What Causes Pain in the Lower Left Abdomen?

Jun 01, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Left lower abdominal pain may be caused by urinary tract stones, urinary tract infections, gynecological disorders (in females), or colonic diseases. Urinary tract stones—such as left ureteral or renal calculi—can cause left lower abdominal pain. Urinary tract infections in patients may also lead to left lower abdominal pain; diagnosis can be confirmed at a hospital via routine urinalysis and urinary system ultrasound.

  The lower left quadrant of the human abdomen contains numerous organs, and discomfort in this region is relatively common—many individuals experience pain in the lower left abdomen. So, what causes lower left abdominal pain?

  What Causes Lower Left Abdominal Pain?

  Lower left abdominal pain may stem from urinary tract stones, urinary tract infections, gynecological conditions (in women), or colonic disorders. Urinary tract stones—such as left ureteral stones or left kidney stones—can provoke pain in the lower left abdomen. Similarly, urinary tract infections may cause lower left abdominal pain; diagnosis can be confirmed via routine urinalysis and urinary system ultrasound at a hospital. In women, gynecological conditions—including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and adnexitis—can also lead to lower left abdominal pain. Colonic pathologies—such as ulcerative colitis or malignant colonic tumors—may cause lower left abdominal pain, often accompanied by hematochezia (blood in stool). Malignant tumors may additionally present with systemic symptoms such as unintentional weight loss and melena (black, tarry stools).

  Organs located in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen include the rectum, left kidney, left ureter, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and bladder. In women, the uterus and left ovary are also situated in this region. When pathological changes occur in these organs, patients may experience discomfort—for example, inflammation or other lesions affecting the sigmoid or descending colon commonly manifest as pain and discomfort in the lower left abdomen. Additionally, left ureteral stones in women may trigger severe left-sided abdominal pain. Under normal circumstances, lower left abdominal discomfort is most frequently attributable to intestinal disorders; prompt medical evaluation and treatment are therefore essential.

  Lower left abdominal pain is relatively common. If the pain is severe, patients should seek timely medical evaluation and treatment. We hope this information has been helpful.