What does it mean if there is a pulling in the lower abdomen? Nagging pain in the lower abdomen

One of the most unpleasant symptoms that a person feels is pain in the lower abdomen. More often, the problem appears in the fair half of humanity and you need to know the main reasons when the lower abdomen hurts and pulls.

Symptoms occur during or before your period, a few days before, but this is not always the case. Sometimes the reason is serious illnesses or pregnancy.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen, which is caused by diseases, can occur in women and men. If the cause lies in disease, then additional symptoms arise, which can be used to determine an accurate diagnosis.

Causes of stretching in the lower abdominal cavity

There are main causes of pain that manifest themselves in both the male and female half of the population. All of them are caused by diseases and inflammations:

  1. Crashes genitourinary system. As a rule, the pain appears nagging, it is felt in the lower abdomen and can proceed almost unnoticed by the patient. As additional symptoms in patients, lower back pain appears frequent urination, and the urine itself may contain blood or mucus. If similar reasons noticed, then you need to visit a doctor, namely a urologist who examines the kidneys and treats them.
  2. Pelvic infections. When the pelvis is affected by various types of infections, any person may experience pain in the lower abdomen. The symptoms are characterized as nagging, the lower part not only hurts, but also a fever and chills appear. When there is an infection, uncharacteristic discharge, for example, pus, may appear from the genitals.
  3. Exacerbation of appendicitis. With this disease, women and men experience severe pain. Initially, localization occurs in the navel area, after which it flows down to the right. In some cases, the stomach feels tight. If you experience such sensations, you should immediately call an ambulance, since treatment is carried out only surgically, and the disease cannot be started.
  4. Malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. To the main type of symptoms, when the lower abdomen hurts, vomiting and nausea are additionally added, the patient refuses to eat, and the appetite completely disappears. With gastrointestinal diseases, there may be a strong increase in temperature. If you do not pay attention to the symptoms and stop them with pills, then complications may appear and then the result will be disastrous, and in some cases fatal.
  5. Neoplasms. If a patient has pain in the lower abdomen for a long time, the pain does not go away, but does not cause much discomfort, then tumors may develop. It will be possible to determine the presence of a tumor in one or another part of the abdomen if we carry out a detailed diagnosis and take material for a biopsy.
  6. Gynecological pathologies. In women, gynecological problems are one of the common causes of pain in the lower abdomen. It is recommended to consult your doctor in order to exclude or confirm the disease.
  7. Discomfort during or after sex. When the pelvic organs are affected, women may experience pain in the lower abdomen. They occur immediately after or during sexual intercourse.

The nature of the sensations is pulling. The patient needs to visit a gynecologist to obtain information and establish a diagnosis that will allow her to choose treatment.

Sometimes, the reason that the lower abdomen is tight is inflammation of the ovaries, sexually transmitted diseases, or thrush.

Of course, the causes are not always hidden in diseases. Women experience discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen when they are pregnant.

But in this case, it is necessary to talk in more detail about pregnancy, when the stomach is tight.

A tummy tug means you're pregnant

Before the critical days, women may have pain in the lower abdomen, more often the abdominal cavity is pulled, but if there are delays and nagging pain, fatigue and breast sensitivity appear, then pregnancy may be the cause.

The stomach feels tight at this time for a simple reason - the uterus begins to constantly change its size, which is why women experience some discomfort.

Throughout pregnancy, nagging pain may appear from time to time.

In this case, you need to listen to the body, because early stages It is considered normal when the lower abdomen pulls, but for more later, there may be other reasons.

Nagging pain during pregnancy

The reasons for tightness in the lower abdomen during pregnancy are very different. Some of them are safe for the health of mother and child, and some can signal terrible pathologies.

To be more specific, you need to know several important factors:

  1. "Training contractions." In women, during pregnancy, the body prepares and prepares for childbirth, thereby causing contractions. Due to this, the female body is prepared. In this case, there is no need to worry, this is a natural and normal process.
  2. Hypertonicity of the uterus. This problem indicates early contractions of the uterus, which are caused by excitation of its muscles. As a rule, almost all cases where pulling sensations, caused by uterine hypertonicity. The condition is quite dangerous and may be premature birth, termination of pregnancy.
  3. Placental abruption. This pathology is very dangerous for the fetus, since it is the placenta that protects the fetus from many factors and is entrusted with many tasks.

When it detaches, women experience a pulling sensation and it is necessary to carry out surgery, after which treatment is carried out.

After surgery, a woman needs rest, only bed rest and refusal of any loads.

All reasons require certain actions. First of all, there is no need to panic or worry.

You need to immediately call or go for an examination to your attending physician, and after examinations and complaints, establish the true reasons why the pain appeared below.

After examination and collection of tests, the doctor will be able to establish a diagnosis and prescribe therapy.

The essence of therapy is to relieve discomfort by using antispasmodics. True, they are used in the mildest form of a particular problem.

In more neglected form Inpatient treatment and a full examination are used.

Additional symptoms

In addition to the main symptoms, you need to monitor for other signs of disease. They may indicate the following:

  1. With an increase in temperature and chills, there may be pelvic diseases: gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other diseases.
  2. If you lose your appetite, feel nauseous, vomit, that is, gastrointestinal pathologies.
  3. Fainting and state of shock, with a sharp change in pressure, indicates bleeding inside the abdomen.
  4. Painful urination, cloudy urine, and temperature indicate kidney and urinary tract problems.

Additionally, you need to know the nature of the pain that occurs in the lower abdomen. This will allow you to correctly describe your condition to the doctor to establish an accurate and correct diagnosis.

So if discomfort appears suddenly, then the cause may be exacerbations or acute diseases.

There is no need to joke with such symptoms, otherwise a perforation may appear, bleeding will occur, or a certain organ will rupture.

If the pain is pulsating and rather rhythmic, then the pressure of the organs increases, but with dull and dull pain, which occurs slowly and intensifies over time, there may be inflammatory processes, obstruction.

Any nagging pain should not be ignored, and the sensation should not be relieved on its own.

It is better to go for an examination to a doctor who can determine the true causes. Only after this can principles and methods of treatment be discussed.

Examination methods

If the pulling sensation does not leave the body, then the person needs to seek help from a competent doctor:

  1. Gynecologist.
  2. Urologist.
  3. Therapist.
  4. Gastroenterologist.

After examination and data collection, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and determine the causes of the disease. Diagnostics consists of:

  1. Visual examination of the patient.
  2. Palpation abdominal cavity.
  3. Questioning the patient, his feelings and additional symptoms.
  4. Collecting analyzes using laboratory and instrumental research.

To install accurate diagnosis may require:

  1. Blood test, both general and biochemical.
  2. Urinalysis.
  3. Pregnancy test.
  4. Smear.
  5. Blood test for normal sex hormones.
  6. Other tests.

When using instrumental diagnostic methods, doctors use ultrasound of the pelvic area, abdominal radiography, laparoscopy, colposcopy and other diagnostic methods.

If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy is taken with further examination of the material.

How to get rid of pain

If pain appears in the lower abdomen, then it can be stopped, the main thing is to know the real reasons for this appearance:

  1. During pregnancy, stretch marks or the preparatory process of the uterus, you can simply take a lying position on your left side. In a few minutes relief will come, and nagging symptoms will pass. In this position, it is necessary to exclude loads, stressful situations, and always rest after walks. True, moderate physical exercise is necessary and important for pregnant women.
  2. If you have problems with the stomach or intestines, with additional symptoms such as constipation, you must follow a diet and exercise to activate the gastrointestinal tract. You should eat more vegetables and fruits, drink fermented milk products. Exclude onions, legumes, and brown bread from the diet.

The above are general preventive measures, and treatment depends on the cause of abdominal discomfort. During pregnancy, no treatment is used, because it can harm the fetus.

The main thing is to follow the basic rules and use the advice described to relieve pain.

If discomfort occurs before menstruation, you can use antispasmodic drugs, as well as tablets that dilate blood vessels.

You may need to take a course of vitamins to relieve constant pain, and sometimes doctors prescribe hormonal medications.

In case of colpitis, complex treatment is used. Local treatment consists of using antiseptic drugs that can wash the genitals; in addition, ointments and suppositories are used. In rare cases, doctors prescribe hormonal drugs.

Those who have colpitis should follow a diet based on fermented milk products and drink less water. While undergoing therapy, you must abstain from sexual intercourse.

And to restore the microflora, probiotics and prebiotics are used, for example, “Acilact”.

In women diagnosed with endometriosis, conservative and operative method treatment. Combined oral contraceptives are often used.

Medicines such as Ibuprofen, as well as antispasmodics, will help relieve pain. If hormonal medications do not give positive results, then surgery is performed.

For cystitis, fluoroquinolones, possibly nitrofurans, are used. To relieve pain, Ibuprofen and antispasmodics are used.

As you can see, nagging pain below appears under different circumstances with for various reasons, which are caused not only by serious pathologies, but also by other factors.

Some reasons do not pose a threat, and even bring joy when it comes to pregnancy.

But due to the abundance of diseases and the similarity of symptoms, it is better to consult a doctor in order to exclude diseases that are dangerous to health and life, start timely treatment and not allow it to escalate.

Not always self-medication and use folk remedies for pain relief lead to positive results.

Folk remedies as well as medications have contraindications and side effects.

Useful video

Vasilina asks:

Why is there a nagging pain in the lower abdomen?

