Lower Left Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor

Lower left abdominal pain — sometimes called lower left stomach pain — is common and can come from several organs in that area. Sometimes the cause is minor, like gas or constipation. Other times, it may signal a condition that needs urgent medical attention.

This guide explains what structures lie in the lower left abdomen, common causes of pain, symptoms to watch for, and when to seek care.

Important: This information is for general education only. It does not replace a professional medical evaluation.

What Is Lower Left Abdominal Pain?

People usually mean pain:

• Below or around the belly button
• On the left-hand side of the abdomen
• Sometimes described as left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain

The pain may:

• Begin suddenly or develop gradually
• Be mild, moderate, or severe
• Come and go (intermittent) or linger continuously
• Feel crampy, sharp, stabbing, dull, or like pressure

Pain type provides helpful clues, but does not reliably show severity. Clinicians diagnose based on symptoms, history, exam, and testing.

What Organs Are on the Lower Left Side of the Abdomen?

Several structures sit in or near the lower left abdomen:

Digestive Organs

• Descending and sigmoid colon
  Constipation, trapped gas, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease can cause pain in this region.
• Small intestine loops

Urinary System

• Left ureter
  A kidney stone moving through the ureter can cause intense, wave-like pain radiating to the flank, groin, or lower abdomen.
• Bladder (midline, low pelvis)
  Infections or irritation may cause lower abdominal discomfort that sometimes feels left-sided.

Reproductive Organs

For people with a uterus:

• Left ovary and left fallopian tube
  Pain may come from ovarian cysts, ovulation pain, endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or torsion.

For people with testicles:

• Pain may be referred from the testicles, epididymis, or inguinal hernias, especially if torsion or a trapped hernia is present.

Other Structures

• Abdominal wall muscles
• Ligaments and connective tissue
• Nerves and lymph nodes

Organs Near the Left Hip Bone

Many GSC queries ask this directly.
Pain near the left hip bone often involves the same LLQ structures — the sigmoid colon, small intestine loops, the left ureter, and (in people with a uterus) the left ovary/tube.

What Does Lower Left Abdominal Pain Feel Like?

Cramping or Colicky Pain

Often related to bowel movements, gas, menstrual cramps, or IBS.

Sharp or Stabbing Pain

Seen with conditions like diverticulitis, kidney stones, hernias, ectopic pregnancy, or torsion.

Dull, Aching, or Pressure-Like Pain

Common in constipation, muscular strain, or chronic conditions.

Burning, Tingling, or Band-Like Pain

Possible with shingles, especially before a rash develops.

Pain That Changes With Movement or Position

Many users search “pain when lying down or coughing.”
Pain that worsens when coughing, moving, or lying on one side may relate to abdominal-wall strain, hernias, or peritoneal irritation.

Common Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain

1. Digestive Causes

Constipation

Can cause cramping, bloating, fullness, and discomfort in the lower left abdomen.

Gas and Bloating

Gas pockets stretching the intestines may cause sharp or shifting pains that often improve after passing gas or stool.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A chronic functional condition characterized by:

• Recurrent abdominal pain
• Pain related to bowel movements
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating patterns
• Bloating and gas

Diverticular Disease

• Diverticulosis: Small pouches form in the colon wall. Most people have no symptoms.
• Diverticulitis: Infection or inflammation of a diverticulum — one of the most common causes of persistent LLQ pain.
  Typical symptoms: steady LLQ pain, fever, nausea, and bowel habit changes.

2. Urinary Tract and Kidney Causes

Kidney Stones

Symptoms may include:

• Severe, wave-like flank pain radiating to the lower abdomen or groin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the urine

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bladder infections may cause:

• Burning with urination
• Frequent urination
• Suprapubic or lower abdominal pain (occasionally left-sided)

If the infection reaches the kidney, fever and back pain may occur.

3. Causes in People With a Uterus

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

Cramping pain during menstruation, sometimes radiating to the back or thighs.

Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz)

Brief one-sided pain around mid-cycle.

Ovarian Cysts or Ovarian Torsion

• Cysts may cause dull or sharp pain.
• Torsion causes sudden, severe pain with nausea/vomiting and is a surgical emergency.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A life-threatening emergency characterized by:

• Sharp one-sided pelvic pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Dizziness or fainting

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal discharge, and pain during sex or urination.

