Abdominal pain in women: what to do and where to go?

The quality of life depends on many issues, among which health, of course, comes first.
Pain in the side can be an unpleasant moment that not only causes a lot of inconvenience, but can also lead to very serious complications, even death. For this reason, be sure to contact our osteopathic clinic at the slightest symptoms. Experienced, highly qualified specialists work here, capable of solving the most complex and extraordinary problems, including pain relief.

The best solution when pain occurs is to immediately contact an experienced specialist.

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Types of abdominal pain

Depending on the location of the discomfort, there are several types of abdominal pain in women:

• pain in the umbilical region;
• pain in the epigastric region (under the stomach, in the upper abdomen and under the ribs);
• pain in the lower abdomen (below the navel, near the pubis, deep in the pelvis);
• pain in the right side (from the ribs to the area of ​​the iliac wing);
• pain in the left side (from the ribs to the wing of the ilium);
• vague pain throughout the abdomen, without clear localization.

Illustration: Shutterstock

To identify the cause of pain, certain characteristics are also important.

The nature of the pain is acute and unbearable, cutting, stabbing, strong or relatively weak, constant or cramping, squeezing, dull, bursting, with heaviness in the abdomen. It is important to describe the pain to the doctor as accurately as possible, this will help in diagnosis.

Associated symptoms - it is important to assess whether the pain radiates to the arm, groin, back or under the ribs, whether it intensifies with changes in body position, coughing, sneezing, whether it is relieved after bowel movements or the passage of gases. It is also important to clarify whether the pain appeared against the background of nausea, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.

History of pain – the cause may be indicated by factors that triggered the attack of pain. These are nutritional errors, alcohol intake, injury or stress, menstruation, pregnancy. It is important to evaluate the pain over time - whether there is an increase in sensations or the intensity of the pain is constant, whether the pain migrates and whether its character changes (for example, from dull to sharp, from the pit of the stomach to the right side).

Is it possible to self-diagnose side pain?

In situations where the right or left side begins to ache or sharply hurt, it is almost impossible to make a correct diagnosis on your own, without the help of a specialist. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

However, in order to assess pain, its danger to the body and possible consequences, it is fundamentally important for the patient to have some knowledge, albeit superficial.

Sharp pain in the kidneys or abdomen: causes

In such a case, cutting, pressing, unbearable pain appears suddenly and gradually increases over a short time interval, accompanied by serious discomfort. We are talking about hours or days. Ultimately, these “crazy” attacks become unbearable, and you have to call an ambulance or urgently run to the doctor. It is better to contact our osteopathic clinic immediately to avoid queues at clinics.

Aching pain that lasts for a long period of time

In some cases, the side may ache for a long time, but it is not so strong that it is impossible to endure. Usually this occurs in the abdominal area in waves over many months, and sometimes years, and is accompanied by discomfort. Such symptoms are caused by chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver, biliary tract, as well as the spine with a side effect, and other reasons.

Pain plus... – an additional diagnostic option

Also, do not forget about some additional symptoms. For example, an aching side plus a temperature may indicate problems with the biliary tract and urinary tract, such as stones. Back pain and frequent urination are symptoms of kidney disease.

Our specialists will conduct an examination and prescribe the optimal treatment.

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Causes of abdominal pain in women

Only a doctor can determine the cause of pain, since there are many organs, clusters of lymph nodes and large vessels inside the abdominal cavity. Most often, pain occurs due to problems:

• digestive system - stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder or pancreas;
• urinary tract - kidneys, ureters, bladder;
• female reproductive sphere - ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus.

In addition, there may be infectious causes of pain (for example, with a bacterial or viral intestinal infection), surgical pathology (appendicitis, cholecystitis) or somatic diseases, inflammatory processes.

Pain in the upper abdomen in women

Usually there is a dull or bursting, aching pain that extends beyond the sternum. It may be accompanied by a burning sensation, problems swallowing, belching, heaviness in the abdomen, and nausea. The nature of the pain is often associated with food intake - it increases or decreases after eating, and occurs on an empty stomach.

Key reasons for this pain:

• esophageal lesions,
• hiatal hernia,
• reflux disease,
• gastritis,
• peptic ulcer of both the stomach and duodenum.

Pain in the epigastric region with nausea and vomiting can be caused by viral infections (norovirus, rotavirus, enterovirus) or bacterial infections (most often the symptoms are complemented by diarrhea, vomiting, fever and pain in other parts of the abdomen).

Important! Pain in the upper abdomen in women may indicate pneumonia or a heart attack! In rare cases, these may be tumors or intercostal neuralgia.