The nature and diagnostic significance of nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Most often, nagging pain occurs during chronic inflammatory and tumor processes in parenchymal organs. These organs represent a certain organized set of functional elements(parenchyma), surrounded by a connective tissue capsule.

With a gradual increase in parenchyma, the connective tissue capsule stretches, which causes pain. With a rapid increase in the size of the organ (acute inflammation), the pain has a bursting character, and with a gradual increase, it is pulling.

As for pain in the lower abdomen, this mechanism of nagging pain is characteristic of chronic prostatitis and slowly growing prostate tumors.

Another mechanism of occurrence nagging pain in the lower abdomen - sprain of the ligaments that secure the organ in the pelvis. Most often ligamentous apparatus exposed increased load with an increase in the size of the organ (enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy, enlargement of the uterine appendages during their chronic inflammation, development of a giant ovarian cyst, etc.).

The third, most common cause of nagging pain in the lower abdomen is an adhesive process in the pelvis. In such cases, nagging pain appears with a sudden change in body position, during physical activity, during defecation, and in women also during sexual intercourse. The mechanism for the appearance of such a pain syndrome is stretching of abnormal adhesions and irritation of the nearby peritoneum (the lining covering the abdominal and pelvic organs).

The adhesive process can develop after operations (for example, for acute appendicitis), as well as as a result of severe inflammatory processes in the intestines (diverticulitis, chronic appendicitis, Crohn's disease, etc.).

In addition, in women, the adhesive process can occur as a result past diseases from the so-called PID group ( inflammatory diseases pelvic organs) and with endometriosis (proliferation of the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity beyond its physiological localization).

And finally, the fourth reason for the appearance of nagging pain in the lower abdomen is prolonged tonic tension of the organ. It is this mechanism of pain that is characteristic of most cases of algodismenorrhea (painful periods).

It should be noted that diagnostic value The symptom “pulling pain in the lower abdomen” is limited due to the subjective nature of the patient’s perception of pain. The patient may perceive aching or cutting pain as nagging, or, conversely, describe severe nagging pain as cramping. In addition, patients often exaggerate or downplay the nature of the pain.

Therefore for correct setting preliminary diagnosis should not only take into account additional characteristics pain syndrome (localization of pain, the nature of irradiation (where the pain goes), factors that intensify and weaken pain, etc.), but also the presence of additional symptoms (stool disorders, pathological discharge from the vagina in women, frequent urination, etc.) .

Preliminary diagnosis in mandatory confirmed by laboratory test data. If necessary, complex instrumental studies are carried out.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen in pregnant women

Quite often, pregnant women are bothered by nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Often such pain is physiological in nature: an increase in the size of the pregnant uterus causes stretching of its ligamentous apparatus, which causes an unpleasant pulling sensation in the lower abdomen.
Most often, this kind of pain occurs during the first pregnancy, especially in older primigravidas (first pregnancy over the age of 25 years).

But due to the individual characteristics of the body (the structure of the ligamentous apparatus, increased sensitivity to pain), nagging pain in the lower abdomen caused by physiological reasons can also occur with repeat pregnancies(especially if there was a fairly long gap between pregnancies - 7 years or more).

This kind of pain syndrome has its own characteristics that make it possible to distinguish it from a serious obstetric pathology that requires immediate attention. medical intervention(threat of spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy):

  • nagging pain in the lower abdomen, as a rule, occurs for no reason;

  • have a transient short-term nature;

  • the pain intensity is not high;

  • the pain is not accompanied by others pathological symptoms(bloody vaginal discharge, deterioration of general condition, increased body temperature, etc.).
It should be noted that a woman should routinely report any unpleasant sensations during pregnancy to the attending physician at the antenatal clinic, since a pain syndrome of a similar nature may indicate diseases of the pelvic organs (chronic inflammatory processes, ovarian cysts, etc.).

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen in women during ovulation

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen in women can occur during the period of ovulation, that is, during the release of a mature egg from the ovarian follicle. Ovulation usually occurs in the middle menstrual cycle(on the 14-15th day, counting from the first day of menstrual bleeding, with a standard 28-day cycle).

In such cases, nagging pain in the lower abdomen can last from several hours to several days. As a rule, ovulation pain is of low or medium intensity and intensifies during sexual intercourse.

The mechanism for the development of this kind of pain syndrome is based on transient hormonally caused disturbances in the blood flow of the ovary, leading to its increase and, consequently, tension of the ligamentous apparatus of the organ. Therefore, nagging pain in the lower abdomen during ovulation is often one-sided.

If ovulation pain occurs, you should routinely consult a gynecologist to rule out serious pathology. So, for example, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs cause sclerotic processes in the vessels of the ovary, which leads to impaired circulation during ovulation and the appearance of pain.

