{"id":626423,"date":"2024-01-26T13:50:47","date_gmt":"2024-01-26T18:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626423"},"modified":"2024-02-28T19:59:46","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T00:59:46","slug":"pain-in-lower-left-abdomen-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pain-in-lower-left-abdomen-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Why does my lower left abdomen hurt?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower abdominal pain on the left side can be caused by an injury, inflammation, or infection of one of the following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/symptoms\/24530-lower-abdominal-pain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">organs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colon<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small intestine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ovaries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uterus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ureters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bladder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peritoneum<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The kidneys are located closer to the back of the torso, but their proximity to the abdomen means kidney issues can also cause lower abdominal pain. Specifically, an issue with the left kidney may cause lower left belly pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many nerves run through the lower abdominal region, so testicular problems can also cause abdominal pain on the lower left side.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: This guide will focus on pain in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lower <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">left abdomen. You can find more information about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/left-side-abdominal-pain-causes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what causes left-side abdominal pain here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What causes lower abdominal pain on the left side?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diverticulitis is the most common cause of pain specific to the lower left abdomen, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/amy-lee-md-2b921913\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amy Lee<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, RDN, chief medical officer at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lindora.com\/dr-amy-lee-chief-medical-officer-lindora-clinic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lindora Clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, there are many causes of pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, from relatively harmless gas or ovulation pain to serious conditions such as testicular torsion or ectopic pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diverticulitis\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/diverticulitis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20371758\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diverticulitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is inflammation or infection of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/diverticulosisanddiverticulitis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diverticula<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, small pouches that form and bulge outward from the colon walls (large intestine). We don\u2019t know why some people with diverticulosis get a bout of diverticulitis. However, Dr. Lee says inflammation and infection may occur when food particles or bacteria accumulate in these pockets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK541110\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seventy percent of patients with diverticulitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experience abdominal pain on the lower left side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.doximity.com\/pub\/akash-attreya-do\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Akash Attreya, DO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an Albuquerque, New Mexico-based osteopathic physician specializing in family medicine, says other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-does-a-diverticulitis-attack-feel-like\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms of diverticulitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include nausea, vomiting, change in bowel habits with either constipation or diarrhea and fever or chills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;In this situation, prompt evaluation by a medical provider is needed,&#8221; says Dr. Attreya. While diverticulitis is not always serious, severe cases may require hospitalization or surgical intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/relieve-diverticulitis-pain-fast\/\"><b>How to relieve diverticulitis pain fast<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney stones<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/urologic-diseases\/kidney-stones\/symptoms-causes#:~:text=See%20a%20health%20care%20professional,or%20a%20more%20serious%20condition.&amp;text=You%20may%20have%20a%20kidney,your%20back%20or%20lower%20abdomen.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney stone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the left kidney is another common cause of lower left belly pain. This type of pain originates in the affected kidney and radiates to the back, side, and abdomen. As the stone moves down the ureter, a tube between the kidney and bladder, the pain will also migrate. Kidney stones often cause back and side pain and pain during urination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;Kidney stone formation takes time, and you may not know it until you get a flare-up, which results in a visit to the ER,&#8221; says Dr. Lee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testicular torsion<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.urologyhealth.org\/urologic-conditions\/testicular-torsion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testicular torsion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is &#8220;spontaneous or traumatic twisting of the testicle,&#8221; Dr. Attreya says. Though testicular torsion occurs inside the scrotum, the dense network of nerves in the pelvis and abdomen can send pain signals into the lower belly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testicular torsion is a medical emergency because it cuts off the blood supply to the testicles. If the testicle &#8220;dies&#8221; due to lack of blood, it must be surgically removed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gynecological causes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain in the lower left side of the abdomen in females can be linked to a variety of gynecological conditions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ovulation-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ovulation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The process of an egg being released from the ovary can cause pain similar to menstrual cramps, called mittelschmerz, which lasts from a few minutes to 48 hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acog.org\/womens-health\/faqs\/ovarian-cysts#:~:text=Ovarian%20cysts%20are%20very%20common,)%20(read%20Ovarian%20Cancer).\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ovarian cyst<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:\u00a0 A non-cancerous sac on the ovary that could also cause bloating and pelvic pressure. When an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/what-risks-are-associated-with-a-ruptured-ovarian-cyst\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ovarian cyst ruptures<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it causes sudden, severe pain on the side of the abdomen where the cyst is located and vaginal spotting or bleeding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/ectopic-pregnancy\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20372088\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ectopic pregnancy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A potentially life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yalemedicine.org\/conditions\/ovarian-torsion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ovarian torsion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which Dr. Attreya describes as painful &#8220;twisting of the ovary.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/living-with-endometriosis\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endometriosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A painful disorder in which uterine lining-like tissue grows outside the uterus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/std\/pid\/stdfact-pid.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pelvic inflammatory disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (PID): An infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes, and or ovaries that can cause lower abdominal pain, fever, and unusual vaginal discharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal causes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several possible causes of pain in the lower left abdomen related to the lower digestive tract. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/gas-digestive-tract\/symptoms-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive gas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from swallowed air, gastrointestinal bacteria, or an underlying gastrointestinal disorder.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/ibs-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritable bowel syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (IBS) is a chronic disorder that can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and gas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibd-vs-ibs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (IBD), such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ulcerative-colitis-vs-crohns\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crohn&#8217;s disease or ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, can cause severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/intestinal-obstruction\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351460\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bowel obstruction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0a complete or partial blockage of the intestine, which is a medical emergency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/celiac.org\/about-celiac-disease\/what-is-celiac-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Celiac disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">an immune system-related <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/gluten-intolerance-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">response to gluten<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can cause sharp pain in the belly, diarrhea, weight loss, gas, and very bad-smelling stools.