4. Causes in People With Testicles

Testicular Torsion

A surgical emergency. Symptoms:

• Sudden, severe testicular pain
• Swelling
• Pain may radiate to the lower abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting

Other Causes

• Hernias
• Epididymitis
• Referred groin pain

5. Other Causes

Hernias

Inguinal or femoral hernias can cause groin and lower abdominal pain. A strangulated hernia leads to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and requires emergency care.

Shingles

Causes burning or tingling pain along a nerve path on one side of the body before a rash appears.

Referred Pain

Problems in the chest (including heart attack), spine, or pelvis can cause pain perceived in the abdomen.

When Is Lower Left Abdominal Pain an Emergency?

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

• Sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening pain
• Pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the jaw, arm, or back
• A rigid or swollen abdomen
• High fever or chills
• Repeated vomiting
• Vomiting blood or blood in stool (black, tarry, or bright red)
• Fainting, severe dizziness, or signs of shock
• Severe pain during pregnancy
• Sudden severe testicular pain or one-sided pelvic pain

These symptoms may indicate ectopic pregnancy, testicular torsion, perforated bowel, strangulated hernia, kidney stones, diverticulitis complications, infection, or cardiac events.

When to See a Doctor (Non-Emergency but Urgent)

Schedule prompt medical care if:

• Pain lasts more than a couple of days
• Pain keeps returning
• New bowel habit changes appear
• Blood appears in urine or stool
• Unexplained weight loss occurs
• Urinary symptoms develop
• Pain interferes with normal activities or sleep

How Doctors Find the Cause

History & Symptom Review

Includes timing, location, pain quality, triggers, menstrual history, sexual history, urinary symptoms, and bowel patterns.

Physical Exam

Abdominal palpation, groin exam, pelvic or testicular exam when relevant.

Diagnostic Testing

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Pregnancy tests
• Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy for chronic conditions

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Examples:

Digestive Issues

• Hydration
• Gradual increase in dietary fiber
• Gentle exercise
• Short-term medications as advised

Infections

• Antibiotics
• Pain control
• Sometimes hospitalization

Kidney Stones

• Pain management
• Hydration
• Procedures for large or obstructing stones

Gynecologic Conditions

• Hormonal therapy
• Pain medications
• Surgery when needed

Surgical Emergencies

Torsion, ectopic pregnancy, strangulated hernias, and perforations require urgent surgical intervention.

Home Care for Mild Pain

May include:

• Rest or light movement
• Adequate fluids
• Gentle heating pad
• Small, bland meals

Avoid:

• Masking severe pain with heavy pain medication
• Using laxatives during severe pain, vomiting, or significant swelling

Seek care if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Can Lower Left Abdominal Pain Be Prevented?

Some causes cannot be prevented, but you can reduce risk by:

• Eating a fiber-rich diet
• Staying hydrated
• Staying physically active
• Avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Managing stress
• Attending routine checkups
• Following care plans for chronic conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

APA Reference List

American Academy of Dermatology. (2024). Shingles: Signs and symptoms. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/shingles-symptoms

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). Adnexal torsion in adolescents (Committee Opinion). https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/08/adnexal-torsion-in-adolescents

American College of Radiology. (n.d.). Left lower quadrant pain—Suspected diverticulitis (ACR Appropriateness Criteria). https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69356/Narrative/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) treatment guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/pid.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Shingles: Signs and symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Diverticulitis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10352-diverticulitis

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Flank pain. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21541-flank-pain

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Kidney stones. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15604-kidney-stones

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Ovulation pain (Mittelschmerz). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9134-ovulation-pain-mittelschmerz

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Testicular torsion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15382-testicular-torsion

Ectopic Pregnancy Trust. (2024). Ectopic pregnancy symptoms. https://ectopic.org.uk/ectopic-pregnancy-symptoms

Franco, P. N., et al. (2023). Gynaecological causes of acute pelvic pain in non-pregnant women. Insights into Imaging, 14(1), 78. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13244-023-01389-9

Hammond, N. A., & O’Connor, R. (2010). Left lower-quadrant pain: Guidelines from the ACR appropriateness criteria. American Family Physician, 82(7), 766–770.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Dysmenorrhea. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Abdominal pain – When to see a doctor. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Heart attack – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Irritable bowel syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Kidney stones – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Mittelschmerz. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mittelschmerz/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Shingles. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Testicular torsion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/

MedlinePlus. (2023). Mittelschmerz. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001503.htm

National Health Service (NHS). (n.d.). Ectopic pregnancy: Symptoms. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Inguinal hernia. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inguinal-hernia

Rome Foundation. (n.d.). Rome IV criteria. https://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/ Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Testicular torsion. https://www.urologyhealth.org/