Chronic inflammatory processes must be treated promptly, as they can cause serious complications, such as adhesions in the pelvis or infertility. In addition, sclerosis of the ovarian vessels can lead to ovarian apoplexy (hemorrhage into the ovary) - a pathology requiring emergency surgical intervention.

Often, nagging pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the menstrual cycle indicates a hormonal imbalance, which also requires adequate therapy.

At the same time, ovulation pain also occurs in absolutely healthy women, so if the examination does not reveal gynecological pathology, there is no need to worry - most likely, this is an individual characteristic of the body.

In such cases, it is advisable to refrain from physical activity and sexual intercourse on the days of ovulation. In case of severe pain, you can use antispasmodics - they will dilate blood vessels and relieve pain.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen with algodismenorrhea (painful periods)

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation is so common that many women consider it to be the same physiological phenomenon as menstrual bleeding itself. Meanwhile, the so-called secondary algodismenorrhea is quite common - painful periods caused by organic pathology of women. reproductive system.

According to the mechanism of pain syndrome occurrence, several groups of diseases leading to secondary algodismenorrhea are divided. The most common causes of painful periods are organic pathologies such as:


  • chronic inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages;

  • congenital or acquired disorders of the structure and location of the female genital organs, complicating the outflow of blood during menstrual bleeding.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation with adenomatosis

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstrual bleeding in combination with heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common and often the only symptom of adenomatosis (endometriosis of the uterus).

This is a serious pathology of the female genital area, characterized by abnormal growth of the endothelium (epithelium covering the uterine cavity) into the muscular layer of the organ with the formation of peculiar pockets.

During menstrual bleeding, the endothelium of the uterus begins to be rejected, the “pockets” are filled with blood and particles of the rejected epithelium and compress the surrounding tissues, which leads to intense pain.

Since the total area of ​​the uterine endothelium increases abnormally, menstrual bleeding with adenomatosis is always heavy and prolonged.

Endometriosis of the uterus develops, as a rule, after 30 years and is often detected in patients who consult a doctor about infertility. Adequate therapy (as a rule, courses of hormonal drugs are prescribed) eliminates nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation and other symptoms of endometriosis. With timely treatment, women's ability to bear children is restored.

Adenomatosis is prone to long-term persistent course, further spread of the pathology to the outer surface of the ovaries with the formation of so-called endometrioid cysts, the appearance of foci of endometriosis in the pelvic cavity, on the cervix, etc. Therefore, patients even after successful treatment observation and repeated preventive courses are necessary. The pathology resolves itself after menopause.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation with inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system

Often, nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation occurs due to chronic inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.

The fact is that blood is an excellent breeding ground for pathogens, so the onset of menstrual bleeding often provokes an exacerbation of the process. At the same time, nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation is usually combined with a deterioration in the general condition and the appearance of such symptoms as weakness, lethargy, headache, muscle aches, fever to subfebrile levels (up to 37-38 degrees Celsius), changes the nature of vaginal discharge (admixture of pus, unpleasant odor).

In addition, with a long course of chronic inflammatory diseases of the female genital area, the so-called asthenic syndrome develops, characterized by increased sensitivity of the nervous system, so that even mild discomfort can be perceived by the patient as excruciating pain.

It should be noted that about 60% of cases of chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system in women are caused by microorganisms from the group of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, women who have more than one sexual partner need to be especially attentive to such symptoms as nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstrual bleeding.

In addition, patients who have undergone surgical manipulation of the uterus (artificial abortion, diagnostic or therapeutic curettage), as well as women using intrauterine contraceptives, are at risk of developing chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.

It should also be taken into account that a chronic inflammatory process in the uterus and its appendages is often a consequence of an untreated acute disease (acute endometritis, acute adnexitis, acute salpingoopharitis). Therefore, women who have suffered an acute inflammatory process during internal organs reproductive system, if you experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen, you should immediately contact your gynecologist.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation with congenital and acquired anatomical anomalies of the internal genital organs

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation with congenital anomalies of the structure of the internal genital organs appears already with the first menstrual bleeding. It should be noted that with gross malformations, such as atresia (fusion) of the vagina and/or cervix, menstrual bleeding is not observed, since blood accumulates in the vagina (hematocolpos) or in the uterine cavity (hematometra).

Therefore, painful menstrual bleeding or cyclically appearing pain syndrome in teenage girls are an indication for a thorough gynecological examination.

In adult women, nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstrual bleeding may be a sign of the presence of synechiae (adhesions) in the uterine cavity. This pathology often develops as a complication of acute or chronic infectious and inflammatory processes in the uterine cavity (acute and chronic endometritis, hematometra, septic abortion). Cases of the development of synechiae have been described in long-term use intrauterine contraceptives.

