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[Sleep Products](https://www.health.com/sleep-products-and-reviews-6951528) - [Over the Counter](https://www.health.com/over-the-counter-products-8651366) - [Skincare](https://www.health.com/skincare-products-6951522) - [View All](https://www.health.com/what-to-buy-6951517) [About Us](https://www.health.com/about-us-8415145) - [Editorial Process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) - [Medical Expert Board](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047) - [Testing and Vetting Products](https://www.health.com/how-health-com-test-products-5224057) # 18 Common Causes of Pain in the Right Side of the Stomach By [Mark Gurarie](https://www.health.com/author/mark-gurarie) ![A headshot of Mark Gurarie in front of a bookshelf.]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Mark_Gurarie_Headshot-855237af3b334c6494f1fd2a9403797a.jpg) [Mark Gurarie](https://www.health.com/author/mark-gurarie) Mark Gurarie is a writer covering health topics, technology, music, books, and culture. He also teaches health science and research writing at George Washington University's School of Medical and Health Sciences. [health's editorial guidelines](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) Updated on August 10, 2025 Medically reviewed by [Robert Burakoff, MD](https://www.health.com/author/robert-burakoff-md-mph) ![Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/RobertBurakoff-f56574c849234fbaa95d49f2a1c07dd6.jpeg) Medically reviewed by [Robert Burakoff, MD](https://www.health.com/author/robert-burakoff-md-mph) Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who serves as vice chair of Ambulatory Services at Lower Manhattan Hospital and professor of medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College. [learn more](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-medical-expert-board-5224047) [Follow Us On](https://profile.google.com/cp/CgovbS8wMnZwdm4w) In This Article View All In This Article - [Causes](https://www.health.com/right-side-pain-7852593#toc-what-causes-pain-in-right-side-of-stomach) - [In Females](https://www.health.com/right-side-pain-7852593#toc-causes-of-right-side-stomach-pain-in-females) - [In Males](https://www.health.com/right-side-pain-7852593#toc-causes-of-right-side-stomach-pain-in-males) - [Treatment](https://www.health.com/right-side-pain-7852593#toc-how-you-can-treat-abdominal-pain) - [When To Seek Care](https://www.health.com/right-side-pain-7852593#toc-when-to-seek-care) Pain on the right side of your stomach is often a sign of gas or indigestion, and tends to resolve on its own within a couple of days. Understanding the causes of right-side stomach pain can help you recognize when it might be serious and how to treat it. ![A woman holds her arms over her abdomen in pain]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Health-GettyImages-1382291597-00c4bcadccfc4ef8aa2d56a571ca7f63.jpg) dragana991 / Getty Images ## What Causes Pain in Right Side of Stomach? A wide range of conditions—from minor to severe—can cause right-side stomach pain. ### 1\. Appendicitis Appendicitis is an [inflammation of the appendix](https://www.health.com/appendicitis-causes-7970773), which can cause blockages in the digestive system. Pain around your belly button that gets sharper over time is one of the first signs of appendicitis. It typically moves to the right side of the abdomen. ### 2\. Gallstones A gallstone is the formation of a hard material in your gallbladder. It often does not cause symptoms, but it can lead to [biliary colic](https://www.health.com/biliary-colic-treatment-8685708) (gallbladder attack). A gallbladder attack causes upper right-side stomach pain if the gallstone blocks the bile ducts. The pain can last for several hours, usually after eating or in the evening. ### 3\. Kidney Stones Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) occurs when a solid, crystallized material forms in your kidneys. Brief or long-lasting pain in your back or side can occur if the [kidney stones](https://www.health.com/kidney-stones-overview-7487036) block urine flow. ### 4\. Hernia A hernia is a sac that develops when organs push through weak areas or holes in tissues or walls. It can be a source of stomach pain. ### 5\. Dyspepsia (Indigestion) Along with pain, dyspepsia (indigestion) can cause burning in your chest, burping, gas, and [nausea](https://www.health.com/nausea-7368221). Common causes include: - Acid reflux - Drinking too much alcohol, coffee, or carbonated beverages - Eating too quickly - Gastritis - Smoking ### 6\. Gas and Bloating A build-up of intestinal gas may cause painful bloating and distention (stomach swelling). Causes can range from constipation to celiac disease or [irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.health.com/what-causes-irritable-bowel-syndrome-8738053) (IBS). ### 7\. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is a type of [urinary tract infection](https://www.health.com/urinary-tract-infection-7372549) (UTI) that travels from your bladder to your kidneys. In addition to stomach pain, symptoms include a fever and painful urination. ### 8\. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS causes diarrhea, constipation, or both. Stomach pain caused by IBS is often associated with these changes in [bowel habits](https://www.health.com/bowel-movement-7096775). ### 9\. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes [Crohn's disease](https://www.health.com/condition/crohns-disease-overview) and ulcerative colitis. Both cause digestive inflammation. Inflammation of the small intestine or colon may cause right-side stomach pain. ## Causes of Right-Side Stomach Pain in Females Causes of right-side stomach pain in females are often related to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. ### 10\. Menstrual Cramps You may feel a throbbing pain in your lower abdomen in the days leading up to and during [your period](https://www.health.com/period-symptoms-7569621). The tightening and relaxing of your uterine muscles causes cramps. ### 11\. Ovulation About 20% of people who menstruate have [mittelschmerz](https://www.health.com/ovulation-pain-8701231), or sharp, cramp-like ovulation pain. You can usually feel this pain on the left or right side, and it can change from month to month. ### 12\. Ovarian Cysts Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the ovaries. You might have a dull pain in your lower abdomen on the side of the ovarian cyst. The pain can be sharp or dull, and it may come and go. Sudden, sharp pain may develop if the ovarian cyst bursts or causes the ovary to twist. ### 13\. