Women often suffer from lower abdominal pain, which could indicate a normal menstrual cramp or a serious medical condition. You can get lower abdominal pain because of appendicitis, muscle strain, PID, ulcers, and other such causes. The treatment depends on the cause of the pain. In this post, we’ll talk about the causes of lower belly pain and the what you can do about it. Nonetheless, It’s always best to consult a gynecologist if the pain is consistent and extreme.
Know When the Pain isn’t Normal
Nowadays, people rely on self-diagnosis way too much. We keep on ignoring the stomach ache until things get quite complicated and we end up with no option other than rushing to the hospital. Self-diagnosis may not give accurate results. If you notice any or most of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
- The severe stomach that keeps on getting worse
- Blood in stools
- Unable to stand or walk around due to severe pain
- Vomiting blood
- Change in your bowel movements
- A high temperature
- Belly pain during pregnancy
Describe Your Pain
When you consult with a Gynecologist, they’ll probably ask you to describe the pain and the area you can feel it. The first indicator that helps the doctor determine the cause is the exact area of the lower abdominal pain. The doctor will also ask the nature of the pain and how long you have been suffering. The pain can also be described as dull, cramping, burning, or sharp pain.
Make sure that you describe the pain along with all the other symptoms you have been experiencing. For example, let your doctor know if the pain is accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, irregular bowel movements, vomit, nausea, and other symptoms.
Pain around the Navel
Do you experience pain around your belly button? Head to the nearest hospital and get the issue diagnosed immediately. It can be caused due to the following:
- Early Appendicitis
Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of surgery. The first indicator of Appendicitis is pain around your navel. The pain is quite mild initially and can come and go. You can also feel the pain moving to the right of your belly button. If it’s caused because of early appendicitis, the pain will worsen in 24 hours and make the movements difficult.
The pain can be accompanied by nausea or high temperature. The best treatment for appendicitis is the surgical removal of the appendix. If you experience mild pain around the belly button that shifts to the right side, approach a doctor right away.
- Stomach Ulcers
Ulcers can be found right in the center of your stomach. Ulcers lead to a burning pain in the abdomen. The patient might feel nauseated. Indigestion and vomiting are also common in ulcer patients. If you spot blood in vomit or black tarry stools, the doctor will recommend immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Pain Above Pubic Bone
Do you feel pain above the pubic bone? It can be caused due to any of the following:
- Bladder Pain
Do you experience pain before, during, or after passing the urine? This is called the bladder pain, which also indicates a urinary infection. People with urinary infection might want to pee frequently. Observe the urine to spot blood. You must drink plenty of water and hydrating fluids to fix the issue.
However, if the problem doesn’t solve, consult with your doctor and get an early diagnosis. The doctor will recommend some antibiotics, which may help relieve the pain.
Bladder stone can be another cause of pain above the pubic bone. If that’s the cause, you will feel a stabbing pain that worsens when passing urine.
- Period Pain
Period pain is a low, cramping pain that most likely occurs above the pubic bone but spreads across the nearby area. Also known as menstrual cramps, a woman tends to go through period pain a few days before her menstrual cycle begins. The nature of period pain can differ from person to person. It can be either mild or severe. Usually, period pain lasts a few days and fades automatically after 2-3 days of menstruation.
Period pain isn’t a major issue. You can take hot water massage or some painkillers to relieve the symptoms.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Do you notice pain during the intercourse, discolored vaginal discharge, or blood in urine? Get a sexual health screen right away to diagnose any unforeseen medical issue. These symptoms can indicate a sexually transmitted disease.
- Pain on One Side
Lower abdominal pain on one side refers to any pain that could be felt around your belly button. As there are many organs and tissues lying in the lower abdomen of a female’s body, the cause of the pain is often confusing.
- Ovulation Pain
Ovulation pain is normal. It happens when the female reproductive organ i.e. Ovary releases an egg during the menstrual cycle.
- Ovarian Cysts
Another common condition is an ovarian cyst. Cysts do not last long. Some women don’t even experience any symptoms of ovarian cyst. However, cysts can lead to mild or severe pain if they grow bigger or rupture. Rarely an ovarian cyst is cancerous. It is best to see your doctor and get a diagnosis if you experience these symptoms.
- Ectopic Pregnancy
This happens when the fetus develops in the fallopian tube in your body. This type of pregnancy is dangerous for mother and can lead to permanent infertility if left untreated. Surgery is required to get the fetus removed from the fallopian tube.
- Endometriosis
Heavy bleeding during menstruation, one-sided pain that’s often mild, and bloating are some of the signs of endometriosis. Treatment options include surgery, painkillers, or hormonal therapy.
General Pain in your Lower Belly
Sometimes, the pain you experience in the lower abdomen does not indicate any serious health condition. Some general causes of lower abdominal pain are:
- Constipation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Gastroenteritis
The Gynecologist will examine your abdomen to diagnose any lump or other issues in the abdomen. They can recommend further tests for better clarification.