Pain in the left side in women

• Most often, pain in the left side (under the ribs) occurs due to pathologies in the stomach area (gastritis and peptic ulcers).
• Pain with heaviness in the left hypochondrium due to heartburn is possible with reflux (reflux of food into the esophagus).
• Nagging pain can occur when the spleen is enlarged and its blood supply is disrupted (attacks of stabbing pain).
• Pancreatitis may present as acute pain (usually with nausea and vomiting).
• In women, pain in the left side of the abdomen (under the ribs and upper part) can be a sign of a heart attack.

Diagnosis and treatment of pain in gynecology

Many diseases often develop secretly, without clearly making themselves known for years. Even such a symptom in gynecology as nagging pain in the lower abdomen, if it does not bother women much, may not cause concern. If mild pain occurs regularly, in a certain place, then a visit to the doctor should not be postponed until complications arise. If ill health occurs, self-treatment at home is unacceptable, as it can cause great harm to health. Considering the possible variety of reasons that cause nagging and aching pain in the lower abdomen in women, it is necessary to promptly consult a specialist - a gynecologist.

The specialist will ask the patient a series of questions about her menstrual cycle, urination habits and bowel movements. She will also be asked to describe her general health and any symptoms that may seem unrelated, such as fever or fatigue. In some cases, the doctor may find it appropriate to ask the woman about her family, career, and sexual preferences.

✅ What diagnostic methods and tests can be recommended:

• Minimum list of tests: Examination in a chair, smears for flora, PCR tests for “hidden” infections, bacterial culture of the vaginal flora, general urine test, ultrasound of the pelvic organs.

• According to indications, tests are taken and done: Colposcopy, cytology, blood tests (hormones, allergens, biochemistry, hemostasis, clinical blood test, immunogram), hysteroscopy, laparoscopy. An endoscopic examination of the intestine should be done if the cause is suspected in the large intestine. CT scan, computer scan of tissue structures that can reveal pathology of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space.

What to do if female organs hurt

The most common treatment method for “gynecology pain” in women is a heating pad and mild painkillers. This will work for PMS or actual menstrual cramps. In cases where the pain in the lower abdomen is nagging and severe, the doctor may prescribe medications or do certain procedures that will control hormones, reducing the possibility of cramping and discomfort in the following months.

When a woman experiences acute pelvic cramps and pain, especially those that are felt on one side (left or right), this may be an ectopic pregnancy, torsion of the cyst leg, or ovarian apoplexy. This is an emergency and requires immediate attention. Acute inflammatory disease of the pelvic organs, such as endometritis or salpingoophoritis, also requires adequate medical care.

✨ Our clinic employs high-quality doctors who will conduct the necessary examination, determine the cause of a woman’s lower abdominal pain, make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment!

Pain in the right side in women

• Acute pain in the right side, radiating to the shoulder, collarbone, with nausea, fever and bitterness in the mouth is possible with hepatic colic.
• Dull aching or bursting pain in the right side is possible with cholecystitis and hepatitis.
• Pain in the right side, which is located closer to the wing of the ilium, is possible with appendicitis, inguinal hernia, Crohn's disease, mesadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes inside the abdominal cavity).
• Helminthiases can manifest themselves as dull pain.
• Acute cramping pain is typical for intestinal infections.

Treatment: techniques that are relevant from a practical point of view

The most important thing to focus on in case of illness is that it is unacceptable to treat the side on your own, regardless of the nature of the pain present. This applies to everyone: both women and men, especially children.

It is necessary to come to the experienced specialists of our clinic, where complete and thorough diagnostic measures will be carried out using modern techniques.

If there are problems with the right or left side, the following treatment methods can be used, depending on the nature and what is the cause:

1. Acupuncture treatment. Technologies make it possible to normalize the functioning of the body, cope with pain, and reduce muscle tension when pain is aching.
2. Treatment with herbal medicines. Preventive and natural medications neutralize attacks that radiate to the side and do not have serious side effects.
3. Acupressure of the body: relevant for spasms and fatigue of the muscle frame, and some other diseases.

In conclusion, it is worth noting the following: if it hurts, contact our osteopathic clinic, even if you have minor health problems. Trust the professionals, their help is irreplaceable.

Pain in the navel area in women

The appearance of cramping pain in the navel area is possible against the background of intestinal colic, food poisoning, or intestinal infection. Poisoning and infections are usually accompanied by fever, nausea, diarrhea, and malaise.

Also, pain in this area can occur with an umbilical hernia, inflammation of the small intestine, diverticulosis, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, tumors, mesadenitis.

Pain in the lower abdomen in women

Most often, pain in the lower abdomen in women is associated with the genitourinary system, although it can also indicate problems with the large intestine, tumor processes, and adhesions. In addition, if pregnancy is possible, such pain may indicate its ectopic location, the onset of spontaneous miscarriage, or changes associated with the growth of the uterus and the tension of the ligaments.

