What Might Be Causing Pain in My Lower Left Abdomen?

When you have pain on the lower left side of your belly, it might be due to a problem in your digestive system. For example, conditions like diverticulitis—where small pouches in the colon get inflamed—can cause pain here. Constipation and intestinal infections can also cause pain in this area. For women, the pain may be related to the left ovary. Ovarian cysts, which are small fluid-filled sacs, sometimes cause pain if they become large or twist. Other conditions, such as kidney stones or a pulled muscle, can cause pain in this area as well. Keeping a diary of when you feel pain and what it feels like can help your healthcare provider figure out if any testing or treatment is needed. If the pain gets worse or doesn't go away, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor.