Women & Abdominal Pain

Most women will experience some abdominal discomfort at some point due to menstrual cramps, gas pains or an upset stomach, but others suffer from much more serious abdominal pain. It is important to recognize the difference between the symptoms.

Lower Abdomen

If you feel pain in the lower region of your abdomen, you could be experiencing normal menstrual cramps, or you could be exhibiting beginning signs of endometriosis, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts, common gynecological issues for women.

Upper Abdomen

According to the Mayo Clinic, typically gynecological issues do not occur in the upper abdomen. If you feel pain here, you could be suffering from appendicitis, gallstones or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Severity of Pain

You may feel mild pain with mild cases of pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts or irritable bowel syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your pain may increase with active endometriosis, a torsioned ovarian cyst or degenerating uterine fibroids.

Onset of Pain

If you experience sudden pain, you may be suffering from an ectopic pregnancy or a ruptured ovarian cyst. You may also be experiencing some gastrological issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Minor Abdominal Pain

Besides menstrual cramps, you may also experience pain from diarrhea and constipation in your lower abdomen area. The cramps may be related to something you ate rather than irritable bowel syndrome.

References

• Mayo Clinic-Causes of Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal and Pelvic Pain
• Lower Abdominal Pain in Women

Resources

• Mayo Clinic-Ovarian Cysts
• Cleveland Clinic-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease