Should I be worried about lower right-side pain in females?

Lower right-side pain is commonly associated with appendicitis. However, females might also experience lower right-side pain related to conditions such as kidney stones, diverticulitis, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, infections, period cramps, or muscle strain. 

The cause of lower right-side pain in females may resolve on its own without treatment. This type of pain rarely indicates a medical emergency unless the pain is sudden, intense, and accompanied by other concerning symptoms. If lower right-side pain in females is severe or gets worse, or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, or fever, it could require emergency medical treatment. Only your healthcare provider can rule out infection or other serious health conditions. 

What causes lower right side pain in females?

Common causes of lower right-side pain in the general population are muscle strains or kidney stones, according to Christopher S. Choi, MD, a healthcare provider at Concierge Wellness Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

However, pain in the lower-right quadrant of the abdomen in females may also be linked to conditions such as:

• Appendicitis
• Gynecological problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or ovarian cysts
• Urinary tract problems such as kidney stones or bladder infection
• Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Muscle strain or injury

Appendicitis

The appendix is located in the lower-right quadrant of the abdominal cavity in both men and women. Inflammation of the appendix, called appendicitis, is a common cause of intense, sudden-onset lower right-side pain. The pain may also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, or diarrhea. 

Gynecological issues

In women, lower right-side pain can sometimes be linked to gynecological conditions such as:

• Ectopic pregnancy – When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube. This is a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• Endometriosis – A painful condition caused by uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes or other parts of the pelvic area.
• Ovarian cyst – Typically noncancerous growths that also cause bloating and pelvic pressure. A ruptured ovarian cyst may cause vaginal bleeding and severe pain on the side of the cyst.
• Ovarian torsion – A painful condition caused by twisting of the ovary and its ligament-like supports.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – A gynecological infection that can cause lower abdominal and side pain and unusual vaginal discharge. 

Lower pelvic pain is also common during menstruation. Menstrual cycle cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are caused by the uterus contracting and pressing against nearby blood vessels, decreasing the oxygen supply to muscle tissue. The result is pain in the lower back, side, or abdomen.

Urinary tract problems

Sharp, one-sided back pain is a common symptom of kidney stones, small, hard deposits of minerals that form in the kidneys. The stabbing pain may migrate from your back to side to lower abdomen as the kidney stone moves through the urinary tract. 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the bladder or right kidney can also cause intense lower right-side pain. 

Musculoskeletal strain or injury

Lower right-side pain in the general population can be caused by a strain of the obliques or rotators (side muscles). Muscle strains can be caused by improperly lifting heavy objects or injury from prolonged misuse from poor posture.

Gastrointestinal issues

Less common causes of lower right-side pain in females include digestive system problems. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, also causes cramping and gas pain in the lower abdomen. Because so many nerves are connected within the torso, the pain from gastrointestinal inflammation may also radiate to the lower right side or back. 

Cecal diverticulitis is an uncommon cause of right-sided lower abdominal pain that may radiate to the side and back. Diverticulitis occurs when pouches in the colon walls become inflamed or infected. Cecal diverticulitis refers to diverticulitis that develops at the junction between the small intestine and large intestine, which is located on the lower right side. 

How is the cause of lower right-side pain in females diagnosed?

A healthcare provider diagnosing the cause of lower right-side pain in females will begin with a physical examination and discussion of your medical history before moving on to further tests. According to Douglas Tanita, MD, FACOG, medical director at Henderson Women’s Care in Nevada, your doctor may ask you:

• Exactly where the pain occurs
• When the pain occurs and how long it lasts
• Pain intensity (mild pain versus severe pain)
• Whether the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
  • Blood in the stool
  • Vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Trouble urinating

After discussing your symptoms, a doctor will complete a physical examination, which might include a pelvic exam. From there, they may recommend diagnostic tests based on the suspected underlying problem. 

Doctors Choi and Tanita say tests ordered to diagnose the cause of lower right side or back pain in a female might include:

• A complete blood count (CBC) to check for infection
• A urinalysis
• Imaging such as a CT scan or an ultrasound
• A pregnancy test

How long does lower right-side pain in females last?

The duration of lower right-side pain in females depends on the underlying cause and affected organs. 

If a muscle strain causes your lower right-side pain, it should subside within days or weeks. The pain may ebb and flow throughout the month if it is related to endometriosis or menstrual cramps. But if your lower right-side pain is caused by appendicitis, the pain will get worse—and more dangerous—if left untreated. 

How to stop lower right-side pain in females

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for lower right-side pain in females. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain but may include any of the following:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for inflammatory conditions such as cramps, endometriosis, or muscle overuse
• Muscle relaxants and rest for muscle strain or injury
• Antibiotic treatments for PID or UTIs
• Surgical intervention for appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy

If you’re wondering how to get rid of lower right-side pain while waiting for a diagnosis, consider rest, OTC NSAIDs, or acetaminophen. If your lower right-side pain is stabbing, severe, or accompanied by nausea or fever, seek emergency medical attention.

Living with lower right-side pain in females

Sometimes, managing or reducing lower right-side pain at home is possible. Home remedies and OTC medications can also be helpful for moderate to severe pain while you wait for a diagnosis and professional treatment. 

Females with recurrent lower right-side pain due to chronic kidney, gynecological, or gastrointestinal issues can reduce discomfort by:

• Staying hydrated with water and sports drinks
• Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle for period-related cramps or gastrointestinal inflammation
• Applying topical muscle rub for minor pain relief
• Eating small meals comprised of easily digestible foods (e.g., rice, bananas, crackers) if the lower right-side pain worsens after eating
• Avoiding hard or crunchy foods if the pain is related to diverticulitis
• Talking to a healthcare provider about the best OTC or prescription painkillers for the underlying issue 

Annual checkups can help women differentiate between benign, common gynecological symptoms and those that may be more serious, according to Dr. Tanita. 

Most importantly, see a doctor if female lower right-side pain is sudden and severe

Women should seek medical guidance if their lower right-side pain feels moderate to severe, worsens over time, or persists for more than a day. It is also important to consult a healthcare professional if your lower right-side pain is accompanied by fever or vomiting, according to Dr. Choi. In these cases, the lower right-side pain may indicate more serious conditions such as appendicitis, kidney stones, or PID.

Get emergency medical attention if severe lower right-side pain starts suddenly, begins near your belly button before moving to the side, or is accompanied by nausea or fever. These are signs of appendicitis, which can lead to a burst appendix, a medical emergency. 

Females should also get emergency help if severe lower right-side pain extends to the abdomen or back and is accompanied by dizziness or weakness. “This is especially true if women are in the first trimester of pregnancy,” says Dr. Tanita. These are a sign of ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition.