Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 4/7/2025

What Might Cause Sharp Lower Abdominal Pain in Females?

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.

answer background

Explanation

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)

  • Hatipoglu S, Hatipoglu F, Abdullayev R. Acute right lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age: clinical clues. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Apr 14;20(14):4043-9. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i14.4043. PMID: 24744594; PMCID: PMC3983461.

  • 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.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Abdominal pain

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom check

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get an free AI-powered report on possible causes


Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.