Lower abdominal pain is usually related to inflammation or disease in the organs present in this area of the abdomen, like the uterus, bladder or intestines. Usually, pain in the lower abdomen is not a serious finding, and is most commonly associated with gut problems (like constipation and indigestion) or a UTI,

However, lower abdominal pain may also occur with more serious conditions, or it may be related to conditions in other areas of the abdomen that cause pain that radiates to the lower belly.

Lower abdominal pain that is very intense, does not resolve, or presents with other symptoms like vomiting, nausea or fever, you should see a doctor for assessment and treatment as necessary.

Why do I have pain in my lower abdomen?

The most common causes of lower abdominal pain are:

1. Gut problems

Some gut problems, like diarrhea, contipation or built-up gas, can cause abdominal pain for many reasons. A common reason is food intolerances, like dairy or gluten intolerance, but pain can also occur with viral infections or gastroenteritis. Pain can also occur with increased gas production that results from certain foods, like milk, cauliflower and cheese.

What to do: To treat diarrhea more quickly, you should avoid fatty foods, eggs, and milk. You can drink black tea or chamomile tea, or add a probiotic supplement to your daily diet.

To treat constipation or gas, you should maintain a healthy diet that is rich in fivers and drink plenty of water. You should avoid carbohydrate-heavy foods like rice, potato and white bread. You can also massage the abdomen, beneath the belly button, in a right-to-left direction. There are also many natural teas that can help get rid of gas. Fennel tea, for example, is a natural way to quickly get rid of gas, although you can check out our other tea recipes that help to move gas along the intestinal tract.

Be sure to check out other home remedies for gas relief.

2. Indigestion

Indigestion can also cause pain and swelling at the bottom of the belly, as well as other symptoms like heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

What to do: Indigestion can be treated with foods that are easy to digest and do not irritate the stomach, like jello, smoothies, bread, and dry biscuits. You should avoiding drinking fluids when digesting.

Some changes to diet habits can also relieve symptoms, like eating slowly, chewing thoroughly before swallowing, and avoiding talking while eating.

In some cases, the doctor can recommend medication to relieve symptoms associated with indigestion, like Gaviscon or milk of magnesia. You can also opt for home remedies like boldo tea or sweetgrass tea, which both contain anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

3. Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (or UTI) is usually caused by intestinal bacteria that enter the urinary tract. It is more common in women due to the close proximity of the anus to the urethra. Symptoms vary with each person, but most people normally experience pain with urination, as well as foul odor, blood in the urine and pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

What to do: UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and cephelaxin, and with analgesics like acetaminophen or phenazopyridine, which should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Learn about the prescription UTI medication that you doctor may consider prescribing to treat the infection and manage symptoms.

4. Kidney stones

Kidney stones that are not eliminated in the urine can become stuck in the urinary tact, causing intense pain and, many times, blood in the urine. This intense pain is normally felt in the lower back, but it can also be felt in the lower abdomen, groin or testicles. Learn more about thesymptoms of kidney stones and what can cause them.

What to do: Treatment consists of use of an analgesic like acetaminophen or Tramadol, as well as an antispasmodic to help relax the urinary tracts and facilitate urinary flow to reduce pain. In addition, drinking plenty of water and reducing salt intake are small tips that can make a difference.

5. Menstrual cramps

Also known as dysmenhorrea, period cramps can also cause intense lower abdominal and back pain in women. If pain is intolerable, you should follow-up with your doctor or gynecologist to identify whether there is a problem with your reproductive organs.

What to do: There are many ways to manage cramping with periods, like using birth control to regulate the menstrual cycle or using anti-inflammatories or analgesics, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, to relieve pain.

In addition, you can also try some abdominal stretches to help relieve cramping, like lying on your back and hugging your knees to your chest. You can also apply a warm compress to the affected area or engage in some light exercise.

6. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an illness characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. It results in intense abdominal pain during menstruation that increases over time. This illness is often only diagnosed in its later stages, leading to difficulty getting pregnant.

Read more about the symptoms of endometriosis and how this condition can present.

What to do: Women who desire to get pregnant can treat endometriosis by using oral birth control, hormonal medication or by using an intra-uterine device. Surgery may also be indicated to remove endometrial tissue that has spread. In women who are not planning to get pregnant, surgery to remove the uterus and any migrated tissue may be advised.

