What Causes Lower Stomach Pain

Find An Abdominal Pain Gynecologist Near Me

Persistent abdominal pain is one thing that you never ignore. It could be a sign of something minor or something serious, but its better to be safe than sorry. Its highly important that you visit a gynecologist for evaluation. At All Womens Care, we believe that early intervention is crucial for almost all underlying health conditions causing abdominal pain. It helps us make the right diagnosis and come up with an effective treatment plan.

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Causes Of Abdominal Pain In Adults

There are many reasons why you may have pain in your abdomen. People often worry about appendicitis, gallstones, ulcers, infections and pregnancy problems. Doctors also worry about these, as well as many other conditions. Abdominal pain may not come from the abdomen. Some surprising causes include heart attacks and pneumonias, conditions in the pelvis or groin, some skin rashes like shingles, and problems with stomach muscles like a strain. The pain may occur along with problems in passing urine or with bowel motions, or period problems.With so many organs and structures in the abdomen, it can be hard for a doctor to be absolutely sure about the cause of your problem. The doctor will ask you several questions and then examine you carefully. The doctor may perform no further tests. The cause of your pain may be quite clearly not serious. Another scenario may be that the doctor is unable to find a cause, but the pain gets better within hours or days. All the doctor can do is to be sure that the pain does not require surgery or admission to hospital.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Abdominal Pain

While we dont usually feel the inner workings of our abdomen, pain can occur when there is a disruption of the normal functioning of an organ or area of tissue inside.

Abdominal pain can be caused by inflammation , organ distention or stretching , or loss of blood supply .

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary supplements, can cause stomach pain. Medications can do this by irritating the stomach, leading to nausea, pain, and diarrhea, or by slowing digestion, leading to constipation. Be sure to check the label of any drug you take to see if abdominal pain is listed as a possible side effect.

• Lead poisoning, often from eating paint chips
• Emotional upset

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Other Causes Of Stomach Pain

• Certain vascular diseases: Conditions where the intestines dont get enough blood can cause pain and cramps. A common one is a lack of blood supply to the large bowel, or colon, called ischemic colitis, Dr. Kirsch says. This typically causes left-sided cramping and bleeding.
• Gynecological issues: That whole organ system is in the pelvis, so ruptured ovarian cysts, a twisted ovary or ectopic pregnancies can all cause lower abdominal pain, he notes.
• Groin hernias: Hernias happen when an organ pushes through the enclosed area that holds it. A hernia in the groin can cause lower abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Tumors: People who have tumors in the large intestine may experience stomach pain and a change in their bowel pattern, especially if its blocking something.

Stomach And Duodenal Ulcers

Stomach and duodenal ulcers can often be found as a cause of mid-abdominal pain. Essentially, an ulcer is an open sore inside your digestive tract. In the case of stomach or gastric ulcers, the ulcer forms in the stomach. Duodenal ulcers form inside the upper portion of the small intestine, which is also known as the duodenum.

These open sores tend to bring on colicky pain, which comes and goes depending on various circumstances. Ulcers can be aggravated by a rise in stomach acid and certain types of foods .

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Pain Just Above The Pubic Bone

If you experience pain just above the pubic bone it could be one of the following:

Bladder pain

Bladder pain is generally a low central pain. Cramping and burning during or after passing urine might indicate an infection. With a urine infection you might need to go for a wee more often, notice blood in your urine and feel tired and sick. If your symptoms arent settling with plenty of fluids, then you need to see your doctor for possible antibiotics. Bladder stones can cause pain in this area too with a sharper, more severe pain and difficulty passing urine.

Period pain

Crampy, low, central pain is typical of menstrual pain although it may radiate across to the sides too. Period pain can start in the days leading up to bleeding commencing but usually eases up after a few days of blood loss. Pain killers from the pharmacist, a hot water bottle and gentle exercise can all help.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

An infection in your womb, tubes or ovaries can be quite mild with occasional pain or more severe with intense pain and fever. Other symptoms include discoloured vaginal discharge, bleeding unexpectedly and pain when having sex or passing urine. A quarter of cases are due to a sexually transmitted infection so a full sexual health screen is needed if this is a possibility. Attend your local sexual health clinic or GP if you think you have PID.

Types Of Abdominal Pain And What You Can Do

Abdominal pain can occur anywhere between the chest and the lower abdomen and can range from a dull ache to severe pain. Abdominal pain is one of the common reasons people visit urgent care centers and emergency rooms in the 78130 area code of New Braunfels, Texas.

The doctors and the medical professionals at Riverside ER, a 24-hour emergency care center located near you in New Braunfels, Texas, want to educate the public on the symptoms of abdominal pain and the relevant treatment.

