Left Lower Qaudrant Abdominal Pain

The left lower quadrant abdominal area is located to the left of an imaginary line drawn from the navel down to the groin. Pain in this area is most common in women.

About

This area of the abdomen houses the left ovary and tube in women, as well as the lower end of the left kidney, the left urethra, part of the urinary bladder and part of the large bowel. Pain in this area could indicate a disorder of any one of these or could be a symptom of something entirely different.

Symptoms

Pain in this area can be a constant ache or consist of shooting pains. Pain may be accompanied by a hard, rigid area in the lower abdomen, gas and irregularity or nausea.

Causes in Women

Women experiencing pains in this area could be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, which is seen mostly in women, or an ovarian cyst. Pain in this area could also be a sign of endometriosis or an ectopic pregnancy.

General Causes

Pain in the lower left quadrant is often caused by a disorder with one of the organs in the area. A kidney stone or hernia could be other possible causes.

Treatment

Treatment of this pain begins with diagnosis. It could be as simple as over-the-counter medications or the disorder may require surgery. A physician should be consulted before treatment begins.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Abdominal Pain
• Abdopain.com: Lower Left Abdominal Pain Common Causes In Both Sexes