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Published on: 3/5/2025

What Does Pain on the Right Side of the Body for Females Mean?

For females, right-side body pain can come from many causes. It may be related to reproductive issues like an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, or infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease, as well as other conditions like appendicitis.

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Explanation

When you feel pain on the right side of your body as a female, there are several things that might be causing it. Sometimes, the pain could be related to the reproductive organs. For example, an ectopic pregnancy—when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—can create sharp pain on one side. Ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries, may also cause pain if they grow or burst. Infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to pain on one side of the lower abdomen because the reproductive organs become inflamed. On the other hand, pain on the right side might not always come from the reproductive system. Appendicitis, which is the inflammation of the appendix, generally causes pain in the lower right abdomen and is a serious condition. Sometimes, even a muscle or joint issue can play a part. Because the causes of right-side pain in females vary so much, it’s very important to see a doctor who can carefully check your history and do the needed tests. This will help determine the exact cause for your pain and guide the proper treatment to help you feel better.

(References)

  • Sivalingam VN, Duncan WC, Kirk E, Shephard LA, Horne AW. Diagnosis and management of ectopic pregnancy. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care. 2011 Oct;37(4):231-40. doi: 10.1136/jfprhc-2011-0073. Epub 2011 Jul 4. PMID: 21727242; PMCID: PMC3213855.

  • Curry A, Williams T, Penny ML. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Sep 15;100(6):357-364. PMID: 31524362.

  • Mobeen S, Apostol R. Ovarian Cyst. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

  • Diaz JJ, Ceresoli M, Herron T, Coccolini F. Current management of acute appendicitis in adults: What you need to know. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2025 Feb 1;98(2):181-189. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004471. Epub 2025 Nov 5. PMID: 39504344.

  • Stochkendahl MJ, Christensen HW. Chest pain in focal musculoskeletal disorders. Med Clin North Am. 2010 Mar;94(2):259-73. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2010.01.007. PMID: 20380955.

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