In addition, a delay in the flow of menstrual blood and the development of pain can be facilitated by a violation of the anatomical location of the uterus - the so-called retrodeviation or, as it is popularly called, uterine bending.

This pathology most often develops after a difficult birth with improper management of the postpartum period, in women engaged in heavy physical labor, and also after sharp decline body weight.

In such cases, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, caused by difficulty in the passage of menstrual blood, may be the only sign of pathology, which, if not corrected, can lead to infertility or chronic miscarriage.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation with primary algodismenorrhea

In primary algodismenorrhea, nagging pain during menstrual bleeding is not associated with organic pathology of the female genital area.

It is believed that pain in functional disorders is caused by pathology of the nervous system, hormonal imbalance(excessive production of estrogen with a lack of progesterone), as well as local disorders (congenital or acquired tendency to increased production of prostaglandins - substances that cause tonic contractions of the uterus).

In typical cases, primary algodismenorrhea develops one and a half to two years after the first menstruation in girls with a labile nervous system. Risk factors include nervous and intellectual overload, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity.

Premenstrual syndrome is diagnosed in 70% of patients with primary algodismenorrhea. In addition, there is a statistically traceable relationship between primary algodismenorrhea and diseases such as:

  • vegetative-vascular dystonia;

  • mitral valve prolapse;




Nagging pain in the lower abdomen during primary algodismenorrhea can occur several days before the onset of menstruation, but is most pronounced on the first day of menstrual bleeding. Often the pain syndrome is combined with such pathological symptoms as headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature to low-grade levels, and fainting.

The diagnosis of primary algodismenorrhea with nagging pain during menstruation is made after exclusion organic pathology female reproductive system (congenital malformations, endometriosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, etc.).

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen due to tumors of the internal genital organs in women

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen can often be the only symptom of large benign ovarian tumors (ovarian cysts). In such cases, an increase in the volume of the ovary causes stretching of its ligamentous apparatus and pain. This kind of pain syndrome is most typical for the so-called mucous cysts (mucinous cystadenomas), which often reach gigantic sizes (up to 32 cm or more in diameter).

With malignant ovarian tumors, nagging pain in the lower abdomen is often bilateral (both ovaries are affected). As a rule, pain appears already at the advanced stage of the disease, when other signs are expressed oncological process(weakness, weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, hormonal disorders).

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right or left may indicate cancer fallopian tube. This is a fairly rare malignant neoplasm, early sign which is periodically appearing abundant watery discharge. The appearance of pain in the early stages of the process is usually caused by impaired muscle peristalsis of the affected tube.

With fibroids, benign neoplasms of the muscular layer of the uterus (myometrium), nagging pain in the lower abdomen is caused by an increase in the volume of the organ, leading to a gradual stretching of its ligamentous apparatus. In such cases, nagging pain in the lower abdomen is often combined with heavy menstrual bleeding, but may be the only symptom of the pathology.

Uterine bleeding in combination with nagging pain in the lower abdomen also often occurs in the early stages of malignant myometrial tumors (uterine sarcoma). But in such cases, there is a rapid increase in the size of the uterus and the early appearance of symptoms of intoxication of the body (weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, irritability).

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen in men. Chronic prostatitis

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen in men may indicate chronic prostatitis. This is a fairly common pathology, affecting patients mainly young and mature ( middle age patient with prostatitis - about 30 years old).

In chronic prostatitis, nagging pain is localized in the lower abdomen in the suprapubic region and in the perineum, radiating to the genitals, sacrum and rectum. Characteristic symptoms of the disease are itching in the area anus and secretion of secretion droplets prostate gland from the urethra when straining.

Chronic prostatitis is prone to persistent progression; exacerbation of the process can be caused by hypothermia, excessive drinking, sexual excesses (sexual excesses, prolonged abstinence, interrupted sexual intercourse, etc.).

In case of exacerbation of the disease, nagging pain in the lower abdomen intensifies and is combined with various urination disorders (so-called dysuric disorders): patients complain of painful urination, frequent urge to urination, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Possible increase in temperature and deterioration of general condition (headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite).

The long course of chronic prostatitis leads to neuroticism of the patient, then nagging pain in the lower abdomen is combined with symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances.
The most common intestinal diseases that cause nagging pain in the lower abdomen in men and women

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right with chronic appendicitis

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right often indicates chronic appendicitis - a chronic inflammatory process in the appendicular process of the cecum. This kind of pain syndrome is most often caused by local adhesive process.

The fact is that chronic appendicitis, as a rule, develops as a result of a previous acute attack appendicitis that resolved on its own (without surgery).

In acute inflammation, adhesions occur as defensive reaction body - they limit inflammation and prevent the development of diffuse inflammation of the peritoneum (general peritonitis).
However, if acute inflammation transforms into a chronic form, the adhesions do not resolve; moreover, the adhesive process can continue to develop.

