ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-12 10:27:07 (2 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2022-12-16 09:32:09 (3 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Lower Abdominal Pain: Common Causes & Treatment |
| Meta Description | Lower abdominal pain may involve organs in your digestive system, urinary system or female reproductive system. It can be chronic or acute. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | What causes lower abdominal pain?
Lower abdominal pain is most likely to come from one of the organs in your lower abdominopelvic cavity. These include your:
Less commonly, pain may be referred from somewhere else in your body if it triggers
nerves
that travel between the two areas. Your
kidneys
live in the back of your abdominopelvic cavity, but pain in your kidneys may wrap around to the front.
Males
may feel
testicular pain
in their abdomen.
Types of pain
Abdominal pain can be acute or chronic, and so can its causes. Acute causes occur suddenly, and they’re usually temporary. They include injuries and most infections. Chronic diseases can cause chronic pain that persists for a long time or that comes and goes. Both types of pain can become progressively worse. This can be a sign that the disease is also getting worse. Seek urgent care for severe or progressive pain.
Is lower abdominal pain serious?
Some causes are serious and some aren’t. It can be hard to tell from the way you feel. If your pain is severe or getting worse, it’s worth seeking medical care regardless of what’s causing it. A healthcare provider can help relieve your pain while also investigating the cause. If you’ve had chronic pain for a while and you don’t know why, that’s also worth investigating, even if it doesn’t feel too severe.
What is the most common cause of lower abdominal pain?
Most of your small and large intestines are in your lower abdominal cavity, and they take up most of the space in there. For this reason, conditions affecting your intestines are the most common causes of lower abdominal pain. These include everyday digestive problems such as
gas
and
indigestion,
diarrhea
and
constipation
. They also include more serious
gastrointestinal diseases,
both chronic and acute.
You may have indigestion, gas or problems with your poop if you have a
food allergy or intolerance,
or if your
digestive system
isn’t working right. Many things can interfere with the digestive process. You may also feel pain if your intestines are inflamed, which happens when your immune system is activated.
Inflammation
in your small intestine (
enteritis
) or in your large intestine (
colitis
) may be caused by:
What causes lower abdominal pain in females?
If you have
female reproductive organs
, these also live in your lower abdominopelvic region. These organs are another common cause of lower abdominal pain. After all, it can be hard to tell the difference between intestinal cramps and
menstrual cramps
because your uterus and intestines are so close together. While some period pain is normal, it can sometimes indicate a problem, such as:
You also may feel pain in your ovaries if you have:
What else causes lower abdominal pain?
When your digestive system or your female reproductive system isn’t involved, you may have pain originating from your
urinary system
. A
urinary tract infection
is a common cause of pain in your bladder or ureters.
Kidney infections
may cause lower abdominal pain if it radiates from your back. You may also have
bladder inflammation
or
kidney pain
from other irritations or diseases.
What if my lower abdominal pain is just on the left or right side?
Lower left abdominal pain is often related to
diverticulosis
and
diverticulitis
of the colon. Diverticula, pouches that develop in your colon wall, most often occur on the lower left side. These pouches make great hiding places for bacteria and can easily become infected, causing inflammation and pain.
Lower right abdominal pain may be related to your appendix, which branches off to the right from your large intestine. Inflammation in your appendix (
appendicitis
) is a common cause of lower abdominal pain. An inflamed appendix can also burst, spreading infection to your peritoneum (
peritonitis
).
You may also have lower abdominal pain on one side if you have a condition affecting one ovary or one kidney. A growth, such as a tumor or a cyst, may occur in one ovary or one kidney on either side. A
kidney stone
usually affects one kidney at a time. Ovulation pain usually affects one ovary at a time. |
| Markdown | 
Locations:
[Abu Dhabi](https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en)\|[Canada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/canada)\|[Florida](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida)\|[London](https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/)\|[Nevada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/nevada)\|[Ohio](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)\|

[855\.733.3712](tel:8557333712)\|[MyChart](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/online-services/mychart)\|[Need Help?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/help)\|[Careers](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/)\|[Donate Now](https://give.ccf.org/give/187824#!/donation/checkout)\|

[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)
[Find a Provider](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/providers)[Locations and Directions](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations)[Services](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services)[Patients and Visitors](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients)[Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health)
- [Find a Provider](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/providers)
- [Locations and Directions](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations)
- [Services](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services)
- [Patients and Visitors](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients)
- [Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health)
[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/search)
Menu
[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/search)[Appointments](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/access)
[Home](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)/
[Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health)/
[Symptoms](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms)/
Lower Abdominal Pain
Advertisement
Advertisement
# Lower Abdominal Pain
Medically Reviewed.
