn how we choose care providers Questions your doctor may ask about pain in the lower left abdomenTo diagnose this condition, your doctor would likely ask the following questions:
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions. Share your story Share your story below! Required field First name initial (required) Required field Email (required; not displayed) Required field Title for your story (required) Required field Once your story receives approval from our editors, it will exist on Buoy as a helpful resource for others who may experience something similar. Submit story Request sent successfully An error occurred, please try again later The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider. Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH. Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP... Read full bio Was this article helpful? 131 people found this helpful Heart Icon.131 Tooltip Icon. Share Icon.Share Facebook Icon. FacebookLinkedIn Icon. LinkedinPinterest Icon. PinterestPocket Icon. PocketShare Link Icon. Copy linkCopied to clipboard Close Icon.Read this next Slide 1 of 5 Vagina What Causes Bloody Vaginal Discharge? While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it's quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD. Read more Abdomen Abdominal Pain: Causes & When to Be Concerned Abdominal pain is usually a sign of a common illness or infection. Other causes include indigestion, a stomach ulcer, IBS, or food poisoning. Read more Pregnancy Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg (called an embryo) attaches itself outside of the womb. It is a serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain and heavy, life-threatening bleeding. Read more Stomach What’s Causing Your Nausea and Vomiting Nausea is that queasy feeling in your stomach that makes you feel like you're going to vomit. Usually, nausea is from an infection, pregnancy, taking certain medication, or acid reflux. Read more Abdomen Why Abdominal Pain Worsens With Movement If you have abdominal pain that gets worse with movement, you may also have stomach cramps and nausea. Stomach pain when moving around may be caused by appendicitis or a stomach ulcer. |