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

That persistent ache or sharp pain in your lower left side is keeping you up at night, isn't it? You've probably been pressing on the area, wondering if it could be something serious like diverticulitis or if it's related to your ovaries. Maybe you're trying to figure out if this pain is different from your usual period cramps.

The truth is, lower left abdominal pain in women can stem from various causes, ranging from common digestive issues to serious reproductive system problems. Knowing your body's signals will help you make good health decisions and get the right care.

What is 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 left quadrant containing 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)

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 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 bottom left abdominal pain is diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon, and it commonly occurs after middle age. Symptoms include pain in the left region of the abdomen, distension, fever, nausea, vomiting, rectal bleeding, and constipation or diarrhoea.

Diverticulitis is caused by a tear and infection in the lining of the diverticula. The hard stool can stretch and tear the diverticula, leading to inflammation. Bacteria can also infect diverticula, causing inflammation, swelling, and tearing.

Some of the risk factors might include:

• Adults 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.

General causes of lower abdominal pain in women (left or right side)

While some conditions specifically affect the lower left abdomen, many health issues can cause pain on either the left or right side of the lower abdomen, depending on which organ or structure is involved. These bilateral conditions are common causes of lower abdominal pain on the right or left side in women and may shift from side to side or affect both sides simultaneously.

Reproductive system issues

• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea):

  • Painful uterine contractions during menstruation that cause cramping throughout the lower abdomen and pelvis, sometimes severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

• 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 sex.

Other bilateral conditions

• Kidney stones:

  • An infection or a stone in either kidney causes excruciating pain radiating from the back to the lower abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.

• Urinary tract infections:

  • 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 any area of the abdomen with symptoms triggered by stress, diet, or hormonal changes.

• Hernias:

  • Occur when internal organs push through weak spots in the abdominal muscle wall, creating visible bulges that cause pain and discomfort, especially when lifting, coughing, or straining.

• Gas and indigestion:

  • Common digestive issues are caused by trapped gas, food intolerances, eating too quickly, or consuming certain foods, resulting in cramping, bloating, and discomfort that can occur anywhere in the abdomen.

When should I seek medical help if I have pain in my lower left abdomen?

If you are experiencing the below symptoms in your lower left-sided abdomen, you are advised to seek your doctor as soon as possible for further 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

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.

What are the diagnostic procedures for identifying causes?

When evaluating lower left 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.

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 Medical, treatment approaches are entirely dependent on the underlying diagnosis and are carefully tailored to each patient's specific condition, ranging from conservative medication management to advanced surgical intervention when necessary.

Schedule a consultation with our specialists at Thomson Medical 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 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

Can digestive disorders cause lower left abdominal pain?

Yes, various digestive disorders including diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel conditions, and functional disorders like IBS can cause persistent discomfort in the lower left abdomen. Diverticulitis is the most common digestive cause of lower left pain, especially in women over 40.

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, 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 heating pad if you suspect appendicitis or other infections, and avoid heat if you have 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 I treat mild lower left abdominal pain at home?

Mild lower left-sided abdominal pain from common causes like gas, minor digestive issues, or menstrual cramps can often be managed at home with rest, heat application, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning signs, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

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.