Last updated on 12/12/2022.
If you have abdominal pain below your belly button, your healthcare provider might call it lower abdominal pain. Dividing the abdomen into regions helps narrow down the many causes of abdominal pain.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising)
Care at Cleveland Clinic
[Get Express Care and Urgent Care Services](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/express-care-urgent-care)
[Schedule an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webappointment/what-to-expect)
Contents
[Overview](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#overview)[Possible Causes](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#possible-causes)[Care and Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#care-and-treatment)[When To Call the Doctor](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#when-to-call-the-doctor)
Contents
[Overview](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#overview)[Possible Causes](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#possible-causes)[Care and Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#care-and-treatment)[When To Call the Doctor](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain#when-to-call-the-doctor)
## Overview
**Video content:** This video is available to watch online.
View video online (https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/p/2207941/sp/220794100/playManifest/entryId/1\_8fcpkkf4/flavorId/1\_5f3sgelj/format/url/protocol/https/a.mp4)
Mapping abdominal pain based on its location and associated symptoms.
Mapping abdominal pain based on its location and associated symptoms.
### What is lower abdominal pain?
[Abdominal pain](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4167-abdominal-pain) has many causes and may involve many different organs. To help narrow it down, healthcare providers often think of the abdomen in regions. Your lower abdomen is the portion that falls under your belly button. Lower abdominal pain may involve any of the organs that live between your belly button and your pubic bone. This includes abdominal organs and pelvic organs. With pain, it can be hard to tell the difference.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising)
## Possible Causes
### What causes lower abdominal pain?
Lower abdominal pain is most likely to come from one of the organs in your lower abdominopelvic cavity. These include your:
- [Small intestine](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22135-small-intestine).
- [Colon](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22134-colon-large-intestine).
- Appendix.
- [Ovaries](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22999-ovaries).
- [Uterus](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22467-uterus).
- Ureters.
- Bladder.
- [Peritoneum](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22894-peritoneum).
Less commonly, pain may be referred from somewhere else in your body if it triggers [nerves](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22584-nerves) that travel between the two areas. Your [kidneys](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21824-kidney) live in the back of your abdominopelvic cavity, but pain in your kidneys may wrap around to the front. [Males](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/sex-recorded-at-birth) may feel [testicular pain](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16292-testicular-pain) in their abdomen.
#### Types of pain
Abdominal pain can be acute or chronic, and so can its causes. Acute causes occur suddenly, and they’re usually temporary. They include injuries and most infections. Chronic diseases can cause chronic pain that persists for a long time or that comes and goes. Both types of pain can become progressively worse. This can be a sign that the disease is also getting worse. Seek urgent care for severe or progressive pain.
#### Is lower abdominal pain serious?
Some causes are serious and some aren’t. It can be hard to tell from the way you feel. If your pain is severe or getting worse, it’s worth seeking medical care regardless of what’s causing it. A healthcare provider can help relieve your pain while also investigating the cause. If you’ve had chronic pain for a while and you don’t know why, that’s also worth investigating, even if it doesn’t feel too severe.
Advertisement
#### What is the most common cause of lower abdominal pain?
Most of your small and large intestines are in your lower abdominal cavity, and they take up most of the space in there. For this reason, conditions affecting your intestines are the most common causes of lower abdominal pain. These include everyday digestive problems such as [gas](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7314-gas-and-gas-pain) and [indigestion,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia) [diarrhea](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea) and [constipation](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation). They also include more serious [gastrointestinal diseases,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases) both chronic and acute.
You may have indigestion, gas or problems with your poop if you have a [food allergy or intolerance,](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/allergy-or-intolerance-how-to-tell-the-difference/) or if your [digestive system](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/7041-digestive-system) isn’t working right. Many things can interfere with the digestive process. You may also feel pain if your intestines are inflamed, which happens when your immune system is activated. [Inflammation](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation) in your small intestine ([enteritis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23049-enteritis-inflammation-small-intestine)) or in your large intestine ([colitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23384-colitis)) may be caused by:
- [Infections](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12418-gastroenteritis).
- [Ulcers](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10350-peptic-ulcer-disease).
