Lower stomach pain is the pain or discomfort that occurs in the lower part of the abdomen; i.e. somewhere below the umbilicus (belly button). When someone complains of lower stomach pain, it is not necessary that the pain is originating from the stomach; because many other organs lie in the lower abdomen other than the ones involved in digestion. This condition is more common in women, because of the presence of some sensitive organs in this region, such as uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries etc.
There are several possible causes for lower stomach pain. Amongst all the disease that may cause pain in the lower abdomen, Appendicitis is the most excruciating. It causes right side stomach pain. This pain is caused by the inflammation of the appendix. The causes of infection are still unknown, but the disease can hit anyone. Usually, the pain is first felt in the umbilicus area. It then shifts towards the lower right side of the abdomen. A physician must be consulted, if the discomfort continues for more than 4 hours. CT scans and Ultrasounds are used to diagnose appendicitis.
Other than that, bladder infection or cystitis, urine tract infections, lower ureteric stones, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, menstrual cramps or irritable bowel syndrome are the common causes of lower abdominal pain.
When a women experiences stomach pain, there is a fair chance that it is caused by the uterus. Uterine pain is usually felt just over the pubic bone. It can be caused by simple things, like coming menstrual cycle, ovulation, or early pregnancy implantation. However, the pain may be more severe; usually as a result of endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, or an infection in the cervix.
Another major reason of lower abdominal pain is the disorder Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The pain is accompanied by diarrhea or constipation. Other causes may include muscle strain, stomach flu, urinary-tract infections, colon cancer, food poisoning, food allergies etc.
There are different kinds of lower abdominal pain. It could be to the left side of the level of umbilicus, or to the right side of it. Lower left side stomach pain is caused by IBS, left kidney stones, left ovarian diseases, infection in the left fallopian tube in women and crohn’s disease etc. It is more commonly experienced by women and the elderly. Constipation could also cause abdominal pain. If the left side of the bowel is more affected, it will certainly lead to lower left abdominal pain. It is the inability to pass feces and feeling bloated.
Right side stomach pain is definitely caused by the infection in organs that are located in the right side region of the abdomen. Like the right kidney, the right uterer, part of the descending large bowel, part of the urinary bladder, the right ovary, the right oviduct, the right side of the uterus or even the muscles and skin covering the right side of the abdominal wall.
Thus, any disease affecting the structures and organs which are found in the abdominal cavity can cause lower abdominal pain, on either side. It is important that a health care practitioner is consulted if the pain persists for more than a few hours.