Lower abdominal or pelvic pain can happen for many reasons including infections, menstrual issues, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Quick answers about lower abdominal pain, possible causes, and when to seek help.
Lower abdominal pain may be caused by menstrual cramps, ovulation, urinary infections, constipation, gas, pelvic infections, ovarian cysts, or sexually transmitted infections.
Yes. Some STIs and pelvic infections can cause lower abdominal or pelvic pain, especially if there is discharge, burning when urinating, bleeding after sex, or fever.
Yes. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or other infections can cause lower abdominal pain. These may need early treatment to prevent complications.
Consider testing if the pain is new, keeps coming back, or is linked with discharge, burning urination, sores, unusual bleeding, or recent unprotected sex.
Seek urgent care if the pain is severe, sudden, one-sided, or comes with fever, vomiting, fainting, heavy bleeding, missed period, or pregnancy.
Mild pain may settle if the cause is minor, but ongoing or severe pain should be checked. Do not ignore pain that keeps returning or gets worse.