Lower abdominal pain in women

Most women experience abdominal or pelvic pains from time to time. A lot of them complain about the lower abdominal pain before or during menstruation. In many cases, this can be perfectly normal, but sometimes pains indicate more severe health problems. It is important to identify the nature of pain and so help the doctor to diagnose accurately the possible underlying cause. The most common causes are urinary, bowel or reproductive system problems.

Pain caused by the urinary problems

Pain from the urinary system may point out to inflammation of the bladder or kidneys, presence of the kidney stones or tumors, in some rare cases. Typical symptoms include burning sensation while urinating and a frequent need to empty the bladder. However, if the patient complains about pain traveling from the back and around to the front, it may point out to the infection of the kidney or a formation of kidney stone.

Pain caused by the kidney stones is especially strong. There might even be a presence of the blood in the urine. These patients are extremely prone to infections and they should immediately seek a medical help.Pain caused by the intestinal problems

Bowel inflammation may also cause abdominal pain. Constipation, diarrhea and change in the bowel habit usually causing pain in the bowel region. This kind of pain usually comes in waves. Irritable bowel syndrome is most commonly associated with bloating and swelling of the lower abdomen. Patients should immediately seek medical help if they spot fresh or altered blood in the feces.

Pain caused by the problems in reproductive organs

Pain associated with problems in reproductive organs most commonly originates from the womb, Fallopian tubes or ovaries. Patients most commonly complain about the pain in the middle of lower abdomen. If the pain originates from the ovary, it may be more intense on the one side of the abdomen.

Female patients may also complain about the pain or discomfort during the sexual intercourse. The pain originating from the uterus may become worse at the time of woman’s period. Conditions that cause pain from the reproductive organs are endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and problems in early stages of pregnancy such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Sudden, severe and unexplained abdominal pain demands a doctor’s attention.

Diagnosis

Being acute or chronic, abdominal pain may point to serious health problems and patients should report it to their doctors. Doctors will make diagnosis based on patients’ answers to questions about periods, passing of urine and bowel movements. Physical examination will introduce feeling of the abdomen and internal examination – vaginal, rectal or both.