Whenever we experience pain in our lower left abdomen, it’s easy to brush it off as something minor. Perhaps it’s gas, indigestion, or just a fleeting discomfort. But what if it isn’t? What if that sharp, dull, or persistent ache is trying to tell you something more serious about your health? Ignoring it or masking it with over-the-counter medications can sometimes do more harm than good.
So, let’s understand the possible causes of lower left abdominal pain from Dr Amita Jain, Delhi’s top general and laparoscopic abdominal surgeon in India.
What causes lower left abdomen pain?
1. Excess Gas
One of the most common reasons for abdominal pain is excess gas. It often shows up alongside constipation because when stools stay in the intestines too long, bacteria in your gut begin to ferment them, releasing more gas. This trapped air can lead to sharp, quick bursts of pain that often feel worse than they actually are.
Common culprits include eating too fast, drinking fizzy beverages, or consuming foods like beans and cabbage that are harder to digest. While gas pain is usually harmless, if it keeps happening, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your eating habits and diet.
2. Diverticulitis
Another contributing factor to left lower abdominal pain is diverticulitis, which happens when small pouches, called diverticula, in the colon become inflamed or infected. These pouches form due to pressure on weak spots in the colon, especially as we age. If a pouch tears, it can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal tenderness.
3. Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts build up in the kidneys, creating solid crystals. These stones can move into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, causing intense pain in the back, side, or abdomen. Pain may come in waves and spread to the lower abdomen or groin. If the stone blocks urine flow, it can lead to swelling and severe discomfort.
4. Indigestion
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a common issue causing discomfort, pain, or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, usually after eating. It happens when stomach acid irritates your stomach lining, colon, or oesophagus. While the pain is mostly felt in the upper belly, it rarely affects the lower abdomen. This often occurs due to acid reflux triggered by eating.
5. Hernia
An abdominal hernia happens when a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, often causing discomfort or pain, especially when laughing or coughing. In fact, Inguinal hernias, common in the lower left abdomen, occur when abdominal contents bulge through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall. Hernias often affect those who lift heavy weights, are overweight, or suffer from chronic coughing.
6. Menstrual Cramps in Women
A common cause of lower left abdominal pain in women is menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea. These cramps begin 2–3 days before menstruation and last 3–5 days, often accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes severe, one-sided pain.
7. Ovarian Cyst
Another reason why women feel pain in the lower abdomen is ovarian cysts—fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. While most are harmless, large cysts can press on the bladder, causing pain, bloating, frequent urination, or discomfort in the pelvis, back, or during sex. They may also lead to irregular periods, nausea, breast tenderness, and trouble conceiving.
8. Endometriosis
One more reason for the intense abdominal pain some women feel during their period could be endometriosis. This condition happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. It can cause painful periods, heavy bleeding, spotting, pain during sex, and even trouble getting pregnant.
9. Ectopic Pregnancy
One more reason for left-sided abdominal pain in pregnancy is ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus grows in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. It often occurs in the first 10 weeks and includes symptoms like painful periods, spotting, and discomfort during sex or bowel movements.
Symptoms of Lower Left Abdominal Pain are:
- Severe left upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, possibly due to pancreatic inflammation.
- Pale stools, dark urine, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Early satiety with pain or discomfort on the left side of the abdomen.
- Tight, painful upper abdomen with colic, experienced before and after eating.
- Flank and abdominal pain with dysuria and frequent urination.
Just like every problem has a solution, lower left abdominal pain can be resolved with timely treatment. Conditions like diverticulitis often require rest and medication, while structural issues like hernias may need surgery. Constipation and gas are treated with laxatives and dietary changes, while IBS, IBD, or food intolerances need tailored dietary management.
Lower left abdominal pain can range from harmless gas to serious conditions like diverticulitis, kidney stones, or ovarian cysts. It is important to consult the doctor at the right time. Whether it’s a dietary adjustment or medical intervention, understanding the cause helps ensure your health isn’t compromised. Listen to your body!
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with the highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi and Sr. General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rainbow Children Hospitals, Malviya Nagar, Delhi.