Diagnosis of chronic appendicitis is quite difficult, since from time to time nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right may be the only sign of pathology.
Therefore, if chronic appendicitis is suspected, a full examination is carried out to exclude all other diseases that occur with a similar pain syndrome (diseases of the urinary tract, diseases of the internal genital organs, oncological pathology of the intestine). In addition, the diagnosis of chronic appendicitis must be confirmed by data x-ray examination intestines.

The only way to get rid of nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right with chronic appendicitis is through surgery. Surgical intervention is necessary, since an exacerbation of the process may occur at any time, and elective surgery always safer than extreme.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right with chronic diverticulitis of the ileum

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right can also occur with diverticulitis ileum(final department small intestine, flowing into the large intestine). Diverticula are sac-like protrusions of the intestinal wall outward, which usually develop in utero as a result of a violation normal development intestines.

Often such congenital intestinal deformities do not bother the patient at all and turn out to be an accidental finding during an X-ray examination. However, the very structure of the diverticulum contributes to the retention of intestinal contents in it, which often leads to the development of inflammation - diverticulitis.

The clinic of chronic diverticulitis is similar to the clinic of chronic appendicitis. And this is not surprising, since nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right occurs for the same reason: an adhesive process begins to develop around the affected area of ​​the intestine.
Chronic diverticulitis can also be treated exclusively with surgical methods.

Delay in operation is fraught with serious complications such as perforation of the diverticulum with the development of peritonitis or bleeding from a diverticulum ulcer. In addition, the adhesive process can cause acute intestinal obstruction.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right with malignant tumors of the large intestine

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the right is often the earliest sign of malignant tumors of the right large intestine. Most often, this type of pain is caused by the addition of a secondary infection and the onset of purulent decay of the tumor.

For this reason, the clinical picture of cancer of the right half of the large intestine may resemble chronic appendicitis or chronic diverticulitis. To make a correct diagnosis, an X-ray examination of the intestine is necessary.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the left with chronic sigmoiditis

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the left can occur during prolonged inflammatory processes in the sigmoid colon. Sigmoid colon- This is the section of the large intestine that directly flows into the most distal part of the gastrointestinal tract - the rectum.

The sigmoid colon has physiological bends and narrowings that contribute to the slow movement of dense feces. This feature has led to the fact that it is in this part of the large intestine that inflammatory processes most often occur, which tend to become chronic.

With a long course of the disease, all layers of the wall of the sigmoid colon are affected (perisigmoiditis) and inflammation of the regional lymph nodes develops (mesadenitis). In such cases, nagging pain in the lower abdomen on the left often becomes permanent.

The pain intensifies with fast walking, shaking, and sometimes after a cleansing enema.
Treatment of chronic sigmoiditis depends on the cause of the disease, but, as a rule, long-term, often lifelong, conservative therapy is prescribed.

Nagging pain in the lower abdomen is of diagnostic value. To identify the cause of the disease, the doctor needs to find out the characteristics of the pain syndrome. It includes questions: when does pain appear, where is it localized, where does it go, what sensations does it cause, what strengthens or weakens it.

If the pain is not constant, then it is important to know how long it lasts and after which it occurs again. Some diseases cause the same symptoms and do not depend on gender, while others are unique to men or women. This explains why patients with nagging pain in the lower abdomen are necessarily referred to a gynecologist and urologist-andrologist. We will look at both general and specific reasons.

Mechanism of pain syndrome

It is believed that abdominal pain can be caused by parenchymal organs (in the lower part - the uterus with appendages in women, prostate - in men) due to enlargement and stretching of the capsule. In hollow structures (bladder, intestines, fallopian tubes) - spastic contractions of the muscle layer.

Accordingly, the nature of the pain will be dull, constant, increasing as the organ enlarges, or cramping, periodic, if muscle tone changes. In addition, the speed of development of the pathological process is important: a rapid increase (for example, in acute inflammation) is accompanied by bursting pain, and a gradual increase is accompanied by nagging pain.

Another nature of nagging pain in the lower abdomen is associated with overstretched ligaments (large ovarian cyst, chronic adnexitis). This anatomical structures, which fix the internal organs. In long-term chronic inflammatory diseases, adhesions from scar tissue occur.

The adhesions themselves do not have nerve endings, but pull the organ by the capsule

Stretching adhesions can disrupt optimal localization and reduce the lumen and patency of tubular formations. Then the pain will be sharp and accompany any movements, intestinal peristalsis, bowel movement, physical activity, and sexual activity. The adhesions irritate the layers of the peritoneum.

Their formation is typical after surgical interventions, with appendicitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and endometriosis in women. Women experience physiological manifestations of sprains during pregnancy. Inexperienced mothers-to-be often complain that their lower abdomen is tight.