There are four types of abdominal pain: upper, lower, right-sided and left-sided. Each type has specific symptoms and causes, and all are briefly discussed below .

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How Is The Cause Of The Abdominal Pain Diagnosed

Physical Examination

Physical examination will include a careful examination of the patient’s abdomen, heart, and lungs in order to pinpoint the source of the pain.

• The doctor will touch different parts of the abdomen to check for tenderness or other signs that indicate the source of the pain.
• The doctor may do a rectal exam to check for small amounts of blood in the stool or other problems, such as a mass or internal hemorrhoids.
• If the patient is a man, the doctor may check the penis and testicles.
• If the patient is a woman, the doctor may do a pelvic exam to check for problems in the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
• The doctor also may look at the patient’s eyes for yellow discoloration and in the mouth to be sure the patient is not dehydrated.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests may or may not help to determine the cause of the abdominal pain. Combined with the information gained from the questions the patient was asked and the physical examination performed by the doctor, certain blood or urine tests may be ordered and could assist in determining the diagnosis.

Radiology Tests

Radiology studies of the patient’s abdomen can be useful, but are not always necessary or helpful.

• Occasionally, an X-ray will show air outside of the bowel, meaning that something has ruptured or perforated.
• An X-ray also can help diagnose bowel obstruction.
• Sometimes X-rays can show a kidney stone.

Ultrasound is a painless procedure useful in finding some causes of abdominal pain.

Diagnosis Of Lower Abdominal Cramping

Sometimes the doctor can diagnose what causes cramping at lower abdomen from a patient’s medical history and physical examination. However, he may also need to do some laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other possible conditions. These diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Endoscopy

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After The Visit To The Doctor

Do not expect an instant cure or immediate diagnosis. Multiple office visits and tests are often necessary to establish the diagnosis and/or to exclude serious illnesses. Doctors may start you on a medication before a firm diagnosis is made. Your response to that medication sometimes may provide your doctor with valuable clues as to the cause. Therefore, it is important for you to take the medication prescribed.

Notify your doctor if your symptoms worsen, if medications are not working, or if you think you are having side effects. Do not self-medicate without discussing it with your doctor. Even the best physician never bats 1000, so do not hesitate to openly discuss with your doctor referrals for second or third opinions if the diagnosis cannot be firmly established and the pain persists. Self-education is important, but make sure what you read comes from credible sources.

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When To See A Doctor About Abdominal Pain

Go straight to your doctor or the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you have any of:

• severe pain
• pain lasting for several hours
• pain and/or vaginal bleeding if you are pregnant
• pain in your scrotum if you are a male
• pain and vomiting or shortness of breath
• pain and vomiting blood
• blood in your bowel motions or urine
• pain that spreads to your chest, neck or shoulder
• fever and sweats
• unable to move your bowels or pass gas
• any other concerns.

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What To Expect At Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Your specific symptoms, the location of pain and when it occurs will help your provider detect the cause.

LOCATION OF YOUR PAIN

• Where do you feel the pain?
• Is it all over or in one spot?
• Does the pain move into your back, groin, or down your legs?

TYPE AND INTENSITY OF YOUR PAIN

• Is the pain severe, sharp, or cramping?
• Do you have it all the time, or does it come and go?
• Does the pain wake you up at night?

HISTORY OF YOUR PAIN

• Have you had similar pain in the past? How long has each episode lasted?
• When does the pain occur? For example, after meals or during menstruation?
• What makes the pain worse? For example, eating, stress, or lying down?
• What makes the pain better? For example, drinking milk, having a bowel movement, or taking an antacid?
• What medicines are you taking?

OTHER MEDICAL HISTORY

• Have you had a recent injury?
• Are you pregnant?

• Kidney function

Causes Of Lower Abdominal Cramping

Lower Left Side Pain

The abdominal organs found in the lower left abdomen include a portion of the descending colon , part of the small intestine, the spleen, the lower portion of the left kidney, the left ureter, ovary and fallopian tube, the urinary bladder and all the nerves, blood vessels muscles and skin in the left lower quadrant.

