What should I do if I have pain in my lower left abdomen?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain in the lower left abdomen is a common symptom with many possible causes, ranging from mild digestive issues like gas, constipation, or diverticulitis to more serious conditions such as kidney stones, ovarian cysts, or, less commonly, appendicitis. Because the lower left abdomen contains parts of the colon, urinary tract, and reproductive organs, identifying the exact source often requires medical evaluation.

Since symptoms can overlap between minor and serious conditions, it's wise to get clarity quickly. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and get guidance on next steps—so you know whether to rest at home, see a doctor, or seek urgent care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain in the lower left abdomen can be caused by a variety of conditions. According to the literature, it can range from digestive issues to more serious conditions like appendicitis, even though appendicitis is more commonly on the right side.

Possible Causes:

Digestive Problems: These can include issues like diverticulitis, which is inflammation in the digestive tract.
Appendicitis: Although rare, appendicitis can occur on the left side and may be mistaken for other conditions.
Other Causes: There are other potential reasons for pain, such as infections or kidney stones.

What to Do:

Check Your Symptoms: Use our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes based on your specific symptoms.
See a Doctor: It's important to get checked by a healthcare professional to understand the cause of the pain.
Tests: The doctor may suggest tests like an ultrasound to see what's happening inside your body.

Remember, only a doctor can diagnose the cause of your pain, so it's important to seek medical advice.

(References)

Tursi A, Elisei W, Picchio M, Giorgetti GM, & Brandimarte G. (2015). Moderate to severe and prolonged left lower-abdominal .... Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 24583746.
Yang CY, Liu HY, Lin HL, & Lin JN. (2012). Left-sided acute appendicitis: a pitfall in the emergency .... The Journal of emergency medicine, 21550751.
Hollerweger A, Macheiner P, & Gritzmann N. (2003). Acute left lower quadrant abdominal pain. Ultraschall in der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980), 12599037.

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