What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females?

Lower abdominal pain in women can arise from several different systems in the body, most commonly gastrointestinal, gynecological, or urinary. Key causes include:

Gastrointestinal Causes

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

• Constipation: Straining or difficulty passing stool leading to localized pain.

• Gastroenteritis: Infection or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which may cause chronic pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

• Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches in the colon, more common with age.

Gynecological Causes

• Menstrual cramps and ovulation pain (common and cyclical in nature).

• Ovarian cysts: Can cause sharp or dull pain depending on size and rupture.

• Endometriosis: Tissue growth outside the uterus leading to chronic pelvic pain.

Urinary Causes

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): May mimic GI discomfort but typically include burning, urgency, or frequent urination.

When to Seek Medical Care

• Severe or persistent pain.

• Changes in bowel habits.

• Blood in the stool.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Fever, nausea, or worsening discomfort.

Gas and constipation are very common causes of lower abdominal pain in women and men.

Gas

• Excess gas in the digestive tract can stretch the intestines.

• Symptoms often include bloating, cramping, or sharp pains in the lower abdomen.

• Pain may shift locations and usually improves after passing gas or having a bowel movement.

• Dietary triggers, food intolerances, or eating habits may contribute.

Constipation

• Defined as infrequent or difficult-to-pass stools.

• Stool buildup can stretch the colon, causing a dull ache or cramping pain.

• May also lead to bloating, a feeling of fullness, or occasional nausea.

• Causes often include low fiber intake, dehydration, or reduced physical activity.

When to Seek Care

• If gas or constipation leads to persistent or severe pain.

• When there are changes in bowel habits or unexplained symptoms.

• If discomfort is ongoing despite home remedies.

At Digestive Disease Care, specialists can identify underlying causes, recommend dietary and lifestyle changes, and provide effective treatment to restore comfort.

Lower abdominal pain can have many causes, from mild digestive issues to more serious gastrointestinal conditions. You should seek medical attention if you experience: 

Concerning Symptoms

• Severe or sudden pain that does not improve.

• Pain lasting more than a few days without relief.

• Fever with abdominal discomfort.

• Persistent nausea or vomiting.

• Blood in stool or urine.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• A lump or swelling in the abdomen.

Emergency Situations

• Abdominal pain with difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or confusion – seek emergency care immediately.

When to Contact Digestive Disease Care

• If abdominal pain is interfering with your daily activities.

• If you are concerned about the cause or severity of your discomfort.

• For a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by our gastroenterology team.

At Digestive Disease Care, specialists provide thorough testing, accurate diagnosis, and treatment plans to restore comfort and peace of mind.

Many gastrointestinal (GI) issues can lead to lower abdominal pain in women. While gynecological causes are common, digestive disorders should not be overlooked.

Common Gastrointestinal Causes

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Cramping, bloating, and irregular bowel habits.

• Constipation: Hard or infrequent stools that cause dull or sharp pain.

• Gastroenteritis: Infections of the stomach or intestines with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, often with chronic pain and bowel changes.

• Lactose Intolerance: Difficulty digesting dairy products, leading to bloating and abdominal pain.

• Food Poisoning: Contaminated food can trigger sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

• Intestinal Gas Buildup: Trapped gas stretches the intestines, causing cramping and bloating.

When to Seek Care

• Pain that is persistent, severe, or unusual.

• Discomfort accompanied by bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits.

• Concerns about chronic digestive symptoms impacting daily life.

At Digestive Disease Care, gastroenterology specialists provide evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and personalized treatment plans to help women find relief from GI-related lower abdominal pain. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY, and Riverhead NY.