Quick Answer

Left-sided abdominal pain can come from many possible sources, including the stomach, intestines, spleen, pancreas, left kidney, abdominal muscles, and—when applicable—the left ovary and fallopian tube. Some causes are mild (such as gas or constipation), while others—such as diverticulitis, pancreatitis, kidney stones, or ectopic pregnancy—require urgent evaluation.

Seek prompt care if the pain is sudden, severe, persistent, or occurs with fever, vomiting, dizziness, bleeding, or pregnancy.

What Is Left-Side Abdominal Pain?

Left-side abdominal pain refers to discomfort anywhere from the left lower rib cage down to the pelvis. People often call this “stomach pain,” but several organs in this region can cause similar symptoms.

  • Mild, short-term pain may relate to digestion or muscle strain.
  • New, recurring, worsening, or unexplained pain should be assessed by a clinician because different organ systems can produce nearly identical discomfort.

What Organs Are on the Left Side of the Abdomen?

Left-side abdominal structures include:

  • Part of the stomach
  • The spleen
  • Part of the pancreas (body and tail)
  • The left kidney and left ureter
  • Segments of the small intestine and large intestine (including the sigmoid colon)
  • The left ovary and left fallopian tube (in people who menstruate)
  • Abdominal muscles, connective tissues, and portions of the diaphragm

Any of these can produce pain when inflamed, obstructed, infected, or injured.

What Does Left-Side Abdominal Pain Feel Like?

People describe left-side pain in many ways, including:

  • Sharp or stabbing
  • Dull or aching
  • Cramping or twisting
  • Burning or gnawing
  • Constant or intermittent

Helpful—but not diagnostic—patterns:

  • Pain after eating may relate to stomach irritation or pancreatitis.
  • Pain with coughing, breathing, or movement may involve the muscles or ribs.
  • Pain with constipation or diarrhea often relates to the intestines.
  • Pain linked to menstrual cycles may involve the ovaries or uterus.

Common Causes of Left-Side Abdominal Pain

1. Digestive Causes

Gas, Bloating, or Constipation

Trapped gas or hardened stool can cause sharp or cramping pain, often improving after passing gas or stool.

Diverticulitis

A common cause of left lower abdominal pain in adults.
Symptoms often include:

  • Steady LLQ pain
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional condition causing abdominal discomfort along with constipation, diarrhea, or both.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and sometimes blood in the stool.

Upper Left Digestive Causes

These may include:

  • Gastritis
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Pancreatitis (can radiate to the back)
  • Spleen enlargement or irritation

Left-Side Abdominal Pain After Eating

  • Gastritis or ulcers – irritation of the stomach lining may worsen during or after meals.
  • Pancreatitis – pain may intensify after eating, especially fatty meals.
  • Gas and bloating – certain foods increase gas formation, leading to shifting or cramping pain.

Persistent pain after meals—especially with nausea, vomiting, or weight loss—should be evaluated.

Pain to the Left of the Belly Button

Possible causes:

  • Gas or constipation
  • IBS
  • Spasms of the intestinal loops located beside the navel

Seek care if pain is new, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in the stool.

2. Urinary and Kidney Causes

Kidney Stones

A stone in the left kidney or ureter may cause:

  • Sudden, severe side or back pain
  • Pain radiating to the groin
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blood in the urine

Kidney or Urinary Tract Infection

May cause flank pain, fever, chills, and burning or frequent urination.

3. Reproductive Causes (in People Who Menstruate)

Menstrual Cramps or Ovulation Pain

Common sources of one-sided pelvic discomfort.

Ovarian Cysts

A cyst on the left ovary may cause aching or sharp pain.

Endometriosis

Endometrial-type tissue growing outside the uterus can cause chronic or cyclical pelvic pain.

Ectopic Pregnancy (Emergency)

Severe one-sided pain, dizziness, or bleeding in early pregnancy may signal an ectopic pregnancy—a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate care.

4. Musculoskeletal and Nerve-Related Causes

  • “left side pain when coughing”
  • “left side pain when breathing”
  • “left side pain when lying down”

Muscle strain, rib irritation, or nerve involvement can cause pain that changes with movement.

Pain may worsen with:

  • Coughing, sneezing, or laughing
  • Deep breathing
  • Twisting or bending
  • Lying on one side

If pain persists or is associated with chest symptoms, fever, trauma, or difficulty breathing, seek medical evaluation.

5. Other Serious Causes

Less common but important causes include:

  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Splenic injury or enlargement
  • Certain cancers affecting abdominal or pelvic organs
  • Complicated infections

These usually produce additional symptoms such as vomiting, fever, weight loss, or bleeding.