Another significant cause of nagging pain in the lower abdomen is increased tone and prolonged tension of the organ. This symptom is observed during painful periods in girls and women (algomenorrhea).

The description of the clinical picture of the disease is influenced by the subjective assessment of pain. People experience this symptom differently. Therefore, additional manifestations, concomitant pathologies, laboratory and instrumental studies are important.

Diseases accompanied by the same symptoms, regardless of gender

It is possible to identify diseases in which both men and women equally often complain of nagging pain in the lower abdomen.

Chronic appendicitis

The disease develops when an acute attack is stopped independently and there is no surgery. However, it does not stop. A pronounced adhesive process occurs. This is the body's defense response to limit the spread.

Frequent pain pulling type in right area in the lower abdomen are sometimes the only sign of the disease. For full diagnostics it is necessary to exclude the presence of diseases of the genital organs, urination, and intestines. If the diagnosis is confirmed, elective surgery is recommended. This the only way relief from pain.

Chronic diverticulitis of the ileum

The disease is caused by inflammation of saccular protrusions on the wall of the ileum. They occur during the formation of the intestinal tube in the fetus or as an acquired pathology as a result of thinning of the wall.


Without inflammation, diverticula are not clinically apparent

The entry of intestinal microorganisms, retention of contents, and decay contribute to the inflammatory reaction.

It is clinically difficult to distinguish from an attack of appendicitis: nagging or bursting pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever. The transition of pain to throbbing is an unfavorable sign. It indicates the formation of an encysted abscess. Complications include peritonitis, bleeding and intestinal obstruction. Treatment is only surgical.

Intestinal obstruction

The pathology completely or partially disrupts the passage of contents through the intestinal tube. Possible due to:

  • with mechanical blockage by adhesions, diverticula, tumor, fecal stones, foreign body;
  • damage to intestinal motor function by eating too heavy a meal after fasting;
  • diseases of inflammatory origin (pancreatitis, colitis, appendicitis);
  • uncontrolled use of medications, drug addiction.

Abdominal pain increases gradually and becomes very strong, bursting, spreading in all directions. The stool is retained, gases do not pass, the stomach is swollen upper sections intestines, repeated vomiting and false urge to defecate occur. By vital signs urgent surgery is required.

Chronic sigmoiditis

The sigmoid colon is located in the left side of the abdomen, in the side and ileum. Due to physiological bends, the speed of movement of intestinal contents here is reduced. The location is convenient for support chronic inflammation. The process causes correspondingly nagging pain to the left of the pubis, radiating upward to the lower back.

Long-term disease leads to damage to the entire intestinal wall with surrounding tissues (perisigmoiditis) and lymph nodes. The pain becomes constant, intensifies with movements, after an enema, while walking. Treatment measures often come down to a lifelong diet and anti-inflammatory treatment.

Malignant neoplasms of the colon

At the beginning of the development of colorectal cancer, nagging pain in the lower abdomen is possible. Tumor growth, decay and inflammation cause severe pain in the iliac region left or right, in the lateral zone, bloating, constipation, signs intestinal bleeding.

To distinguish from other diseases, endoscopic colorectal examination with biopsy cytology is necessary. Treatment is only surgical.

What diseases in men cause nagging pain in the lower abdomen?

Closest to the lower abdomen is the pelvic zone, in which in men an important organ is located - the prostate gland with seminal vesicles.

Chronic prostatitis

If a man complains that “it hurts and pulls in the lower abdomen,” then first of all suspicions of chronic prostatitis arise. Middle-aged men are more likely to get sick, especially with sedentary work (drivers, pilots). The pain is constant, radiating to the suprapubic area, coccyx, anus, groin and external genitalia.

Itching in the anal area is typical; when straining, prostate secretion is released in drops through the urethra. Exacerbations of prostatitis are caused by hypothermia, alcohol consumption, and sexual excesses.

In addition to the characteristic pain, pain during urination, increased urination, retention of urine, and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder are added. The man's temperature rises, dizziness, weakness, headaches, and insomnia appear. Character often changes; a tendency towards isolation and irritability over trifles is noticed in the family.

Benign tumor

Prostate adenoma is formed by overgrown glandular cells. The disease occurs more often in older men. An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra. Therefore, in the early stages, symptoms indicate impaired urination: straining to push urine out, frequent urges without the feeling of complete emptying of the bladder.

A constant aching pain in the groin and above the pubis is excruciatingly endured by patients. Further increase leads to stagnation of urine and inflammation. In men, cystitis, prostatitis, and pyelonephritis are detected.


