Lower Abdominal Pain in Females: Causes and Symptoms

If you are experiencing sudden and severe lower abdominal pain, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial. At urgent care, the experienced providers are equipped to evaluate and manage many common causes of lower abdominal pain in women, such as urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, or gastrointestinal issues. They offer thorough physical exams, on-site laboratory testing, and, when indicated, access to imaging studies like ultrasounds to help diagnose and treat your symptoms quickly and effectively.

However, it’s important to remember that severe lower abdominal pain can sometimes signal a more serious medical emergency—such as appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, or pelvic inflammatory disease. These conditions can become life-threatening if not treated immediately. If your pain is accompanied by heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, fever, persistent vomiting, or signs of shock (such as rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure), you should go directly to the emergency room rather than urgent care.

At Elite Urgent Care, your safety is our top priority. We are here to assess and treat many causes of abdominal pain, and if we determine that your condition requires a higher level of emergency care, we will help coordinate your transfer to the nearest hospital. If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or associated with any warning signs, please seek emergency care right away.

Lower abdominal pain and abnormal bleeding in females can be concerning and may have many different causes.
 
Common causes include:

• Uterine fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort.
• Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing significant pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs that often presents with lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and sometimes fever.
• Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that may rupture or twist, resulting in sudden pain and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.
 
Additionally, early pregnancy complications such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy can cause both lower abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding. These situations can be life-threatening and require immediate attention.
 
Other potential causes include hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as well as less common but serious conditions such as cancers of the reproductive organs. It is also important to consider non-gynecological sources of pain and bleeding, such as urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal disorders.

Lower abdominal and pelvic pain symptoms in women can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from mild, self-limited conditions to more serious health concerns that require prompt medical attention.
 
Common Causes:

• Menstrual Cramps and Ovulation Pain: Many women experience discomfort during their menstrual cycle, including cramps (dysmenorrhea) or brief mid-cycle pain (mittelschmerz).
• Infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent source of pelvic pain and may cause burning with urination and increased frequency. More severe infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause persistent pain and require timely intervention to prevent complications.
• Gynecological Issues: Conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids can cause chronic or recurrent pelvic pain.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Sometimes, issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gastrointestinal infections can mimic gynecological pain.
• Pregnancy-Related Concerns: If you are pregnant or think you could be, new or severe pelvic pain could indicate complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, which require immediate medical attention.
• Other Causes: Musculoskeletal injuries, hernias, or even stress and anxiety can contribute to pelvic discomfort.

Lower abdominal and pelvic pain in women can be caused by a wide range of conditions, some of which require prompt medical attention. Common causes include menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), ovulation pain (mittelschmerz), and more serious conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). These issues can result in symptoms such as chronic pain, heavy bleeding, fever, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Ovarian cysts are another frequent source of discomfort, and can cause sharp or dull pain, especially if they rupture or become twisted. Some causes of pelvic pain, like ectopic pregnancy, are medical emergencies and require immediate evaluation.

Other possible contributors include adenomyosis and, in rare cases, cancers of the reproductive organs such as ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer.
 
When Should You Visit Elite Urgent Care?

If you are experiencing any of the following, we encourage you to seek prompt evaluation at Elite Urgent Care:

• Severe or persistent lower abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain accompanied by fever
• Unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Fainting or dizziness
• Suspected pregnancy with pain

Our experienced medical team can quickly evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary diagnostic tests, and provide appropriate treatment or referral if needed. Your health and peace of mind are our top priorities—don’t hesitate to visit Elite Urgent Care for timely and compassionate care. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6100 Dobbin Rd, Suite A Columbia, MD 21045. We serve patients from Columbia MD, Ellicott City MD, Laurel MD, Elkridge MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Jessup MD, and surrounding areas.