- [Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/digestive/depts/inflammatory-bowel-disorders).
- [Celiac disease](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14240-celiac-disease).
- [Small bowel obstruction or large bowel obstruction](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/bowel-obstruction).
- [Small intestine cancer](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6225-small-intestine-cancer) or [colon cancer](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14501-colorectal-colon-cancer).
#### What causes lower abdominal pain in females?
If you have [female reproductive organs](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9118-female-reproductive-system), these also live in your lower abdominopelvic region. These organs are another common cause of lower abdominal pain. After all, it can be hard to tell the difference between intestinal cramps and [menstrual cramps](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea) because your uterus and intestines are so close together. While some period pain is normal, it can sometimes indicate a problem, such as:
- [Endometriosis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10857-endometriosis).
- [Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid).
- [Uterine fibroids](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids).
- [Uterine cancer](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16409-uterine-cancer).
You also may feel pain in your ovaries if you have:
- [Ovulation pain](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9134-ovulation-pain-mittelschmerz).
- [Ovarian cysts](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9133-ovarian-cysts).
- [Ovarian tumors](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6186-ovarian-germ-cell-tumors).
- [Ovarian cancer](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4447-ovarian-cancer).
#### What else causes lower abdominal pain?
When your digestive system or your female reproductive system isn’t involved, you may have pain originating from your [urinary system](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21197-urinary-system). A [urinary tract infection](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections) is a common cause of pain in your bladder or ureters. [Kidney infections](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15456-kidney-infection-pyelonephritis) may cause lower abdominal pain if it radiates from your back. You may also have [bladder inflammation](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21203-bladder-inflammation-cystitis) or [kidney pain](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17688-kidney-pain) from other irritations or diseases.
#### What if my lower abdominal pain is just on the left or right side?
Lower left abdominal pain is often related to [diverticulosis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24883-diverticulosis) and [diverticulitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10352-diverticulitis) of the colon. Diverticula, pouches that develop in your colon wall, most often occur on the lower left side. These pouches make great hiding places for bacteria and can easily become infected, causing inflammation and pain.
Lower right abdominal pain may be related to your appendix, which branches off to the right from your large intestine. Inflammation in your appendix ([appendicitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8095-appendicitis)) is a common cause of lower abdominal pain. An inflamed appendix can also burst, spreading infection to your peritoneum ([peritonitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17831-peritonitis)).
You may also have lower abdominal pain on one side if you have a condition affecting one ovary or one kidney. A growth, such as a tumor or a cyst, may occur in one ovary or one kidney on either side. A [kidney stone](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15604-kidney-stones) usually affects one kidney at a time. Ovulation pain usually affects one ovary at a time.
Advertisement
## Care and Treatment
### What treatment is available for lower abdominal pain?
You can treat milder pain at home with over-the-counter (OTC) [analgesics,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21483-analgesics) such as [NSAIDs](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/11086-non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-medicines-nsaids) and [acetaminophen](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20900-acetaminophen-dissolving-tablets). Or you may need prescription [pain relievers](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/12058-pain-relievers), such as [steroids](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4812-corticosteroids) or [opioids](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21127-opioids), depending on your condition. If you go to the hospital with severe pain, they might give you medication through an IV. They’ll also look to isolate and treat the underlying cause of your pain, which might be many things.
The most common causes of lower abdominal pain aren’t serious. You can often treat intestinal or menstrual cramps at home with rest, heat and hydration. Try giving your digestive system a rest if it’s bothering you, and stick to broths and teas for a day. Herbal teas such as peppermint, licorice, and ginger can help soothe your digestive system. In the longer term, you might want to adjust your diet.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
[Get Express Care and Urgent Care Services](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/express-care-urgent-care)
[Schedule an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webappointment/what-to-expect)
## When To Call the Doctor

**Image content:** This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/Images/org/health/articles/24530-lower-abdominal-pain)
See a healthcare provider if you have any of these red flag symptoms with lower abdominal pain.
### When should I worry about lower abdominal pain?
See a healthcare provider if:
- Your pain is sudden and severe.
- Your pain doesn’t go away or gets worse.
- Your [abdomen is distended](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21819-abdominal-distension-distended-abdomen) and rigid or tender to the touch.
- You have [blood in your urine](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15234-hematuria) or [in your poop](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/14612-rectal-bleeding).
- You have persistent [fever](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-fever) or [nausea](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/nausea) and [vomiting](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/vomiting).
