Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain
The causes of experiencing pain in the lower left abdomen can be categorized based on gender. Below is a detailed explanation of these causes:
Causes in Men
In men, lower left abdominal pain can result from several factors and conditions, including:
- Inguinal Hernia.
- Testicular Torsion.
Causes in Women
Women may experience lower left abdominal pain due to a variety of factors, with the most common causes outlined below:
- Pain associated with menstruation.
- Endometriosis, also known as ectopic endometrial tissue.
- Ovarian Cysts.
- Ovarian Torsion.
- Ectopic Pregnancy.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Other Causes
There are numerous other potential causes of lower left abdominal pain, regardless of gender. Below is a list of these conditions:
- Diverticulitis.
- Celiac Disease.
- Abdominal Gas.
- Lactose Intolerance.
- Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
- Dyspepsia.
- Shingles.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Hernia.
- Constipation.
- Kidney Stones.
- Intestinal Obstruction.
Diagnosis of Lower Abdominal Pain
To diagnose the underlying cause of abdominal pain, a physician will ask specific questions regarding the pain’s characteristics, duration, and whether the patient has any existing medical or psychological conditions. The diagnosis is further supported through various tests, including:
- Physical Examination.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC), liver enzymes, and pancreatic enzymes.
- Pregnancy Test.
- Urinalysis.
- Abdominal X-ray.
- Ultrasound.
- CT Scan of the abdomen.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Barium X-ray.
- Capsule Endoscopy.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.
- Endoscopic Ultrasound.