What causes pain in the lower abdomen?
Disease description:
I have had a dull ache in my lower abdomen, or what is commonly referred to as the lower belly, for the past few days. I would like to ask what might be causing pain in this area?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Causes of lower abdominal pain (lower belly pain) include:
1. Gynecological conditions: For women, lower abdominal pain may be related to menstrual discomfort (dysmenorrhea), pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and other gynecological disorders. These conditions are often accompanied by symptoms such as menstrual irregularities and pain during sexual intercourse.
2. Gastrointestinal issues: Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, and intussusception may cause lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
3. Gynecological problems: For women, lower abdominal pain could also be related to the menstrual cycle or may indicate conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
4. Appendicitis: The appendix is located in the lower abdomen, and inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis) can cause severe or dull aching pain in the lower abdomen.
5. Urinary system issues: Urinary tract infections, such as urethritis or cystitis, can also cause lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination.
When experiencing lower abdominal pain, do not take medication blindly. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the cause through physical examination and diagnostic tests (such as urinalysis, stool test, ultrasound, colonoscopy, etc.), followed by appropriate treatment.