• On the part of the reproductive system, pain can be provoked by ovarian lesions (adnexitis, cysts, apoplexy), endometriosis, endometritis, tumor formations.
• From the urinary system, this can be cystitis, pyelonephritis (pain can be localized in the lower back, radiating to the groin), renal colic.
• From the digestive system there may be colitis, intestinal infections, inguinal hernias, appendicitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Why does my lower abdomen hurt?

• Inflammation of the uterus;
• Adnexitis and salpingitis;
• Inflammation of the cervix;
• Adhesions in the pelvis;
• Pregnancy;
• Ovarian apoplexy;
• Endometriosis;
• Sexual infections;
• Cystitis and urethritis;
• Ovarian cyst;
• Uterine fibroids;
• Varicose veins of the pelvis;
• Oncological processes;
• Tumors.

There are cases when pain in the lower abdomen occurs even if the problem is in organs that are not located in the abdominal cavity and are not related to gynecology. For example, people may have problems with the lower lobes of the lungs or kidneys, which can cause abdominal pain on the left, right, or center.

What diseases cause “female-like” pain?

1. Cystitis. With the inflammatory process in the bladder, acute pain develops in the groin area, which becomes more severe when urination occurs. Sometimes it is very difficult for a woman to go to the toilet “little by little”, since this process causes severe pain.

2. Uterine myomatosis. Nagging pain in the lower abdomen is observed with this disease if the formation reaches a large size and puts pressure on neighboring organs and disrupts their functioning. In this case, the stomach aches and stings, and there is a dull, nagging pain on the right, left or in the middle. When a submucosal myomatous node is “born” on a stalk, the pain in the female genital organs is stabbing, cramping, and often radiates to the lower back.

3. Endometriosis. With this gynecological disease, damage occurs to the uterus, appendages, and the space behind the cervix. The pathological process is characterized by the spread of cells of the mucous membrane - the endometrium - beyond the uterus. In this case, pain in the lower back and lower abdomen appears before menstruation, increases during menstruation and decreases after menstruation. With the development of endometriosis of the appendages, there is aching in the left or right side - in the affected side.

4. Inflammation “feminine style”. Diseases such as inflammation of the appendages (adnexitis), fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and ovaries (oophoritis) lead to nagging pain in the lower sides of the abdomen. Depending on the location of the process, nagging pain occurs in the lower abdomen on the right (right-sided adnexitis) or aching, dull pain may develop on the left, as well as in the middle (left-sided adexitis). In chronic forms, pain is not expressed, but a long course is characteristic with periods of decrease (remission) and increase (relapse).

5. Pain in the lower abdomen after sexual intercourse. This type of pain can result from a lack of orgasm. It has a nagging character and occurs in parallel with psychological dissatisfaction. In addition, pain in the depths of the vagina after sex can occur as a result of various diseases - the presence of adhesions in the pelvis, a chronic form of adnexitis, cervicitis, endometritis, endometriosis, the presence of tumors of the genital organs. They can also appear if the vagina is narrow and the penis is of significant size (both in length and diameter). In gynecology, female pain that occurs at different stages of sexual intercourse is called dyspareunia. The pain can be different in appearance - sometimes a woman complains that there is pressure, tugging, burning, tingling in the groin area. Next, you can read more about the causes of pain in an intimate place in women in cases of a narrow vaginal opening and its small size.

6. Endometritis. Menstrual irregularities, pain in the middle of the abdomen and below appear due to inflammation of the endometrium, the mucous membrane of the uterus. In this case, the infectious process can easily spread to the appendages - the ovaries and tubes on one and/or the other side.

Pain in the left side and lower abdomen

In women, pain on the left side can be the result of gynecological problems, as well as diseases of other organs located in this area or in other parts of the body. In the latter case, gynecology speaks of pain irradiation.

Possible common causes of female pain in the lower left abdomen are as follows:

• torsion of the pedicle of the left ovarian cyst.
• apoplexy of the ovary on the left.
• neoplasms.
• inflammation of the uterus and appendages.
• left-sided ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy.
• adhesive process of the female genital organs.
• diseases of the intestines (sigmoid colon).
• pathologies of the urinary tract.

Why does my right side and lower abdomen hurt?

The first thing that needs to be ruled out when it comes to abdominal pain on the right side is inflammation of the appendix. But there are many other problems that have similar symptoms. In women, discomfort on the right side can be caused by the following diseases:

• cystitis;
• urolithiasis disease;
• pyelonephritis;
• adhesions in the pelvis;
• right-sided inflammation of the ovary;
• damage to the fallopian tube on the right;
• pathology of the ureter;
• ulcerative right-sided colitis.

Abdominal pain after menstruation

Some women report pain after menstruation. The reasons for this may be the presence of endometriotic lesions on the uterus, adnexitis, ovarian cysts, polyps, fibroids, infectious diseases, and an inflammatory process.

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