What could be causing pain in my abdomen?

There are many reasons you might have pain in your abdomen. Common causes of abdominal pain include digestive issues like gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infections such as gastroenteritis, inflammatory conditions like appendicitis or diverticulitis, and structural problems such as hernias or gallstones. Hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications can also trigger abdominal discomfort. Pain can also be associated with urinary or reproductive organs. Kidney stones or bladder infections and uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts can all cause abdominal pain. The location of your abdominal pain can often provide clues about what's causing it. For instance, pain in the upper right abdomen might be related to your gallbladder, while lower right pain could suggest appendicitis. Pain that moves or changes in intensity throughout the day may be due to digestive issues. Your abdominal muscles can also be strained or injured causing pain. It is important to note the location of the pain, how long it lasts, and other symptoms like fever or vomiting. Keeping track of these details can help a doctor identify a cause. If your abdominal pain is severe, long-lasting, or worsening, you can use our free symptom checker to help understand what might be causing your discomfort before speaking with a healthcare provider.