What could be causing my lower left abdominal pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lower left abdominal pain is a common symptom with many possible causes. The most frequent include digestive issues such as constipation, gas, or diverticulitis, as well as infections, kidney stones, or conditions affecting reproductive organs like ovarian cysts or endometriosis in women. Because the lower left abdomen contains parts of the colon, left kidney, ureter, and reproductive organs, pinpointing the cause based on symptoms alone can be difficult.

Since causes range from minor to serious, identifying the likely source of your pain early can help you decide whether home care is enough or if you should see a doctor. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your discomfort and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Lower left abdominal pain can have a number of causes. Some common reasons include digestive problems like constipation or diverticulitis, which is an inflammation of small pouches in the colon. Other possible causes are infections, such as a urinary tract infection, or issues with reproductive organs in women, like ovarian cysts.

Common Causes:

Digestive Issues: Problems like constipation or diverticulitis.
Infections: Such as a urinary tract infection.
Reproductive System: In women, conditions like ovarian cysts.

If you are experiencing severe pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. You can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes of your discomfort.

(References)

Hollerweger A, Macheiner P, & Gritzmann N. (2003). Acute left lower quadrant abdominal pain. Ultraschall in der Medizin (Stuttgart, Germany : 1980), 12599037.
Bodmer NA, & Thakrar KH. (2015). Evaluating the Patient with Left Lower Quadrant Abdominal .... Radiologic clinics of North America, 26526432.
Yew KS, George MK, & Allred HB. (2023). Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Diagnosis. American family physician, 37327158.

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