An abnormal condition in any of these organs may result in abdominal cramping in the left lower side, including:

• Constipation
• Uterine disorders, such as myoma or endometriosis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ruptured spleen

Lower Right Side Pain

The organs found in the right lower side of the abdomen include the appendix, the ascending colon, part of the large intestine, the right ovary and fallopian tube, parts of the small intestine, the lower portion of the right kidney and the ureter. Pain in the right lower quadrant may be caused by:

• Appendicitis
• Mesenteric lymphadenitis
• Colon cancer
• Uterine disorders, such as myoma or endometriosis
• Intestinal obstruction

Other Causes of Lower Abdominal Cramps

• Trapped wind in the gut
• Diarrhea
• Strenuous exercise causing muscle pain
• Prostatitis
• Cystitis
• Psoas abscess
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

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Causes Of Pain In Your Lower Stomach And Back

All of us have experienced occasional stomach aches or acute back pain from time to time. However, what happens if both your stomach and back are hurting at the same time? While it can simply be a coincidence, but it may also be something worth taking note of. The causes of lower stomach pain and back pain vary widely. Here are some of the common causes of pain in your lower stomach and back.

What Kind Of Doctor Treats Abdominal Pain In Adults

Abdominal pain can be treated by a variety of doctors depending on the cause of the pain. It is usually best to start off with a primary care physician who can start the process of diagnosing the origin of the pain. Depending on the final diagnosis you will be treated by a primary care doctor or referred to a surgeon , gastroenterologist, or gynecologist. If the pain is severe you might end up in the emergency department where an emergency medicine physician will be the first one to take care of you.

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Home Remedies To Ease Mild Pain In Middle Of The Stomach

There are home remedies that you can try to help ease middle stomach pain. However, if you are in severe pain in the mid-abdominal area, it is best to see a doctor, as severe abdominal pain is a sign of a condition that needs medical attention as soon as possible.

For mild upper-middle abdominal pain and connecting areas, the following tips may be able to help you out.

Lower Abdominal Pain In Women: Symptoms And Causes

Lower abdominal pain in women can be a sign of many different medical issues. In some cases, the pain disappears quickly, while others require simple treatment. There are, of course, situations where the cause of the abdominal pain is a little more complicated and may take more time to treat. Below is a list of symptoms and causes of lower abdominal pain.

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Symptoms Of Lower Abdominal Pain In Men

Lower abdominal pain that can affect many men may cause pain or discomfort below the belly button and around the reproductive organs. However, recognizing the accompanying symptoms can help a doctor to identify the source of the pain.

Dr. Jay W. Marks, who is an expert in gastroenterology, says that digestive dysfunction can cause lower abdominal aches and pains, as well as symptoms like:1

• Excess gas trapped in the digestive tract that causes flatulence or belching
• Pain that spreads to the chest and causes chest discomfort and burning chest pains
• Pelvic discomfort
• Gnawing abdominal pain on the left side

Pain in the lowermost area of the abdomen in the pelvis in males could originate from the bladder, rectum, and prostate gland. Inflammation caused by an infection in those organs can cause symptoms such as:

• Painful urination
• Fever caused by an infection in your urinary tract
• Pain that radiates to your back
• Intense aching near your rectum
• Chronic pain and spasms in the lower abdomen along with sexual dysfunction

Abdominal Pain Treatment Online

If youâre struggling with abdominal pains after having COVID-19, you may not need to see a doctor in person. You may be able to get a diagnosis and pain relief after a video or phone appointment with one of the trusted PlushCare doctors.

If the doctor thinks that you would benefit from prescription medication, they can electronically send it to your local pharmacy, where you can pick it up once itâs ready.

Note that, based on your symptoms, the doctor may recommend that you go to an urgent care clinic or hospital for imaging or other testing to determine the cause of your abdominal pain.

Schedule an appointment for abdominal pain treatment online by .

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When In Doubt About Your Abdominal Pain Physicians Say Its Best To Call Your Doctor Or Head To The Er

The egg salad didn’t taste quite right, but you were hungry. Or maybe your craving for cheesecake outweighed the punishment you knew your lactose intolerance would inflict. You expect stomach distress in situations like these, but other times, abdominal pain can come out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s severe enough or lasts for so long that you know it’s not simply a matter of eating something that didn’t agree with you.

Digestive system issues account for 45.1 million visits to doctors’ offices and emergency departments yearly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The severity of the pain, its location within your abdominal area, and accompanying symptoms may provide clues to the origin of the pain and if you should seek help immediately. Here are some of the most common signs your tummy troubles need more than an over-the-counter remedy.

Reproductive Causes In Women

The reproductive organs in women are also within or very close to the lower left abdomen. Problems with these organs often cause referred pain to the lower left quadrant.

• Ovarian torsion: The ovaries often lie within the lower quadrants of the abdomen. The ovaries can also rotate around themselves like the testes and result in pain. Furthermore, the ovaries can develop cysts that can cause painful pressure. If these cysts burst extreme pain can result as well.
• Menstrual cycle patterns or irregularities: These may also result in lower left abdominal pain. Pregnancy-related complications can also be a cause.

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