- You have signs of [jaundice](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15367-adult-jaundice) (yellowing of your skin and eyes).
- You haven’t been able to eat in days.
- You haven’t had a bowel movement in days.
- You’ve recently been injured.
- You’re pregnant.
Advertisement
### A note from Cleveland Clinic
Lower abdominal pain is common, but sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s hurting. You may have a hunch if your symptoms follow your digestive cycle or your menstrual cycle. You may be able to identify an infection in one of your organs by the other symptoms it brings along with pain. Less common and less recognizable diseases and conditions may need a healthcare provider to diagnose and treat them.
Advertisement
[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/)

## Better health starts here
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
[Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)[Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up)
[Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up)[Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)
### Experts You Can Trust
Medically Reviewed.
Last updated on 12/12/2022.
Learn more about the [Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/about) and our [editorial process](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/editorial-policy).
### References
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
#### View Sources
### Experts You Can Trust
Medically Reviewed.
Last updated on 12/12/2022.
### References
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
- Better Health Channel. Abdominal pain in adults *(https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/abdominal-pain-in-adults)*. Accessed 12/12/2022.
- National Library of Medicine. Abdominal pain *(https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003120.htm)*. Accessed 12/12/2022.
- NHS inform. Stomach ache and abdominal pain *(https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/stomach-ache-and-abdominal-pain)*. Accessed 12/12/2022.
### Care at Cleveland Clinic
Need care fast? Cleveland Clinic’s Express Care and Urgent Care locations treat everything from sprains to sinus infections — no appointment needed.

[Get Express Care and Urgent Care Services](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/%20https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/express-care-urgent-care)
[Schedule an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webappointment/what-to-expect)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Ad
Appointments [216\.444.7000](tel:2164447000)
[Appointments & Locations](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/digestive/appointments-locations)
[Request an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webappointment/what-to-expect)
[Contact Us](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webmail)
[Find a ProviderNeed a primary care doctor or a specialist? Our Find a Provider tool makes it easy to search Cleveland Clinic’s trusted network.](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/providers)
[LocationsFind any of our 300+ locations.](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations)
[AppointmentsGet the in-person or virtual care you need.](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/access)
### Subscribe to Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
[Sign Up Today](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-newsletter?utm_medium=email&utm_source=jotform&utm_campaign=he&utm_content=signuppage)
### Actions
[Appointments & Access](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/access)[Accepted Insurance](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/accepted-insurance)[Events Calendar](https://events.clevelandclinic.org/)[Financial Assistance](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/financial-assistance)[Give to Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving)[Pay Your Bill Online](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/payment-options)[Price Transparency](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/billing-finance/comprehensive-hospital-charges)[Refer a Patient](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/professionals/referring)[Phone Directory](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/contact/phone-directory)[Virtual Second Opinions](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/online-services/virtual-second-opinions)[Virtual Visits](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/online-services/virtual-visits)
### About Cleveland Clinic
[100 Years of Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/history)[About Us](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about)[Locations](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations)[Quality & Patient Safety](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/patient-experience/depts/quality-patient-safety)[Patient Experience](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/patient-experience/depts/office-patient-experience)[Research & Innovations](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/research)[Community Commitment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/community)[Careers](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/)[For Employees](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/for-employees)[Resources for Medical Professionals](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/professionals)
### Subscribe to Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
[Sign Up Today](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-newsletter?utm_medium=email&utm_source=jotform&utm_campaign=he&utm_content=signuppage)
Follow Cleveland Clinic
[](https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandClinic)
[](https://twitter.com/clevelandclinic)
[](https://www.youtube.com/user/clevelandclinic)
[](https://www.instagram.com/clevelandclinic/)
[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleveland-clinic)
Blog, News & Apps
[Consult QD](https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/)
[Health Essentials](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/)
[Newsroom](https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/)
[MyClevelandClinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/mobile-apps/myclevelandclinic)
[MyChart](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/online-services/mychart)
Site Information & Policies
[Send Us Feedback](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webcontact/webmail)
[About this Website](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website)
[Advertising Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising)
[Social Media Policy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/social-media)
[Copyright, Reprint & Licensing](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/reprints-licensing)
[Website Terms of Use](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/terms-of-use)
[Privacy Policy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/privacy-security)
[Notice of Privacy Practices](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/privacy-practices)
[Non-Discrimination and Availability](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/non-discrimination-notice)
[Call: 800\.223.2273](tel:8002232273) \| 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 \| © 2026 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved. |
| Readable Markdown | ### What causes lower abdominal pain?
