Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Women: What You Need to Know

That persistent ache or sharp pain in your lower left side won't go away. It's keeping you up at night, and you're starting to worry. You're probably wondering whether it's related to your menstrual cycle or a digestive issue, or if it could be something more serious.

The truth is that lower left abdominal pain in women can be caused by various factors, ranging from digestive issues to reproductive system conditions. Knowing which symptoms require urgent care and which can wait can help you decide when to seek medical attention.

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or aching sensations felt between the chest and pelvis. This area contains important organs such as the stomach, liver, intestines, and reproductive organs.

For diagnostic purposes, doctors often divide the abdomen into four sections. The lower left quadrant contains several important structures.

• Part of the small intestines

• Descending colon (part of large intestines)

• Sigmoid colon (part of large intestines)

• Left ovary (female reproductive system)

• Left fallopian tube (female reproductive system)

• Left ureter (tube connecting kidney to bladder)

Discomfort may occur as a sharp, dull, cramping, or burning sensation, ranging from mild to severe. Different conditions can cause different types of pain, which is why it’s important to describe your symptoms accurately to your doctor.

What causes pain in the lower left abdomen in women?

The potential causes of lower left abdominal pain in females include:

Diverticulitis

The most common cause of pain in the bottom left of the abdomen is diverticulitis, which occurs when small pouches in the colon wall (diverticula) become inflamed or infected. Many people develop these pouches as they age, a condition called diverticulosis, but they only cause pain when inflammation develops.

Symptoms include pain in the left region of the abdomen, distension, fever, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some of the risk factors might include:

• Women over 60 years old

• Low-fibre diet

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Chronic medical conditions like hypertension and chronic kidney disease

Left ovarian issues

Problems affecting the left ovary, such as ovarian cysts or torsion, cause pain specifically on the lower left side of the abdomen. Large ovarian cysts can press on surrounding organs and cause bloating, while ovarian torsion is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.

The pain may worsen during certain times of the menstrual cycle and can be accompanied by irregular periods.

Kidney problems

Issues affecting the left kidney are a common cause of lower left abdominal pain, with symptoms often extending beyond the abdomen:

• Kidney stones:

  • These dense mineral deposits cause severe, sharp pain that typically starts in the back under the ribs and radiates around to the lower left abdomen and groin area.

  • The pain often comes in waves and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blood in urine, and frequent urination.

• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis):

  • This bacterial infection causes persistent pain in the lower left abdomen and back, usually accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urination such as burning or increased frequency.

  • Left untreated, kidney infections can lead to serious complications.

Sigmoid colon issues

The sigmoid colon, located in the lower left abdomen, can cause localised pain when affected by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

Constipation commonly affects this S-shaped portion of the intestine, causing cramping and discomfort. Pain in this area is often accompanied by changes in bowel habits and may worsen with certain foods or stress.

Reproductive system conditions

Several reproductive system conditions can cause pain in your lower left abdomen, particularly when they affect organs on the left side:

• Endometriosis:

  • Endometriosis is when tissue resembling the uterine lining grows in other parts of the abdomen or pelvis, such as the intestines, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This results in inflammation and fibrosis, leading to intense pain and discomfort.

• Ovarian cysts:

  • Fluid-filled sacs that can develop on either ovary, potentially causing pain, bloating, and irregular menstrual cycles, with large or ruptured cysts sometimes requiring emergency medical treatment.

• Ovarian torsion:

  • A medical emergency where an ovary twists and cuts off its blood supply, causing sudden, severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting that requires immediate surgical intervention.

• Ectopic pregnancy:

  • An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, in a location that cannot support its growth. This results in symptoms like lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and missed periods.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):

  • An infection affecting the female reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, causes lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, vaginal bleeding, and pain during intercourse.

Other conditions that may cause left-sided pain

Other than reproductive and digestive causes, these conditions can also lead to pain in your lower left abdomen:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs):

  • Bacterial infections affecting the bladder or kidneys that cause burning during urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pressure, and sometimes fever and back pain.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):

  • A chronic digestive disorder causing cramping, bloating, gas, and alternating diarrhoea and constipation that can affect the left area of the abdomen with symptoms triggered by stress, diet, or hormonal changes.

When should you seek medical help?

If you experience any of the following symptoms in your lower left-sided abdomen, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment:

• Sudden and severe pain

• Unexplained pain for several days

• Pain that is worrying you

• Pain that is associated with nausea, vomiting, fever or unusual symptoms

At Thomson Medical, our obstetrician and gynaecologist (O&G) specialists understand how this left abdominal pain can interfere with your daily activities. For further consultation and a treatment plan tailored to your specific conditions, schedule an appointment with Thomson Women’s Clinic.

What are the diagnostic procedures for identifying causes?

When evaluating lower left abdominal pain in women, your doctor will usually begin with a thorough consultation and physical assessment.

