Lower left abdominal pain in men: Causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor

In this article:

• What causes lower left abdominal pain in men?
• What male-specific causes can lead to lower left abdominal pain?
• How is lower left abdominal pain different in men than in women?
• When to see a doctor
• Diagnosis
• Treatment options
• How to save on treatment
• FAQs

In this article

• What causes lower left abdominal pain in men?
• What male-specific causes can lead to lower left abdominal pain?
• How is lower left abdominal pain different in men than in women?
• When to see a doctor
• Diagnosis
• Treatment options
• How to save on treatment
• FAQs

It’s hard to pinpoint what causes lower left abdominal pain in men based on location alone. The left abdominal area includes a part of the large intestine, the left kidney, the abdominal muscles, and the reproductive organs. In men, lower left abdominal pain could also mean testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, or prostatitis. While most causes of this pain can be easily managed, some are considered emergencies that need specific procedures. We’ll cover the potential causes and symptoms, as well as how they’re diagnosed and treated.

What causes lower left abdominal pain in men?

Most cases are caused by digestive or urinary problems. Some men may experience muscle strain or even stomach pain from gas or indigestion.

Digestive causes

Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of the small pouches along the large intestine, called diverticula, become swollen and sometimes infected. Pain from this condition usually starts in the lower left abdomen, since diverticula often form in the last stretch of the colon (sigmoid colon). Diverticulitis is more common in men than in women until the age of 50.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another potential cause of stomach pain that can happen alongside bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Those who experience IBS flare-ups with constipation might report a dull ache on the left side of their abdomen.

RELATED: IBD vs. IBS: Compare causes, symptoms, treatments, & more

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also cause pain in this area. Crohn’s disease often affects the end of the small intestine and is linked to the lower right side, while ulcerative colitis involves the left colon and is linked to pain on the left side. A gastroenterologist may recommend a colonoscopy to better identify IBD.

Urinary and kidney causes

The left kidney is right below the ribs toward the back, with the ureter traveling down to the bladder. Pain around the back or side could come from the kidney, while pain that sits closer to the groin could mean a stone moving down the ureter.

Kidney stones can cause sudden, severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin. Other symptoms may include red or brown urine, painful urination, and nausea. Men typically get them more often than women in the U.S.

Most kidney infections start off as urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the bladder that move to the kidneys. A kidney infection typically occurs with a fever and chills, as well as pain along the back, side, or groin area.

What male-specific causes can lead to lower left abdominal pain?

Some causes of this pain are specific to or much more common in men, including testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, and prostatitis.

Testicular torsion

If you experience sudden, severe pain in a testicle, it’s important to get emergency medical help. This pain may indicate torsion, which occurs when the spermatic cord twists and cuts off blood flow to the testicle. It’s more common in infants and teens, although it can also occur in adult men. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, swelling of the scrotum, and a testicle that appears more raised than usual.

Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs when a part of the intestine bulges through a weak area in the lower wall of the abdomen near the groin. Almost 30% of men experience one in their lifetime. A common sign of this problem is a visible bulge in the groin or scrotum on either side. It may also come with burning or pain that gets worse when lifting objects or coughing.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis means inflammation of the prostate. It’s a common problem of the urinary tract in men and can cause pain in the lower abdomen, the groin area, or the lower back. Along with lower abdominal pain, it can also cause trouble urinating. While the most common type isn’t caused by an infection, bacterial prostatitis is possible and needs to be treated with antibiotics.

How is lower left abdominal pain different in men than in women?

Many causes, such as diverticulitis, IBS, and kidney stones, can affect both men and women. The main difference is whether problems with reproductive organs are causing the pain. For example, testicular torsion and prostatitis are specific to men. In addition, men are more likely to experience inguinal hernias than women. For women with lower abdominal pain, other causes like ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and endometriosis come into play.

