Pain on the left side of the lower abdomen can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which are more serious than others. It’s important to understand the potential causes of this type of pain so that you can seek appropriate medical treatment if necessary. Here are 15 potential causes of pain on the left side of the lower abdomen:
- Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon become infected or inflamed. This can cause severe abdominal pain, often on the left side.
- Constipation: Pain on the left side of the lower abdomen can be caused by severe constipation. This can be due to a lack of fiber in the diet or not drinking enough water.
- Gas and bloating: Gas and bloating can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen. This can be due to a diet high in gas-producing foods or to a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Ovarian cyst: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. They can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen, especially if they rupture.
- Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube. This can cause severe pain on the left side of the lower abdomen.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. This can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen, especially during menstruation.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): A UTI can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen, especially if the infection is in the left ureter or left kidney.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix and can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen.
- Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines that can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen.
- Kidney stones: Kidney stones can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen, especially if they get stuck in the left ureter.
- Hernia: A hernia is a bulging of the intestine or other tissue through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle. This can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen.
- Stomach ulcer: Stomach ulcers can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen.
- Musculoskeletal pain: Pain on the left side of the lower abdomen can also be caused by musculoskeletal issues such as a strain or sprain of the muscles or ligaments in the abdomen.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. GERD can cause pain on the left side of the lower abdomen if the acid refluxes into the stomach.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other potential causes of pain on the left side of the lower abdomen.