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other causes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower left abdominal pain can caused by other chronic and acute medical conditions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/inguinal-hernia\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20351547\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inguinal hernia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: When soft tissue, such as a part of the lower intestines, bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/psoas-abscess\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Psoas abscess<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A rare condition in which pus collects in a muscle in the lower back and pelvis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000162.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal aortic aneurysm<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A potentially life-threatening bulge in a weak spot of the body&#8217;s main artery.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I be worried about lower left abdominal pain?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some causes of lower left-side abdominal pain are serious. Some are not. But since lower left belly pain can indicate a medical emergency like testicular torsion or ectopic pregnancy, it shouldn&#8217;t be ignored.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your abdominal pain is severe enough to limit activity, Dr. Attreya and Dr. Lee recommend calling your primary care provider to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;If you are unable to get a timely evaluation by your primary care provider, or you do not have one, then you must get seen in the emergency department,&#8221; Dr. Attreya adds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Lee also suggests urgent medical attention if your pain is intolerable or accompanied by fever, chills, bloody stools, bloody urine, or unusual fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about lower left abdominal pain if you have a history of gastrointestinal, urinary, or reproductive system problems. Complications from diverticulitis, a ruptured cyst, or ovarian or testicular torsion can be serious. For instance, testicular torsion requires emergency surgery to save the testicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is the cause of pain in the lower left abdomen diagnosed?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A healthcare provider diagnosing the cause of lower abdominal pain on the left side will start with discussing your medical history and performing a physical examination. Before your physical exam, be prepared to answer a variety of questions about:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent impact or injury to the lower abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your eating and bowel habits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known underlying conditions such as lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, gallstones, or endometriosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or pain or blood with urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The frequency and severity of the pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your history of digestive or reproductive conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any medications or supplements you&#8217;re taking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;For any concerning abdominal pain, medical evaluation will include a physical examination, blood work, and imaging, such as an ultrasound, X-ray, CAT scan, or\u00a0 MRI,&#8221; Dr. Attreya says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, your healthcare provider may also need to examine the digestive system through a colonoscopy or endoscopy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-medicare-cover-colonoscopy\/\"><b>Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does lower left-side abdominal pain last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If lower left abdominal discomfort is caused by something harmless, such as gas, or mild and chronic, such as IBS, then acute pain will go away within hours or days. Of course, lower abdominal pain caused by IBS and IBD also tends to recur frequently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other causes of lower left belly pain, such as diverticulitis or kidney stones, require medical treatment or lifestyle changes to get rid of the pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The timeline for pain relief will depend on the underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&#8217;t need to worry about the pain in your lower left abdomen spreading to another person. The causes are not contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to stop abdominal pain on the lower left side<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relieving lower left abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause. However, people wondering how to get rid of pain in the lower left abdomen while waiting for a diagnosis can usually use over-the-counter NSAIDs (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ibuprofen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ibuprofen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/naproxen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">naproxen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) or acetaminophen to manage pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain caused by gas or an IBS flare-up will go away on its own. OTC simethicone can help relieve gas pains, while IBS flares are often helped by medications such as dicyclomine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower belly pain caused by gastrointestinal conditions, kidney or ureter stones, or testicular or ovarian torsion requires a treatment plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/kidney-stone-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">kidney stones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may need medications to control uric acid production, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/allopurinol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allopurinol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-diverticulitis-go-away\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment for diverticulitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often includes antibiotics. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhsinform.scot\/illnesses-and-conditions\/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract\/diverticular-disease-and-diverticulitis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complications of untreated diverticulitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can include an abscess, intestinal perforation, or obstructions. Emergency surgery may be needed in these cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hiatal-hernia-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hernias<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and torsion typically require surgical treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Living with lower left abdominal pain<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with gastrointestinal conditions such as diverticulitis, IBS, or IBD are more likely to experience frequent lower left-side abdominal pain. Sticking to your treatment plan and managing the condition with lifestyle changes is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with recurrent lower left abdomen pain can reduce discomfort by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating small meals throughout the day to ease digestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, and crackers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoiding hard-to-digest foods such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and fatty or greasy foods<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying hydrated with water and sports drinks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consulting a healthcare provider about which OTC painkillers to take<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibs-diet\/\"><b>IBS diet<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diverticulitis-diet\/\"><b>Diverticulitis diet<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See a doctor if lower left abdominal pain is sudden or severe<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes of pain in the lower left abdomen may include diverticulitis, kidney stones, ovarian or testicular torsion, and more. The cause of pain in the lower left abdomen may resolve on its own without treatment. However, if pain in the lower left abdomen continues, worsens, or is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fever, it could be a sign of an infection, a ruptured ovarian cyst, or testicular torsion, and require medication or surgery. Only your healthcare provider can rule out serious health conditions. Visit your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for pain in the lower left abdomen.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lower abdominal pain on the left side can be caused by an injury, inflammation, or infection of one of the following organs: Colon Small intestine Ovaries Uterus Ureters Bladder Peritoneum The kidneys are located closer to the back of the torso, but their proximity to the abdomen means kidney issues can also cause lower abdominal [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":145,"featured_media":626421,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[3550,20956],"coauthors":[20942],"class_list":["post-626423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-gut-health","tag-ibs","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What causes lower left abdominal pain?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Diverticulitis is the most common cause of lower left abdominal pain. Mild pain in the lower left abdomen typically resolves without treatment, but sudden or severe pain requires medical attention.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pain-in-lower-left-abdomen-causes\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why does my lower left abdomen hurt?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Diverticulitis is the most common cause of lower left abdominal pain. 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