What could cause lower right abdominal pain when peeing or pooping?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lower right abdominal pain during urination or bowel movements may stem from cross-organ sensitization between the colon and bladder, where inflammation in one organ triggers pain signals in the other. Another possible cause is a Tarlov cyst—a fluid-filled sac near the spine that can press on nerves controlling pelvic function, producing pain during peeing or pooping.

Because these causes overlap with more common conditions like urinary tract infections, appendicitis, ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome, self-diagnosis is difficult and delaying care can worsen outcomes. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify likely causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you on whether to see a primary care provider, urologist, or head to urgent care next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Lower right abdominal pain during peeing or pooping can be caused by a few different issues. One possibility is called cross-organ sensitization, which means that problems in one organ can affect another. For example, if your colon (part of your digestive system) is irritated, it might also make your bladder (where pee is stored) feel pain. This can happen because the nerves that send pain messages from these organs are connected.

Another possible cause is a Tarlov cyst, which is a fluid-filled sac that can form near the base of the spine. These cysts can press on nearby nerves, causing pain in the lower abdomen. Although Tarlov cysts are not very common, they can cause unusual pain in some people.

If you have ongoing pain, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional who can help figure out what might be causing it. You can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before your appointment. They can do tests to see if it's something like cross-organ sensitization or a Tarlov cyst, or if there is another reason for your pain.

(References)

Grundy L, & Brierley SM. (2018). Cross-organ sensitization between the colon and bladder. American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology, 29146678.
Wang B, Pu F, Wu Q, Zhang Z, & Shao Z. (2018). Presacral Tarlov Cyst as an Unusual Cause of Abdominal .... World neurosurgery, 29102753.
Podgaec S, Gonçalves MO, Klajner S, & Abrão MS. (2008). Epigastric pain relating to menses can be a symptom .... Sao Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina, 18853038.

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