Lower Abdominal Pain in Women
Abdominal pain (or stomach ache, menstrual pain) are sharp pains in a woman's lower abdomen that occur when her menstrual period begins and may continue for 2-3 days. Symptoms can range in severity from a mild annoyance to severe pain that interferes with normal activities.
What causes lower abdominal or pelvic pain
All women feel discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen below the navel from time to time, for instance, before or during menstruation.The most common causes are a urinary disorder such as a bladder or kidney problem, a bowel problem or a condition involving the reproductive system - the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries.
In many cases it can be difficult to identify the cause of the pain, but noting certain features will help you and your doctor come to a likely diagnosis.
Type of pain arising from conditions of the reproductive organs
Pain might originate from the uterus (womb), Fallopian tubes or ovaries. It is usually felt in the middle of the lower abdomen, above the line of pubic hair as far up as the navel. Occasionally, the pain is more to one side, which is more typical of a pain coming from an ovary.There might be discomfort or even pain during intercourse (called dyspareunia) felt deep within the pelvis.
Pain originating from the uterus is usually worse at the time of a woman's period (dysmenorrhoea).
Examples of conditions of the reproductive organs giving rise to pain include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, fibroids and problems related to the early stages of pregnancy such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
In any case of sudden, severe, unexplained abdominal pain your doctor should be contacted.
» Learn more: Abdominal Pain
Reviewed by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist
