What Causes Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen in Women?

Some individuals experience pain in the right abdomen—ranging from mild to severe—and the pain may be intermittent. So, what causes right lower abdominal pain in women?

Causes of Right Lower Abdominal Pain in Women

In women, dull or aching pain in the right lower abdomen may stem from several conditions: First, right-sided adnexitis (inflammation of the right fallopian tube and ovary) may cause localized pain, often accompanied by fever. This condition can be triggered by upper respiratory infections or physical fatigue and tends to recur. Adequate rest and proper self-care are essential; anti-inflammatory treatment may be required when necessary. Alternatively, it could result from torsion of a right ovarian cyst, which may present with signs of shock. Second, if hematuria (blood in the urine) is present, ureteral stones should be considered. Patients typically experience pronounced nausea and vomiting, visible gross hematuria, and abdominal ultrasound will reveal the stone.

Third, acute appendicitis commonly manifests as right lower abdominal pain, with tenderness at McBurney’s point on the abdominal surface. During an episode, patients experience dull or aching pain in the right lower abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting—especially exacerbated after overeating or binge eating. CT imaging typically shows non-filling or poor opacification of the appendix. Recurrent episodes warrant surgical intervention.

When experiencing right lower abdominal pain, the best approach is not to self-administer analgesics. Instead, promptly seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Only then should treatment be initiated under a physician’s guidance. For instance, if acute appendicitis is confirmed, surgical intervention is required. We hope this information proves helpful.