Upper Left vs Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Upper Left Abdominal Pain (Under the Ribs)

Possible causes include:

  • Gastritis or ulcers
  • Pancreatitis
  • Spleen disorders
  • Left kidney issues
  • Some diaphragm or chest-related pain

Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Common causes include:

  • Diverticulitis
  • Gas and constipation
  • IBS or IBD
  • Hernias
  • Ovarian cysts, menstrual pain
  • Endometriosis
  • Urinary causes
  • Ectopic pregnancy (emergency)

Left-Side Pain Before Period, During Period, or Early Pregnancy

Before or During a Period

Pain may result from menstrual cramps, ovulation, or ovarian cysts.

Early Pregnancy

Mild cramping can occur normally, but severe one-sided pain must be treated as an emergency due to ectopic pregnancy risk.

Pain alone cannot confirm pregnancy—a pregnancy test is required.

Is Left-Side Stomach Pain Serious? When It’s an Emergency

Seek immediate care if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe, or worsening pain
  • A rigid, swollen, or hard abdomen
  • Fever or persistent vomiting
  • Vomiting blood or passing black stools
  • Blood in the urine
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness, fainting, or confusion
  • Severe one-sided pain in early pregnancy
  • Inability to pass gas or stool with worsening pain

These may signal life-threatening conditions.

When to See a Doctor (Non-Emergency)

Schedule a visit if you have:

  • Pain lasting more than a few days
  • Recurring or worsening pain
  • Persistent bowel changes
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Low-grade fevers
  • Pain interfering with daily life
  • Menstrual-related pain that is unusual or severe

How Doctors Diagnose Left-Side Abdominal Pain

Evaluation may include:

  • Medical history (timing, triggers, menstrual or urinary changes)
  • Physical exam
  • Blood tests, inflammatory markers, kidney function tests
  • Urinalysis or pregnancy test
  • Imaging such as ultrasound or CT
  • Endoscopy for suspected stomach or intestinal causes

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  • Gas or constipation: Hydration, fiber, diet adjustments
  • Diverticulitis: Medical evaluation; antibiotics may be used when appropriate
  • IBD: Long-term specialist care
  • Kidney stones: Pain control, hydration, or procedures for larger stones
  • Reproductive causes: Hormonal therapy, pain management, or surgery if needed
  • Hernias or obstructions: May require surgical repair

Avoid using leftover antibiotics or strong pain medicines without medical guidance.

Prevention

Healthy habits may reduce risk:

  • Adequate fiber and hydration
  • Regular physical activity
  • Moderation of alcohol intake
  • Avoiding tobacco use
  • Routine primary-care and gynecologic checkups
  • Managing chronic medical conditions

Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQs

Why does the left side of my stomach hurt suddenly?

Sudden pain can result from gas, muscle strain, kidney stones, or diverticulitis. Severe or persistent pain should be checked.

Is left-side stomach pain serious?

It can be. Mild causes are common, but conditions like pancreatitis or ectopic pregnancy may require urgent treatment.

What organs are on the left side of the abdomen?

Stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestines, left kidney, and—depending on anatomy—reproductive organs.

Why does my left side hurt when I cough, breathe, or lie down?

Often from muscle or rib irritation. Seek care if the pain persists or is severe.

Why does my left side hurt before my period?

Common causes include menstrual cramps or ovulation. Severe or unusual pain should be evaluated.

Does left-side pain mean I’m pregnant?

No. Pain alone cannot confirm pregnancy. Only a pregnancy test can.

What can I do at home for mild left-side pain?

Hydration, rest, warm compresses, and gentle movement may help. Seek care if symptoms worsen.

APA REFERENCE LIST

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Left side abdominal pain: Causes & how to treat. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/left-side-abdominal-pain

Mandaya Hospital Group. (2025, February 24). 9 causes of left-sided stomach pain, from mild to serious. https://mandayahospitalgroup.com/causes-of-left-sided-stomach-pain/

Mayo Clinic. (2024). Ectopic pregnancy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy

Mayo Clinic. (2024). Kidney stones. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones

Mayo Clinic. (2024). Pancreatitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis

MedlinePlus. (2024). Abdominal pain. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003120.htm

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). https://www.niddk.nih.gov

National Institutes of Health. (2024). Inflammatory bowel disease fact sheet. https://www.nih.gov

Providence Health Team. (n.d.). Is your gut trying to tell you something? https://blog.providence.org/blog/is-your-gut-trying-to-tell-you-something

Providence Health Team. (n.d.). Signs your stomach pain isn’t normal. https://blog.providence.org/blog/signs-your-stomach-pain-isnt-normal

Providence Health Team. (n.d.). Understanding kidney stones. https://blog.providence.org/blog/understanding-kidney-stones

Providence Health Team. (2025, September 29). Left-side stomach pain: When it’s time to see a doctor. https://blog.providence.org/blog/left-side-stomach-pain-when-it-s-time-to-see-a-doctor