7. Ovarian cysts

An ovarian cyst is characterized by a sac of fluid that growth inside or on the ovary, and it may or may not affect fertility. Large ovarian cysts can cause symptoms like pelvic pain or pain during sex, late periods, bleeding, nausea, vomiting and excessive fatigue.

What to do: Treatment can vary depending on the type of cyst. It may resolve just be changing birth control, but in more serious cases, surgical removal may be necessary.

8. Pregnancy

One of the first symptoms of pregnancy is cramping or abdominal swelling, due to increased blood flow to the pelvic area and due to evolving pelvic changes. Around the 7th week of pregnancy, the area below the belly button can also start to become firmer.

What to do: Pain that occurs due to pregnancy can be managed by ensuring adequate fluid intake, ensuring you eat easy-to-digest foods and avoiding food with high fiber content like grains, fruit with their peels and legumes. If pain is very intense, you should see your doctor.

9. Ectopic pregnancy

Although lower abdominal pain is common during pregnancy, very severe pain may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the embryo starts to develop outside of the uterus, which can cause intense pain to one side of the abdomen, as well as abdominal swelling and vaginal bleeding.

What to do: Treatment depends on the location of the embryo and the gestational age. It can involve use of medications to terminate the pregnancy, or a surgery to remove the embryo and reconstruct the ovarian tube.

10. Pelvic inflammatory disease

This condition is characterized by an infection that starts in the vagina or cervix that reaches the endometrium, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can last for a few days, or it can become chronic, lasting for months or even years. The infection can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection, or it can be a result of vaginal procedures, like surgery or insertion of an IUD, that promote the growth of vaginal bacteria.

In addition to lower abdominal pain, some people also experience fever, white or yellow vaginal discharge, and pain with sex.

What to do: Treatment involves the use of antibiotics for about 14 days. During treatment, you should limit or avoid sexual contact. If you use an IUD, it should be removed.

11. Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia is more commonly seen in men and it consists of a small, protruding lump in the groin area. The lump is a part of the intestine that has poked through a weakened part of the abdominal wall. It causes pain and discomfort with some movement, like lifting or bending over. Learn more about the symptoms of an inguinal hernia and what causes them.

What to do: The best way to treat inguinal hernias is with surgery, in which the protruding portion of the intestine is returned to its original spot in the abdomen and the muscular wall is reinforced. This surgery is relatively simple and has a quick recovery.

12. Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion is a problem that occurs in young boys. It is characterized by a testicle wrapping around the sperm canal, resulting in decreased circulation. It can lead to serious testicular injury if left untreated. The most common symptoms are intense testicular pain with swelling and increased scrotal sensitivity, as well as abdominal and groin pain.

This type of problem is more common in men who:

have some type of a testicular tumor,
have a family history of a horizontal lie of the testicle
have a history of incomplete descended testicles
have a large spermatic cord

What to do: Treatment should be initiated as quickly as possible in the hospital. It usually involves surgical intervention, with placement of the testicle back to the correct spot to allow for adequate blood flow and prevent tissue death.

13. Having sex

Lower abdominal pain related to sex can occur due to a lack of lubrication, or it may be felt as a result of another condition, like pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, colpitis and sexually transmitted infections. Having vigorous sex can also cause irritation and inflammation in the genital area, which can cause radiating pain the lower abdomen.

What to do: It is important to identify what causes lower abdominal pain during sex, as this will help to guide the most appropriate treatment. Depending on the cause, pain may improve with antibiotics or surgery.

Pain from decreased lubrication can be prevented by using a lubricant during sex.

14. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is characterized by the inflammation of the appendix, which is a small organ present on the right side of the abdomen. This organ has a direct connection with the gut and when it becomes inflamed it can cause pain that radiates to the lower right abdomen. Read more about appendicitis pain and where it is felt.

This condition cause cause other symptoms, such as vomiting, fever and nausea. Learn more about the symptoms of appendicitis and how it can present.

What to do: It is important to go proceed immediately to the emergency room if you suspect you may have appendicitis. This condition is treated with an appendectomy, as removal is necessary to prevent serious complications.

15. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a gastrointestinal disease that is characterized by inflammation and infection of the diverticula. These are small folds or sacs that appear along the wall of the intestines. This condition most commonly affect the end of the colon, which is located in the lower abdomen. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and periods alternating between diarrhea and constipation.

What to do: It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist for treatment, which may include the use of antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Read more about the diverticulitis treatment and what your doctor may recommend.

Many patients will also benefits from starting a diverticulitis diet to prevent new flare-ups and manage current symptoms.