Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 4/7/2025

What Are the Common Causes of Upper Right Abdominal Pain in Women?

Upper right abdominal pain in women can be caused by gallbladder issues like gallstones or inflammation and conditions affecting the liver area, including rare conditions like Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.

answer background

Explanation

Several conditions can lead to pain in the upper right part of your belly. One common cause is problems with the gallbladder. Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) can make this area hurt. Ultrasound is often the first test used to look at these issues because it shows the gallbladder and nearby organs very well. Another possibility is liver-related pain. The liver is in the upper right part too, so liver problems can sometimes be confused with gallbladder pain. In women, a less common but notable cause is Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome. This condition is linked with inflammation of the tissue that covers the liver and is sometimes seen with pelvic infections. It is important to remember that doctors look at your symptoms, medical history, and use imaging tests to sort out what exactly is causing the pain. If you have persistent or worsening pain, discussing your symptoms with a doctor can help in finding the proper diagnosis and treatment to make you feel better.

(References)

  • Revzin MV, Scoutt LM, Garner JG, Moore CL. Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Ultrasound First! J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Oct;36(10):1975-1985. doi: 10.1002/jum.14274. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28586152.

  • Faré PB, Allio I, Monotti R, Foieni F. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome: A Diagnosis to Consider in a Woman with Right Upper Quadrant Abdominal Pain without Gallstones. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2018 Feb 22;5(2):000743. doi: 10.12890/2017_000743. PMID: 30756005; PMCID: PMC6346932.

  • Murali N, El Hayek SM. Abdominal Pain Mimics. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2021 Nov;39(4):839-850. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.003. Epub 2021 Sep 10. PMID: 34600641; PMCID: PMC8430370.

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.