What causes lower-left abdominal pain in females?

Medically reviewed by Jesse P. HoughtonMD, FACG
Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology
Written by Leandra Beabout
Contributor
Updated Feb 3, 2026  •  Published Jan 12, 2026
Fact Checked

Lower-left abdominal pain in females is most commonly caused by diverticulitis, but it can also stem from gynecological, urinary, or gastrointestinal conditions. Causes include ovulation, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, kidney stones, gas, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), with severity and treatment depending on the underlying condition.

Want to learn more about lower-left abdominal pain? Read our full analysis: Why does my lower left abdomen hurt?


Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Medically reviewed by Jesse P. HoughtonMD, FACG
Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology

Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG, was born and raised in New Jersey, becoming the first physician in his entire family. He earned his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School (Now Rutgers Medical School) in 2002. He then went on to complete his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in 2005 and 2008, respectively. He moved to southern Ohio in 2012 and has been practicing at Southern Ohio Medical Center as the Senior Medical Director of Gastroenterology since that time.

Dr. Houghton is the author of What Your Doctor Doesn't (Have the Time to) Tell You: The Gastrointestinal System. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine. He has been in practice since 2008 and has remained board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology for his entire career. He has lent his expertise to dozens of online articles in the medical field.

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Written by Leandra Beabout
Contributor

Leandra Beabout is a freelance health and travel writer based between Indiana and India. Her work has been published in Reader's Digest, Greatist, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, and more. She was previously an English teacher and daily newspaper reporter.

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