Lower Right Abdominal Pain in Women: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

That sharp, nagging pain in your lower right side has you worried, doesn't it? You've probably found yourself pressing on the area, wondering if it's serious, maybe even googling symptoms because you can't stop thinking about it. Is it your appendix? Could it be related to your ovaries?
The truth is, lower right abdominal pain in women can mean different things, but getting the right information will help you make the best decision for your health and peace of mind.

What is the abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or aching sensations felt anywhere between the chest and pelvis. This area contains essential organs, including the stomach, liver, intestines, and reproductive organs. For diagnostic purposes, doctors often divide the abdomen into four sections, with the lower right quadrant containing several important structures:

• Appendix (connected to the large intestine)
• Part of the colon
• Right ovary
• Right fallopian tube

In women, abdominal pain can arise from digestive problems, reproductive system issues, or other medical conditions. The discomfort may feel sharp, dull, cramping, or burning, ranging from mild to severe. Identifying the specific location, type of pain, and associated symptoms helps healthcare providers pinpoint the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

What causes lower right abdominal pain in women?

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

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Most common in teenagers and young adults (ages 10-30), though it can occur at any age. The appendix may rupture, causing infection to spread throughout the abdominal cavity.

Appendicitis can be caused by:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Overgrown tissues in the appendix wall from digestive tract infections
• Blockage of the appendix opening by hard stools, growths, or parasites

The most common cause is a blockage of the appendix opening. If inflammation leads to pus buildup, the appendix may burst, causing peritonitis, which is a life-threatening complication.

Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, in a location that cannot support its growth. It leads to symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and missed periods.

This condition primarily affects women of reproductive age and is most dangerous between 6 and 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Menstrual cramps

Also known as period pain, these cramps occur just before or at the start of menstruation.

While menstrual cramps typically affect the central lower abdomen and back, they can sometimes radiate to the right or left side, especially in women with conditions like endometriosis. If you're experiencing severe right-sided pain that's different from your usual period pattern, or if you're not due for your period, consider other causes and consult your healthcare provider.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas within the abdomen or pelvis, such as the intestines, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This leads to inflammation and fibrosis, causing intense pain and discomfort.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

An infection of the female reproductive organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. It causes lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, vaginal bleeding, and pain during sex.

Ovarian torsion

A condition where the ovary twists on itself and the surrounding tissues, restricting blood flow and causing pain in the lower abdomen from the right side. It is often associated with nausea and vomiting.

Additional causes of lower right abdominal pain in women

Beyond the common causes already mentioned, several other conditions can lead to lower right abdominal pain in women:

• Kidney stones:

  • Small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys can cause intense symptoms including sharp pain that radiates from the back to the lower abdomen, blood in urine, and nausea.

• Urinary tract infections:

  • Bacterial infections affecting the bladder or kidneys can cause persistent discomfort in the lower abdomen, along with burning during urination and frequent urges to urinate.

• Crohn's disease:

  • A type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to persistent discomfort, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.

• Ulcerative colitis:

  • Another digestive disorder, ulcerative colitis, causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and blood in stools.

• Diverticulitis:

  • When small pouches in the colon wall become inflamed or infected, it can cause lower right abdominal pain along with fever and digestive issues.

• Meckel's diverticulitis:

  • Meckel's diverticulitis is a less common condition in which an inflammation occurs in a small pouch in the small intestine, causing symptoms similar to those of appendicitis.

What does abdominal pain feel like?

Abdominal pain can vary significantly from person to person, and understanding the different types of sensations you might experience can help you describe your symptoms more accurately to your doctor.

Common descriptions of lower abdominal pain on the left or right side include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain:
  • Often described as feeling like a knife or needle, this type of pain typically comes on suddenly and may indicate conditions like appendicitis or ovarian cysts rupture.
• Dull, aching pain:
  • This pain is characterised by a constant, throbbing sensation that resembles a deep bruise. This might suggest inflammation or ongoing irritation in the area.
• Cramping pain:
  • Similar to menstrual cramps, this pain comes and goes in waves. It's often associated with digestive issues or reproductive organ problems.
• Burning or gnawing pain:
  • It is characterised by a persistent burning sensation that can sometimes be described as feeling "raw" or irritated inside.
• Pressure or fullness:
  • The sensation of something pushing outward from inside is often accompanied by bloating or the sensation of something "pressing" on nearby organs.
• Radiating pain:
  • Pain that starts in one area but travels or "spreads" to another part of your body, such as pain that begins in your lower right abdomen but moves toward your back or pelvis.

