What causes pain in the lower left abdomen under the rib cage in women?

May 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
There may be various causes of lower left abdominal pain in women involving the ribs, such as rib fractures, ovarian cysts, or inguinal hernias. Specifically: if a woman's left rib area suffers external trauma leading to a local rib fracture, the fractured ends may abnormally irritate surrounding soft tissues, potentially causing pain in the lower left abdominal region near the ribs.

There may be various causes for pain in the lower left abdomen under the rib cage in women, such as rib fracture, ovarian cyst, inguinal hernia, and other conditions. The specific analysis is as follows:

If a woman's left rib area suffers external impact leading to local rib fracture, the fractured ends may abnormally stimulate surrounding soft tissues, causing pain in the lower left abdominal region beneath the ribs. It is recommended to immediately go to the hospital for reduction and immobilization. During recovery, strenuous activities should be avoided.

2. Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst refers to a fluid-filled or semi-solid sac formed within the ovary, which often causes pain in the lower left abdomen. Ovarian cysts are a common gynecological condition; most are benign and primarily associated with poor dietary habits. If a woman frequently overeats or consumes foods high in fat, excessive fat intake may lead to endocrine disorders, resulting in abnormal proliferation of ovarian cells and triggering ovarian cysts, thus causing this symptom. Regular follow-up visits at the hospital are recommended. If the cyst grows rapidly, surgical removal at a hospital may be necessary.

3. Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is a condition where fatty tissue or organs such as the intestine protrude through the inguinal region. It is mainly related to congenital developmental abnormalities. When local soft tissues are excessively weak, internal organs may enter this area, forming an inguinal hernia, which can cause local vascular ischemia, swelling, and result in the aforementioned symptoms. Surgical repair with suturing of the affected area is recommended.

In addition, this pain could also be caused by intestinal obstruction, colitis, urinary tract infections, and other conditions. Patients with severe symptoms should seek timely medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in treatment.