Does Exercise Trigger Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Females?

Many women notice a nagging pain in the lower left side of the abdomen during or after exercise. While this can feel alarming, there are several common and generally benign explanations—as well as a few serious causes that require prompt medical attention. Below, we'll review possible triggers, prevention strategies, and guidelines for when to see a doctor.

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1. Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Causes

Exercise, especially high-intensity or long-duration workouts, can lead to lower left abdominal discomfort. According to Costa et al. (2017), exercise-induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms arise from:

• Splanchnic hypoperfusion: Blood flow is shunted to active muscles, which can disrupt digestion.
• Mechanical jostling: Repetitive bouncing (e.g., running) can irritate the intestines.
• Neuroendocrine changes: Stress hormones alter gut motility and sensitivity.

Common GI triggers include:

• Periodic "side stitches": Usually felt in the lower abdomen or just below the ribs; often resolves if you slow down, exhale fully, or press gently into the painful area.
• Gas and bloating: Exercise can speed up transit, causing trapped gas in the left colon (splenic flexure).
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) flare-ups: Triggered by stress, dehydration, or certain sports drinks.

Tips to reduce GI pain:

• Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before exercising.
• Stay hydrated—small sips of water rather than large gulps.
• Avoid high-fiber or gas-producing foods (beans, broccoli) before workouts.
• Warm up and cool down gradually.

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2. Musculoskeletal Causes

Strains or overuse injuries of the abdominal wall and nearby muscles can mimic internal pain:

• Oblique muscle strain
  • Occurs with twisting motions (e.g., golf swings, tennis serves).
  • Pain worsens with trunk rotation or side-bending.
• Rectus abdominis (six-pack) strain
  • Common in core-intensive workouts (planks, crunches).
  • Pain is localized, tender to palpation, and increases with sit-up movements.
• Iliopsoas bursitis or strain
  • Felt deep in the lower abdomen, often radiating to the groin.
  • Triggered by lunges, squats, or heavy lifting.

Preventive measures:

• Warm up with dynamic stretches (side bends, hip circles).
• Strengthen core musculature evenly—include both oblique and posterior (back) exercises.
• Use proper form and avoid sudden increases in intensity.

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3. Gynecologic Causes

Women have unique reproductive-system issues that may present as left-sided pain during exercise:

• Ovarian cysts
  • Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary; can cause a dull ache or sharp twinge.
  • Pain may worsen with high-impact movements.
• Ovarian torsion (rare but serious)
  • Twisting of the ovary cutting off blood flow.
  • Sudden, severe pain often accompanied by nausea; medical emergency.
• Endometriosis
  • Endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus; may ache or cramp during exercise.
  • Pain often correlates with menstrual cycle but can flare with exertion.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Infection of reproductive organs; can cause constant or intermittent pain.
  • May be accompanied by fever or unusual discharge.

When to worry:

• Sudden, severe pain or pain with fever.
• Nausea/vomiting or inability to continue exercising.
• Irregular bleeding or signs of infection.

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4. Urologic and Renal Causes

Although less common, urinary tract issues can manifest as lower abdominal pain:

• Kidney stones
  • Sharp, cramping pain that may radiate to the groin.
  • Often worse with movement; may have blood in the urine.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Burning with urination, frequent urges, plus lower-abdominal ache.

Hydration and urine testing can help distinguish these causes. Always seek medical care if you notice blood in your urine or develop fever/chills.

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5. Bowel and Colonic Conditions

Certain colonic conditions localize to the lower left quadrant:

• Diverticulitis
  • Inflammation of diverticula (small pouches) in the colon.
  • Manifests as constant, deep pain—often worsened by coughing or straining.
  • May be accompanied by fever, nausea, or changes in bowel habits.
• Constipation
  • Hard stools can stretch the colon, causing discomfort when running or jumping.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can cause cramping, urgency, or diarrhea.

If you have persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or significant fevers, seek care promptly.

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6. Vascular and Hernia-Related Causes

• Inguinal hernia
  • Protrusion of abdominal tissue through a weakened spot in the groin area.
  • Pain or bulge that increases with lifting, coughing, or straining.
• Sports hernia (athletic pubalgia)
  • Strain of the lower abdominal wall; common in soccer, hockey.
  • Sharp groin pain, aggravated by twisting or sprinting.

Hernias often require surgical consultation, especially if you notice a growing bulge or severe pain.

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Prevention Strategies

1. Balanced exercise routine
   • Alternate high-impact days (running) with low-impact (swimming, cycling).
   • Incorporate cross-training to reduce overuse.
2. Proper nutrition and hydration
   • Aim for at least 8–10 cups of fluid per day; adjust for heavy sweating.
   • Time meals to avoid exercising on a full stomach.
3. Core strengthening
   • Include planks, side-planks, bird-dogs, and lumbar extensions to stabilize your torso.
4. Gradual progression
   • Increase duration or intensity by no more than 10% per week.

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When to See a Doctor

While many causes of exercise-related lower left abdominal pain are benign and self-limiting, you should speak to a doctor if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain that prevents you from exercising
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection
• Blood in urine or stool
• Persistent pain lasting more than 48 hours despite rest and home care
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
• A noticeable bulge in the groin (possible hernia)

In rare cases, lower left-side pain can signal life-threatening conditions like ovarian torsion or severe diverticulitis. If you're experiencing abdominal pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes. Always err on the side of caution—seek emergency care for acute, severe symptoms.

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References

• Costa RJS, Snipe RMJ, Kitic CM, Gibson PR. Exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms: origins, mechanisms and treatment. Sports Med. 2017;47(1):79–98. PMID: 29127175.
• Castera L, Forns X, Alberti A. Non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis using transient elastography: a reproducibility study. J Hepatol. 2008;48(5):599–604. PMID: 18471757.
• Wai CT, Greenson JK, Fontana RJ, et al. A simple noninvasive index can predict both significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatology. 2003;38(2):518–526. PMID: 12546937.

Remember, this information is educational only. Always speak to a doctor about anything serious or life threatening.