When should I seek medical help if I have abdominal pain in the lower right side?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to consult your doctor as soon as possible for further diagnosis and treatment:

• Sudden and severe pain in the right abdominal region
• Unexplained pain lasting several days
• Pain that causes concern
• Pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or other unusual symptoms

If you're experiencing lower abdominal pain that's interfering with your daily life or causing you concern, schedule an appointment with Thomson Women’s Clinic. Our obstetrician and gynaecologist (O&G) specialists will listen to your concerns, guide you through the necessary tests, and ensure you feel supported and well-informed at every step of your care.

Managing pain while waiting for medical care

Safe temporary measures:

• Apply gentle heat (heating pad on low, warm bath)
• Rest in a comfortable position
• Stay hydrated with small sips of water
• Avoid solid foods if nauseated

What NOT to do:

• Don't take pain medication that could mask symptoms before seeing a doctor
• Avoid laxatives (could be dangerous if you have appendicitis)
• Don't apply ice directly to the skin
• Avoid eating if you suspect appendicitis

What are the diagnostic procedures for identifying causes?

When evaluating lower right abdominal pain in women, healthcare providers typically begin with a comprehensive 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.

What are the treatment options for lower right abdominal pain in women?

Treatment for lower right abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause.
For mild discomfort, such as that caused by gas or indigestion, simple home remedies, rest, and over-the-counter medications may be enough. These conditions usually resolve without medical intervention. However, persistent or severe pain may signal a more serious issue that requires medical or surgical treatment.

At Thomson Women's Clinic, our experienced O&G specialists provide care and treatment for all conditions causing lower right abdominal pain in women. Whether you need emergency surgery for appendicitis or ongoing management for endometriosis, our team offers prompt diagnosis, treatment options, and support throughout your recovery.

Lower right abdominal pain treatment cost 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 general practitioner (GP) visit usually costs around S$30–S$50. Specialist consultations will be higher.
• Diagnostic tests
  • An abdominal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may cost around S$160–S$250.
  • A gastroscopy procedure can cost between S$1,500 and S$3,000.
  • A colonoscopy may cost about S$2,900–S$3,000.
• Surgical procedures:
  • If surgery is required, for example, for ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or diverticulitis—the cost can range from S$6,000 to over S$20,000, depending on the complexity of the operation and the hospital setting.

Additional expenses may include pre-treatment consultations, imaging scans, laboratory tests, medications, and follow-up appointments.

If you would like a review on the accurate price ranges for lower left abdominal pain treatment, it is best to directly contact your healthcare provider for more information.

Fortunately, there are several programmes in Singapore that can help lower the total cost, such as MediSave, MediShield Life, and Integrated Shield Plans. Each of these offers different levels of coverage for your treatment, depending on your eligibility and insurance arrangements.

This price is accurate at the time of publication. Therefore, lower right abdominal pain treatment costs may have changed since then. For current pricing and insurance coverage details, contact our medical concierge team.

FAQs

What are the signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis other than pain in the right lower abdomen?

Appendicitis may begin with dull aching pain near the umbilical area which moves to the right lower abdomen. It is associated with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever. Some people with appendicitis may experience pain during passing urine and a feeling of bowel movement that can reduce the pain.

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.

Is lower right abdominal pain during pregnancy normal?

While round ligament pain is common during pregnancy, sudden or severe lower right abdominal pain should always be evaluated immediately, as it could indicate ectopic pregnancy or other serious complications requiring medical attention.

Can lower right abdominal pain be related to my menstrual cycle?

Yes, ovarian cysts, ovulation pain, and endometriosis can cause cyclical lower right abdominal pain. The timing in relation to your period cramps can provide important clues about the reasons for discomfort. Pain that occurs mid-cycle may be related to ovulation.

Can digestive disorders cause lower right abdominal pain?

Yes, various digestive disorders including inflammatory bowel conditions, infections, and functional disorders can cause persistent discomfort in the lower right abdomen. Sometimes pain from the upper abdomen can also radiate downward, making proper diagnosis essential.

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.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.