Published on: 4/7/2025
Sharp lower abdominal pain in females can have several causes, ranging from gynecological issues like ovarian torsion or ectopic pregnancy to digestive problems such as appendicitis. It is important to seek medical care if the pain is severe or sudden.
When a woman experiences sharp pain in the lower part of her belly, there are different reasons to consider. One possibility is a problem with the reproductive organs. For example, ovarian torsion happens when an ovary twists, cutting off its blood supply, and this can cause very sharp pain. An ectopic pregnancy, where a pregnancy grows outside the uterus, can also create sudden, sharp pain. Infections of the reproductive system, like pelvic inflammatory disease, may lead to a similar type of pain. In addition, even if many think about the appendix as causing pain on the right side, appendicitis can sometimes present with pain lower on the abdomen, which might be felt as sharp and severe. Finally, other conditions such as gastrointestinal issues can also be involved. Since there are many possibilities, it is important to get checked by a doctor. They can ask about the pain, perform a physical exam, and use imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan to find out the exact cause and ensure you get the right treatment.
(References)
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Jones B, Brzezinski WA, Estrada CA, Rodriguez M, Kraemer RR. A 22-year-old woman with abdominal pain. J Gen Intern Med. 2014 Jul;29(7):1074-8. doi: 10.1007/s11606-013-2747-z. Epub 2014 Jan 14. PMID: 24420866; PMCID: PMC4061356.
Franco PN, García-Baizán A, Aymerich M, Maino C, Frade-Santos S, Ippolito D, Otero-García M. Gynaecological Causes of Acute Pelvic Pain: Common and Not-So-Common Imaging Findings. Life (Basel). 2023 Oct 9;13(10):2025. doi: 10.3390/life13102025. PMID: 37895407; PMCID: PMC10608316.
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