When should men see a doctor for lower left abdominal pain?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following:

• Severe testicular pain that comes on suddenly and occurs with or without stomach pain
• Sharp stomach pain that occurs with dizziness or fainting
• A rigid belly that’s swollen
• A high fever
• Blood in stool, urine, or vomit
• Not being able to pass stool or gas
• A hernia bulge that is painful and won’t go back in
• Not being able to urinate at all

See a healthcare provider if stomach pain doesn’t go away or worsens and occurs with any bowel or urinary changes. You should also call your healthcare provider if you experience stomach discomfort that lasts for more than a week, burning or frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss.

How is the cause of lower left abdominal pain diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will perform different exams or tests to diagnose what’s causing the pain. The process usually starts with a medical history and physical exam.

Further testing can be done based on what the suspected condition is. These tests may include:

• A urinalysis to check for any bleeding or bacteria caused by a stone, kidney infection, or prostatitis
• Blood tests to see if there are any signs of infection or inflammation
• An ultrasound to check for a potential torsion, although it may also be used to confirm whether there’s a hernia.
• A CT scan, which is common for looking more closely for diverticulitis or kidney stones
• A colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer or IBD

For men, an evaluation might include checking the groin for a hernia or the scrotum for swelling. In some cases, a rectal exam may be needed to check the prostate.

How is lower left abdominal pain in men treated?

Different treatments are available depending on the cause of the pain.

• Diverticulitis: Mild cases can be managed at home with a clear liquid diet and Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain rather than NSAIDs like Advil (ibuprofen). Antibiotics are not usually recommended for most people, although people who are immunocompromised generally need them. Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is a common option that costs around $11 for 20 generic 875–125 mg tablets with a SingleCare coupon versus $95 at retail. Severe cases may need a hospital visit and surgery.
• Kidney infection or bacterial prostatitis: Antibiotics are a standard treatment. Cipro (ciprofloxacin) is one option that costs around $6 for 14 generic 500 mg tablets with a SingleCare coupon versus $62 at retail. Acute bacterial prostatitis may need a longer course of antibiotics, usually around two to eight weeks.
• Kidney stones: Small stones pass on their own with drinking enough fluids. A medication like an alpha blocker may help stones pass more easily. Flomax (tamsulosin) is a potential option that costs around $9 for 30 generic 0.4 mg capsules with a SingleCare coupon versus $121 at retail. Larger stones may need to be removed by a healthcare provider.
• IBS: Diet and lifestyle changes are often recommended first. However, for persistent cramping, a healthcare provider may prescribe an antispasmodic like Bentyl (dicyclomine), which is around $3 for 20 generic 20 mg tablets with a SingleCare coupon, or $20 at retail price.
• Testicular torsion: Emergency surgery is needed to fix this.
• Inguinal hernia: Surgery is the only treatment. Men with few or no symptoms may be able to wait it out, though most end up needing surgery.

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for the most appropriate treatment option for your condition. These are not the only options available to treat lower left abdominal pain in men.

How can men save on treatment for lower left abdominal pain?

For men who are prescribed medication to treat the underlying cause, there are different ways to save on potential costs. A free SingleCare prescription discount card may help lower the retail costs of prescription medications at participating pharmacies. The costs may be lower than a copay with insurance, so it’s a good idea to check. Once you have your prescription, you can look up the medication on SingleCare.com or by using the SingleCare app. Ask your pharmacist about generics, too.

Expert takeaway

“Most cases of lower left abdominal pain in men are related to digestive problems, but a testicle that hurts even a little bit could indicate torsion, which needs surgery to fix,” says Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D., member of the SingleCare Medical Review Board.

Frequently asked questions

Is lower left abdominal pain in men always serious?

This type of pain in men is not always serious. It could be anything from a mild stomachache from gas, constipation, IBS, or even a muscle strain. Seek medical help for severe or sudden pain, high fever, blood in the urine or stool, and any testicular pain.

Can testicular torsion cause pain in the lower abdomen?

Yes, torsion is a potential cause of pain in the lower abdomen and groin. Even if you don’t experience abdominal pain along with sudden testicular pain, it’s best to get emergency care.

What’s the difference between diverticulitis pain and a hernia in the lower left abdomen?

Diverticulitis usually causes constant lower left pain with fever and nausea, while a hernia often causes a bulge in the groin area and pain that worsens with lifting heavy objects or coughing.