That twinge in your lower left abdomen – annoying, right? It's a common complaint, and while it's usually nothing serious, it's worth understanding potential causes.
One frequent culprit is gas and bloating. Dietary choices, like beans and broccoli, can contribute. Constipation can also cause discomfort in this area.
For women, ovulation pain (Mittelschmerz) can sometimes be felt on the left side. More seriously, conditions like ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancies can present with lower left abdominal pain. If you're sexually active, consider pregnancy testing.
Diverticulitis, an inflammation or infection in small pouches in the colon, is another possibility, especially in older adults. Kidney stones, although often felt in the flank, can sometimes radiate to the lower abdomen.
Less common causes include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
When to worry? If the pain is severe, persistent, accompanied by fever, vomiting, bloody stools, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare professional can properly diagnose the cause of your lower left abdominal pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.
