Female Abdominal Pain: Should You Be Worried?

Abdominal pain is something many women experience at different stages of life, but that does not make it any less unsettling when it happens to you. You might notice cramping in your lower abdomen, a dull ache that lingers, or sharp pain that comes and goes. It is natural to wonder whether it's linked to your period, a digestive issue, or something that needs medical attention.

There are many possible causes of abdominal pain in women. Some will naturally settle after some rest and simple care at home, while others need more prompt assessment. 

Understanding the common causes, recognising warning signs, and knowing when to seek help can give you clarity, reassurance, and the confidence to take the next step when your body needs care.

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain refers to pain or discomfort you feel between your chest and your pelvis. Basically, it’s your entire belly area. 

This area is home to many organs, including your:

• Stomach

• Intestines

• Liver

• Uterus

• Ovaries

• Fallopian tubes

Depending on what’s causing it, the pain may feel sharp, dull, crampy, or aching. It might also show up in different locations around your belly. Paying attention to how it affects you and the symptoms accompanied by the pain can help you and your doctor get to the root of the problem.

Female abdominal pain: Common causes

Abdominal pain in women can be caused by different sources. Some causes are related to your reproductive organs. Others may stem from digestive, urinary, or other body systems. 

Gynecological causes

Your reproductive systems include your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. They sit in your lower abdomen and pelvis. For this reason, many conditions affecting these organs can cause the abdominal or pelvic pain you’re experiencing.

• Menstrual cramps:

  • Period pain is one of the most common reasons for abdominal discomfort. During your period, your uterus contracts to shed its lining, and these contractions cause cramping pain in your lower abdomen.

• Ovulation pain:

  • Ovulation pain happens when an egg is released from one of your ovaries. You may notice a sharp or cramping pain on one side of your abdomen around the middle of your menstrual cycle, usually about two weeks before your next period.

• Ovarian cysts:

  • Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in your ovaries. Most of the time, these cysts are harmless and go away on their own without causing any symptoms. However, larger cysts can cause dull or aching pain on one side of your lower abdomen.

• Endometriosis:

  • Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside the uterus. If you have this condition, you might experience:

    • Severe menstrual cramps that may get worse over time

    • Chronic pelvic pain, even between periods

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):

  • PID is an infection of your reproductive organs. PID can cause lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may be mild or severe.

• Ectopic pregnancy:

  • This condition occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside your uterus. When ectopic pregnancy happens, you may notice a sharp and stabbing pain on one side of your abdomen, along with vaginal bleeding or spotting. If you’re pregnant and you experience these symptoms, seek urgent care right away.

• Uterine fibroids:

  • Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on your uterus. Depending on the size and location, fibroids can cause pelvic pressure or lower abdominal pain.

Other common causes

Not all abdominal pain is caused by reproductive organs. Your digestive system, urinary tract, and other body parts can cause belly discomfort too.

The causes can include:

• Digestive issues:

  • Your digestive system runs through your entire abdomen. That’s why digestive problems are such a common source of belly pain. Some digestive causes of pain include:

    • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

    • Constipation

    • Gas pains and bloating

    • Gastritis or ulcers

• Urinary tract issues:

  • Your kidneys and bladder are located in or near your abdomen, so problems here can also cause abdominal pain. These include:

    • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

    • Kidney infections

    • Kidney stones

• Appendicitis:

  • When your appendix becomes inflamed, it causes severe pain that usually starts near your belly button and moves to your lower right side. This condition needs immediate medical attention.

• Muscle strain:

  • If you’ve been working out or doing heavy lifting, you may have strained your abdominal muscles. This type of pain usually gets worse when you move, laugh or cough.

There are many possible causes for abdominal pain in women. However, the pain itself can’t exactly tell what’s happening inside your body. By reviewing your symptoms, pain location, and other details, your doctor can give you the answer you need and find the right solution for you.

Where does it hurt? Pain location and what it might indicate

Where you feel your pain can give you clues about the cause behind it. While the pain location isn’t always reliable, it can be a helpful starting point to help you understand what’s going on.

Here’s what different pain locations might suggest:

It’s important to remember that location is just one part of the bigger picture. Your doctor will also consider how the pain feels, when it happens, how long it lasts, and what other symptoms you're experiencing. 

If you're unsure what's causing your pain, reach out to your doctor. Getting professional support is always the right move for your health and peace of mind.

Red flag symptoms: When to seek urgent care

Not all abdominal pain is an emergency. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore symptoms that concern you.

You should see your doctor or contact the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) if your abdominal pain comes with any of these signs:

• Pain that lasts several days without getting better

• Pain that's making it hard to work, sleep, or go about your day

• Pain that keeps coming back or follows a pattern

• Pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter drugs

• Unexplained weight loss or constant bloating

• Period pain that's suddenly much worse than usual

• Pain during sex or when you urinate

The earlier you seek help, the better. Catching problems early can make treatment easier and more effective.

Treatment options for female abdominal pain

Once your doctor figures out what’s behind your pain, they'll work with you to create a treatment plan for your needs. The goal is to address both the root cause and help you feel better.

Your doctor may suggest these approaches:

• Pain management:

  • First, your doctor will help you manage your pain. They might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers for mild to moderate pain.

  • Applying a heating pad to your abdomen is also recommended for menstrual cramps and muscle strain.

• Medications:

  • Depending on the cause of your symptoms, your doctor will prescribe the right medications to treat them.

  • This might include antibiotics for bacterial infections or hormonal treatments for endometriosis, fibroids, or severe menstrual cramps.

• Surgical interventions:

  • For some conditions, such as appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, or ovarian torsion, your doctor may recommend surgery. While surgery might sound scary, many procedures today are minimally invasive. It means smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.

• Lifestyle changes:

  • Lifestyle and diet changes can make a big difference if you’re dealing with conditions like IBS, constipation, or other digestive issues. Drinking plenty of water can prevent constipation.

It’s important to note that you won’t need all these approaches at once. Your doctor will tailor the plan based on your condition to make sure it brings the most effective results for you.

Abdominal pain can be worrying, especially when you don't know what's causing it. Checking in with your doctor can give you peace of mind. They'll help you feel better and get back to feeling like yourself soon.

FAQ

What's the difference between stomach pain and abdominal pain?

How do I know if abdominal pain is serious?

Can stress or anxiety cause real physical abdominal pain?

Is right-sided or left-sided abdominal pain more concerning?

What can be mistaken for period pain?

How can I relieve abdominal pain?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.