Common diagnostic methods include pregnancy screening, laboratory blood tests, pelvic examinations, and imaging techniques such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans.

In complex cases, minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopy may be recommended. This systematic approach enables doctors to accurately determine the source of pain and develop an effective treatment plan.

Treatment options and management for pain in lower left abdomen

Treatment effectiveness varies significantly depending on the underlying cause, with many patients finding relief through conservative management, while more serious conditions may require immediate surgical intervention to prevent complications and ensure complete recovery.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage your condition. These can include:

• Antibiotics:

  • For bacterial infections like UTIs, PID, or diverticulitis.

• Pain relievers:

  • To manage discomfort from conditions like menstrual cramps or kidney stones.

• Antispasmodics:

  • To help relieve cramps associated with IBS.

• Hormonal contraceptives:

  • Often used to manage pain from endometriosis or ovarian cysts.

Lifestyle and dietary adjustments

For many chronic or digestive-related issues, lifestyle changes can make a significant difference:

• High-fibre diet:

  • To prevent constipation and reduce the risk of diverticulitis.

• Increased water intake:

  • Crucial for preventing both constipation and kidney stones.

• Stress management:

  • Can help alleviate symptoms of IBS.

• Heat application:

  • A warm compress or hot water bottle can soothe menstrual cramps and muscular discomfort.

Medical procedures and surgery

In some cases, a medical procedure or surgery may be necessary:

• Laparoscopy:

  • A minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat conditions like endometriosis or to remove ovarian cysts.

• Colonoscopy:

  • To examine your large intestine.

• Surgery:

  • Required for emergencies like ovarian torsion, a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, or severe, complicated diverticulitis.

At Thomson Women’s Clinic, treatment approaches are entirely dependent on the underlying diagnosis and are carefully tailored to your specific condition, ranging from conservative medication management to more complex surgical intervention when necessary.

Schedule a consultation with our specialists at Thomson Women’s Clinic to discuss your symptoms and receive personalised treatment recommendations tailored to your specific condition.

Cost of treating lower left abdominal pain in women in Singapore

The cost of managing lower left abdominal pain in Singapore can vary widely depending on the cause, the tests needed, and whether surgery is required. The following figures are estimates and may vary depending on your condition, hospital choice, and complexity of treatment.

• Consultation:

  • A visit to a general practitioner (GP) usually costs around SGD 30 to 50, while consultations with specialists are more expensive.

• Diagnostic tests:

  • An abdominal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may cost around SGD 160 to 250.

  • A gastroscopy procedure can cost between SGD 1,500 and 3,000.

  • A colonoscopy may cost about SGD 2,900 to 3,000.

• Surgical procedures:

  • If surgery is required, for example, for ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or diverticulitis, the cost can range from SGD 6,000 to over SGD 20,000, depending on the complexity of the operation and the hospital setting.

Fortunately, there are several programmes in Singapore that can help reduce overall costs, including MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. For private insurance, the level of coverage offered by each of these depends on your eligibility and insurance arrangements.

If you would like information on accurate price ranges and insurance coverage details for treatment of lower left abdominal pain, please contact our medical concierge team.

FAQ

Can digestive disorders cause lower left abdominal pain?

Yes, digestive disorders like diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel syndrome can cause persistent discomfort in the lower left abdomen. Diverticulitis is the most common digestive cause of lower left pain, especially in women over 60.

Can stress cause lower left abdominal pain?

Yes, stress can trigger or worsen conditions like IBS, which commonly causes lower left abdominal pain. Stress can also affect digestion and bowel movements, potentially contributing to diverticulitis flare-ups. However, don't assume severe or persistent pain is just stress-related, always consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Is it safe to use heat or cold for lower left abdominal pain?

Gentle heat (heating pad on low or warm bath) is generally safe and can help with cramping or muscle tension. Avoid ice or cold packs directly on the skin, as they can worsen some conditions. Never use a heating pad if you suspect appendicitis or other infections, and avoid heat if you have a fever.

Is lower abdominal pain serious?

Some lower stomach pain causes are serious, while others aren't, and it can be difficult to determine the severity based on how you feel alone. If your pain is severe, getting worse, or persistent, it's worth seeking medical care regardless of the suspected cause. A healthcare provider can help relieve your pain while investigating the underlying cause to ensure proper treatment.

What's the difference between acute and chronic abdominal pain?

Acute abdominal pain occurs suddenly and is usually temporary, often caused by injuries or infections that resolve with proper treatment. Chronic abdominal pain persists for a long time or comes and goes repeatedly, typically caused by ongoing diseases or conditions. Both types can become progressively worse, which may indicate that the underlying condition is worsening.

Can mild lower left abdominal pain be treated at home?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, request an appointment with Thomson Women’s Clinic today.