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Published on: 8/20/2026

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

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Left lower abdominal pain has several possible causes. The most common include:

  • Digestive issues: constipation, gas, diverticulitis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Urinary problems: urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney stones
  • Reproductive concerns (in women): ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or ectopic pregnancy
  • Muscular strain or hernias in the lower abdominal wall

Symptoms can range from mild cramping to sharp, severe pain, and may be accompanied by bloating, nausea, changes in bowel habits, or fever. While some causes resolve on their own, others—like diverticulitis, kidney stones, or ectopic pregnancy—require prompt medical attention.

Because the potential causes vary so widely, self-diagnosing left lower abdominal pain is difficult and often misleading. A quick, guided assessment can help you narrow down likely causes based on your specific symptoms, age, and medical history—saving you time, worry, and unnecessary trips to urgent care. Take a free, instant symptom check now to better understand what's going on and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Pain on the left side of your belly can be associated with a number of issues. Issues in the colon can present with pain in this area. A common cause is constipation. Another relatively common cause is a condition called diverticulitis which happens when small pouches in the colon become inflamed and infected. For people with ovaries, ovarian cysts or even twisting of the ovary (called ovarian torsion) can cause pain on that side. For people with testicles, problems associated with the left testicle can cause pain in the left lower abdomen. Urinary tract infections and kidney stones can also cause pain on the left side. If pain is severe, persists, or is associated with other symptoms like fever or change in stool, it is important to get checked out by a healthcare provider for a more complete evaluation. You can start by using our free AI symptom checker to help identify possible causes and determine if you need immediate care.

(References)

  • Greco S, Maconi G, Bareggi E, Radice E, Porro GB, Norsa A. An infrequent cause of acute left lower quadrant abdominal pain. Gut. 2008 May;57(5):567, 622. doi: 10.1136/gut.2006.119248. PMID: 18408096.

  • Siosaki MD, Costa MM, Figueiredo HF, da Silva Junior MF, da Silva Junior RA. A differential diagnosis in chronic lower abdominal pain. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2012;3(10):504-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2012.06.005. Epub 2012 Jul 7. PMID: 22858791; PMCID: PMC3421139.

  • Yew KS, George MK, Allred HB. Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Diagnosis. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Jun;107(6):585-596. PMID: 37327158.

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