What causes lower abdominal pain in women?

Sep 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
In general, the main causes of lower abdominal pain in women include uterine contractions during menstruation, abdominal chilling, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ovarian cyst torsion, etc. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should keep the abdomen warm during menstruation and avoid cold or raw foods; maintain external genital hygiene and avoid unhygienic sexual practices.

Generally, the main causes of lower abdominal pain in women include uterine contractions during menstruation, abdominal chilling, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and ovarian cyst torsion. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Uterine Contractions During Menstruation

During menstruation, the uterine lining sheds, and the uterus contracts to expel menstrual blood. Excessively strong contractions can cause lower abdominal pain. Applying heat to the lower abdomen, drinking warm brown sugar ginger tea, avoiding cold or raw foods, and taking ibuprofen sustained-release capsules under a doctor's guidance when experiencing significant pain can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Abdominal Chilling

Inadequate abdominal warmth allows cold to stimulate the intestinal and uterine smooth muscles, causing smooth muscle spasms and resulting in lower abdominal pain. It is important to dress warmly, apply a hot water bottle to the abdomen, drink warm water, and avoid continued exposure to cold environments.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Infection by pathogens causes inflammation in the pelvic region, stimulating pelvic tissue to become congested and swollen, resulting in lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge. Medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, metronidazole tablets, and doxycycline hydrochloride tablets may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Sexual activity should be avoided during treatment, and external genital hygiene should be maintained.

4. Endometriosis

Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. During menstruation, the displaced tissue bleeds and irritates surrounding tissues, causing lower abdominal pain that worsens during menstruation. Medications such as drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets, dienogest tablets, and ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be taken under a doctor's guidance. In severe cases, laparoscopic excision of endometrial lesions may be required.

5. Ovarian Cyst Torsion

Torsion of the ovarian cyst stalk causes ovarian ischemia, leading to sudden severe lower abdominal pain. Immediate medical attention is required for detorsion surgery of the ovarian cyst. If the cyst has necrotized, removal of the affected ovary may be necessary. Vigorous physical activity should be avoided after surgery.

In daily life, it is important to keep the abdomen warm during menstruation and avoid consuming cold or raw foods. Maintain external genital hygiene and avoid unclean sexual practices. Regular gynecological checkups should be conducted to detect diseases early. Avoid strenuous physical activity to prevent accidental abdominal trauma.