Lower abdominal pain is most likely to come from one of the organs in your lower abdominopelvic cavity. These include your:
Less commonly, pain may be referred from somewhere else in your body if it triggers [nerves](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22584-nerves) that travel between the two areas. Your [kidneys](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21824-kidney) live in the back of your abdominopelvic cavity, but pain in your kidneys may wrap around to the front. [Males](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/sex-recorded-at-birth) may feel [testicular pain](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16292-testicular-pain) in their abdomen.
#### Types of pain
Abdominal pain can be acute or chronic, and so can its causes. Acute causes occur suddenly, and they’re usually temporary. They include injuries and most infections. Chronic diseases can cause chronic pain that persists for a long time or that comes and goes. Both types of pain can become progressively worse. This can be a sign that the disease is also getting worse. Seek urgent care for severe or progressive pain.
#### Is lower abdominal pain serious?
Some causes are serious and some aren’t. It can be hard to tell from the way you feel. If your pain is severe or getting worse, it’s worth seeking medical care regardless of what’s causing it. A healthcare provider can help relieve your pain while also investigating the cause. If you’ve had chronic pain for a while and you don’t know why, that’s also worth investigating, even if it doesn’t feel too severe.
#### What is the most common cause of lower abdominal pain?
Most of your small and large intestines are in your lower abdominal cavity, and they take up most of the space in there. For this reason, conditions affecting your intestines are the most common causes of lower abdominal pain. These include everyday digestive problems such as [gas](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7314-gas-and-gas-pain) and [indigestion,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/7316-indigestion-dyspepsia) [diarrhea](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4108-diarrhea) and [constipation](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation). They also include more serious [gastrointestinal diseases,](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases) both chronic and acute.
You may have indigestion, gas or problems with your poop if you have a [food allergy or intolerance,](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/allergy-or-intolerance-how-to-tell-the-difference/) or if your [digestive system](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/7041-digestive-system) isn’t working right. Many things can interfere with the digestive process. You may also feel pain if your intestines are inflamed, which happens when your immune system is activated. [Inflammation](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation) in your small intestine ([enteritis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23049-enteritis-inflammation-small-intestine)) or in your large intestine ([colitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23384-colitis)) may be caused by:
#### What causes lower abdominal pain in females?
If you have [female reproductive organs](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9118-female-reproductive-system), these also live in your lower abdominopelvic region. These organs are another common cause of lower abdominal pain. After all, it can be hard to tell the difference between intestinal cramps and [menstrual cramps](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4148-dysmenorrhea) because your uterus and intestines are so close together. While some period pain is normal, it can sometimes indicate a problem, such as:
You also may feel pain in your ovaries if you have:
#### What else causes lower abdominal pain?
When your digestive system or your female reproductive system isn’t involved, you may have pain originating from your [urinary system](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21197-urinary-system). A [urinary tract infection](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections) is a common cause of pain in your bladder or ureters. [Kidney infections](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15456-kidney-infection-pyelonephritis) may cause lower abdominal pain if it radiates from your back. You may also have [bladder inflammation](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21203-bladder-inflammation-cystitis) or [kidney pain](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17688-kidney-pain) from other irritations or diseases.
#### What if my lower abdominal pain is just on the left or right side?
Lower left abdominal pain is often related to [diverticulosis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24883-diverticulosis) and [diverticulitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10352-diverticulitis) of the colon. Diverticula, pouches that develop in your colon wall, most often occur on the lower left side. These pouches make great hiding places for bacteria and can easily become infected, causing inflammation and pain.
Lower right abdominal pain may be related to your appendix, which branches off to the right from your large intestine. Inflammation in your appendix ([appendicitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8095-appendicitis)) is a common cause of lower abdominal pain. An inflamed appendix can also burst, spreading infection to your peritoneum ([peritonitis](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17831-peritonitis)).
You may also have lower abdominal pain on one side if you have a condition affecting one ovary or one kidney. A growth, such as a tumor or a cyst, may occur in one ovary or one kidney on either side. A [kidney stone](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15604-kidney-stones) usually affects one kidney at a time. Ovulation pain usually affects one ovary at a time. |
| Shard | 143 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 9889140825964526943 |
| Unparsed URL | org,clevelandclinic!my,/health/symptoms/24530-lower-abdominal-pain s443 |