{"id":62563,"date":"2024-01-12T14:02:45","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T19:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62563"},"modified":"2026-09-14T14:58:02","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T18:58:02","slug":"male-lower-abdominal-pain-below-belly-button-left-side-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/male-lower-abdominal-pain-below-belly-button-left-side-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Lower left abdominal pain in men: Causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s hard to pinpoint what causes lower left abdominal pain in men based on location alone. The left abdominal area<\/a> 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\u2019re diagnosed and treated.<\/p>\n

What causes lower left abdominal pain in men?<\/h2>\n

Most cases are caused by digestive or urinary problems. Some men may experience muscle strain or even stomach pain from gas or indigestion.<\/p>\n

Digestive causes<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> in men than in women until the age of 50.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> with constipation might report a dull ache on the left side of their abdomen.<\/p>\n

RELATED: IBD vs. IBS: Compare causes, symptoms, treatments, & more<\/a><\/p>\n

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also cause pain in this area. Crohn\u2019s disease often affects the end of the small intestine and is linked to the lower right side, while ulcerative colitis<\/a> involves the left colon and is linked to pain on the left side. A gastroenterologist may recommend a colonoscopy to better identify IBD.<\/p>\n

Urinary and kidney causes<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> than women in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Most kidney infections<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

What male-specific causes can lead to lower left abdominal pain?<\/h2>\n

Some causes of this pain are specific to or much more common in men, including testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, and prostatitis.<\/p>\n

Testicular torsion<\/h3>\n

If you experience sudden, severe pain in a testicle, it\u2019s 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\u2019s more common in infants and teens, although it can also occur in adult men<\/a>. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, swelling of the scrotum, and a testicle that appears more raised than usual.<\/p>\n

Inguinal hernia<\/h3>\n

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%<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Prostatitis<\/h3>\n

Prostatitis means inflammation of the prostate. It\u2019s a common problem<\/a> 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\u2019t caused by an infection, bacterial prostatitis is possible and needs to be treated with antibiotics.<\/p>\n

How is lower left abdominal pain different in men than in women?<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>, other causes like ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, and endometriosis come into play.<\/p>\n

When should men see a doctor for lower left abdominal pain?<\/h2>\n

Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following:<\/p>\n