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

What is the abdomen?

The abdomen–located between the chest and pelvis–contains key digestive organs like the liver and intestines. It is typically divided into four quadrants for diagnostic and management purposes. The lower left abdomen usually includes: 

• Part of small intestines 

• Descending colon (part of large intestines)

• The sigmoid colon (part of large intestines)

• Left ovary (female reproductive system)

• Left fallopian tube (female reproductive system)

• Ureter of your left kidney 

What causes pain in the lower left abdomen in women?

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

1. Diverticulitis

The most common cause of bottom left abdominal pain is diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon, and 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

2. Ectopic pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy happens 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.

3. Menstrual cramps

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

4. 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.

5. Pelvic inflammatory disease

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.

6. Ovarian torsion

A condition where the ovary and surrounding tissues twist, restricting blood flow and causing lower abdominal pain. This condition is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. 

How to manage diverticulitis?

Treatment for diverticulitis varies based on the severity of the condition:

1. Uncomplicated diverticulitis

This form involves mild symptoms without complications and can be managed at home.

A liquid diet is recommended until symptoms improve, followed by a high-fibre diet. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics for you.

2. Complicated diverticulitis

This form involves severe symptoms with complications such as perforation, bleeding, or abscess.

You may need to go to the hospital, as it is required for close monitoring and intravenous antibiotics. In some cases, surgery (colectomy) may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the colon.

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

FAQs

What are the causes of pain in the left lower abdomen other than diverticulitis? 

Kidney stone

Also known as nephrolithiasis, this condition occurs when solid material forms inside the urinary tract due to calcium buildup. It causes pain during urination, blood in the urine, and pain in the left abdomen.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

This condition involves inflammation of the gut, leading to abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, diarrhoea, and blood in the stools.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A chronic digestive system condition with pain in the abdomen, associated with stomach cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and gas.