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition in which abnormal tissue growth outside the uterus occurs. People with [endometriosis](https://www.health.com/endometriosis-7152446) are 13 times likelier to have stomach pain than people without. ### 14\. Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy, or when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, often causes one-sided pelvic pain. You might experience severe, sharp, sudden pain if there is a rupture and bleeding. ### 15\. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection and inflammation of the pelvis. It can cause lower stomach pain, as well as unusual vaginal discharge and odor. ### 16\. Ovarian Torsion Ovarian torsion is when the ovary twists, which causes a loss of blood supply to the organ. It causes sharp or dull lower stomach pain that sometimes moves higher up. ## Causes of Right-Side Stomach Pain in Males Causes of right-side stomach pain in males affect the testicles and prostate. ### 17\. Testicular Torsion Testicular torsion is when a testicle wraps around the spermatic cord, or a bundle of tissues in your abdomen. It can cut off blood flow to the testicle, which can cause severe pain. ### 18\. Prostatitis Bacteria, irritation, or weak [pelvic floor muscles](https://www.health.com/how-to-strengthen-your-pelvic-floor-8777813) may cause prostatitis, or inflammation in the prostate. You may develop pain near the genital area or your lower back. ## How You Can Treat Abdominal Pain Home remedies that treat less severe pain include: - **Avoid smoking**. - **Chew your food** thoroughly and slowly. - **Cut out foods and drinks** like alcohol, caffeine, and acidic, spicy, greasy, or fatty foods. - **Decrease late-night snacking**. - **Maintain a healthy weight** for you. - **Manage stress**. - **Try medications** like antacids, proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), or H2 blockers. - **Wait 1-2 hours after eating** to exercise. Medical treatments may be necessary if you have a condition like celiac disease, IBD, or kidney stones. ## When To Seek Care Seek medical care if your pain lasts over a week, worsens, or occurs with nausea and vomiting. Talk to a doctor if you have symptoms like: - Fever - Frequent or painful urination - Loss of appetite - Persistent bloating or diarrhea - Unexplained weight loss - Vaginal bleeding ### When To Get Emergency Care Get medical attention right away if you have stomach pain during pregnancy or while receiving cancer treatment. Other signs to get emergency care include: - Blood in your vomit - Dark, tarry, or [red stool](https://www.health.com/red-poop-8721046) - Difficulty breathing - An inability to poop, especially if you have nausea - Rigidity or tenderness in your abdomen - Sudden, very sharp stomach pain ## A Quick Review There are many reasons you may have right-side stomach pain—from gas or indigestion to conditions like kidney stones and appendicitis. Contact a doctor if you have concerns. Treatment can include dietary or lifestyle changes and medications. Updated by [Emily Santora](https://www.health.com/emily-santora-7092547) ![Emily Santora]() :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/Photo1ES-EmilySantora-26c1d7cfc1d549ffb70e29ace3cd9993.jpg) [Emily Santora](https://www.health.com/emily-santora-7092547) As a student at Arizona State University, Emily was a writer and editor for the Embryo Project Encyclopedia, where she researched, wrote, and published over 18 peer-reviewed encyclopedia articles. As a writer, Emily studied and wrote articles about the menstrual cycle. [learn more](https://www.health.com/about-us-8415145) Read more: - [Health Conditions A-Z](https://www.health.com/diseases-conditions) - [Pain](https://www.health.com/condition/chronic-pain) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! Tell us why\! Other 21 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.health.com/health-com-s-editorial-process-5224046) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. MedlinePlus. [Abdominal pain](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003120.htm). 2. MedlinePlus. [Appendicitis](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000256.htm). 3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of gallstones](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/symptoms-causes). 4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of kidney stones](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes). 5. MedlinePlus. [Hernia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000960.htm). 6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of indigestion](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia/symptoms-causes). 7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Symptoms & causes of gas in the digestive tract](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gas-digestive-tract/symptoms-causes). 8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-infection-pyelonephritis). 9. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/definition-facts). 10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Inflammatory bowel disease basics](https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/about/). 11. MedlinePlus. [Period pain](https://medlineplus.gov/periodpain.html). 12. MedlinePlus. [Mittelschmerz](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001503.htm). 13. Office on Women's Health. [Ovarian cysts](https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/ovarian-cysts). 14. Maddern J, Grundy L, Castro J, Brierley SM. [Pain in endometriosis](https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2020.590823). *Front Cell Neurosci*. 2020;14:590823. doi:10.3389/fncel.2020.590823 15. MedlinePlus. [Ectopic pregnancy](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000895.htm). 16. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [About pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)](https://www.cdc.gov/pid/about/). 17. Baron SL, Mathai JK. [Ovarian torsion](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560675/). In: *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. 18. Schick MA, Sternard BT. [Testicular torsion](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448199/). In: *StatPearls*. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. 19. MedlinePlus. [Prostatitis - bacterial](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000519.htm). 20. MedlinePlus. [Prostatitis - nonbacterial](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000524.htm). 21. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 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