What Causes Lower Left Abdominal Pain?

Jun 07, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Zhengxin
Introduction
Possible causes of left lower abdominal pain include urinary tract stones, such as ureteral or bladder stones. Additionally, patients may have intestinal tumors—such as sigmoid colon or rectal tumors—or even small intestinal stromal tumors, which can also present with left lower abdominal pain. In female patients, adnexal inflammation or ovarian torsion should also be considered. Therefore, patients are advised to first visit a hospital for relevant examinations, such as urinary tract ultrasound and abdominal CT.

In daily life, numerous causative factors can lead to disease onset. Early-stage diseases often present with certain symptoms—particularly common among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Many people, unaware of these early warning signs, may overlook them, thereby missing the optimal window for treatment. So, what causes pain in the lower left abdomen?

Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower left abdomen may stem from urinary tract stones, such as ureteral or bladder stones. Additionally, patients may suffer from gastrointestinal tumors—including sigmoid colon or rectal tumors, or even small intestinal stromal tumors—causing lower left abdominal pain. In female patients, adnexal inflammation or ovarian torsion may also be responsible. Therefore, it is recommended that patients first undergo relevant diagnostic examinations at a hospital, such as urinary tract ultrasound and abdominal CT. If intestinal pathology is suspected, colonoscopy is also necessary. Female patients should additionally undergo pelvic ultrasound. If the pain results from an intestinal tumor, surgical intervention is generally recommended.

Lower left abdominal pain may arise from conditions such as colitis, ureteral stones, or gynecological inflammation. The lower left abdomen houses multiple organs and structures; thus, inflammation, stones, or any pathological changes affecting these organs can provoke pain. For example, inflammation of the sigmoid colon commonly causes lower left abdominal pain, and some patients may also experience loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Similarly, inflammation or stones in the left ureter can induce lower left abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by dysuria. In women, recurrent lower left abdominal pain may indicate underlying gynecological inflammation—for instance, inflammation or tumors of the left fallopian tube may cause abdominal pain.

If lower left abdominal pain is due to bacterial infection, treatment under medical supervision—such as with levofloxacin—is recommended. Patients should also maintain warmth and apply local heat therapy. Since lower abdominal pain is frequently associated with intestinal disorders, its relief following defecation further supports an intestinal origin. It is advisable to maintain regular bowel habits daily, improve dietary patterns, and increase intake of fruits and vegetables—measures that may help alleviate symptoms. We hope this information proves helpful to you.