Adenoma is associated with hormonal disorders

Prostate cancer

Malignant tumor of the prostate gland occurs against the background long term adenomas, inflammatory processes in the genitourinary organs. The disease begins with nagging pain above the pubis and in the perineum, frequent urination, and the appearance of blood in the urine. Further development of the tumor is characterized by rapid metastasis, pain in the bones (legs, spine, ribs), loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Physiological nagging pain in women

Physiological conditions of the female body (menstruation, pregnancy) may be accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen. They disappear on their own.

During pregnancy

The pain is caused by stretching of the ligaments surrounding the uterus and appendages. There is a dependence on age (if pregnancy occurs at 25 years of age or older). With individual structural features of the ligamentous apparatus or hypersensitivity The pain also bothers me during subsequent pregnancies. Here, a gap of 7 or more years between births is considered important.

Distinctive features physiological pain from pathology are:

  • lack of connection with any action, spontaneous beginning and ending;
  • short duration;
  • low intensity;
  • there is no deterioration in health, no signs such as bleeding or fever.

Every woman during pregnancy should closely monitor her condition and report any deviations to her obstetrician-gynecologist.


Women usually notice nagging pain during their first pregnancy.

During ovulation

The ovulation period means the release of a mature egg from the follicle in the ovary. It occurs on days 14–15 with a regular menstrual cycle. Some women experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen for several hours or days.

They are classified as low and medium intensity, and intensification occurs during sexual intercourse. It has been proven that pain is caused by increased blood supply to the ovary, its temporary increase, which is associated with hormonal fluctuations. They have a one-way flow.

Gynecologists advise women to be examined to rule out inflammation in the appendages. If pathologies are not detected, then it is recommended not to engage in physical work and sports during the period of ovulation, and to exclude sexual intercourse. For severe pain, you can take antispasmodic drugs or put a rectal suppository with belladonna.

What pathology causes nagging pain in women?

Menstrual function- a physiological phenomenon and healthy woman it should not cause any signs of illness. But some people experience intense pain every month and have problems general condition. This symptom is called algodismenorrhea.

Gynecologists identify secondary dysmenorrhea caused by pathological changes in the uterus, appendages, and impaired structure of the internal genital organs.

Adenomatosis

Nagging pain is combined with heavy uterine bleeding and prolonged brown discharge from the uterus. Women who have not given birth after 30 years and suffer from infertility are more likely to suffer. With adenomatosis (endometriosis of the uterus), the internal epithelium grows from the uterine cavity into the muscular layer, and “pockets” are formed.

With menstrual blood, the endothelial layer of the uterus is torn away, a mass of blood enters the “pockets”, they expand and put pressure on the surrounding tissues. This causes intense pain radiating to the back and groin.

Hormonal drugs are used in treatment. After conception and during pregnancy, obstetricians monitor the development of the fetus and prevent rejection. Women are observed by a doctor for a long time. The formation of cysts and foci of endometriosis in the pelvis and cervix is ​​possible. It is believed that the pathology disappears after the onset of menopause.

Inflammatory diseases

Chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital area in women are often accompanied by nagging pain. Menstrual bleeding provokes the development of inflammation, since blood is considered a good environment for pathological microorganisms to live.


Adhesions in the tube become one of the causes of infertility and ectopic pregnancy

At the same time, the general condition worsens, the following appear:

  • weakness;
  • headache and dizziness;
  • muscle pain;
  • temperature rise.

A change in discharge is characteristic: an unpleasant odor due to the admixture of pus. Typical neurological complaints are insomnia, stabbing pain in the heart, and irritability. The examination reveals a sexually transmitted infection in 60% of cases; therefore, the diagnosis must take into account the woman’s sexual behavior.

The risk of inflammation increases significantly in the following cases:

  • undergone diagnostic curettage, abortion;
  • use of intrauterine contraceptives;
  • refusal and untimely termination of therapy for an acute disease.

For congenital anomalies, disruption of the structure of the uterus

Nagging pain occurs in a girl with congenital anomaly at the first menstruation. If the defect is a clogging of the vagina or cervix, then the blood is not released, but accumulates and significantly expands the vagina and uterine cavity.

Teenage girls with painful menstruation should be shown to a gynecologist and examined. In women who have given birth, adhesions (synechias) may form in the uterine cavity as a result of the use of intrauterine contraceptives, a previous abortion, or endometritis. A delay in the outflow of blood is caused by retrodeviation of the uterus (bend).


The cause of the bend is severe physical work, improper management in the postpartum period, sudden weight loss

Primary algodismenorrhea

It is distinguished by the lack of connection with gynecological diseases. The pain syndrome is explained by functional disorders due to pathology of the endocrine and nervous systems, a tendency for the body to increase the synthesis of prostaglandins that contract the uterus, and an increase in the level of estrogen. It is typical for girls with overload at school, at work, low mobility, poor nutrition, and increased emotional perception.

In 2/3 of cases, a diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome is made. Nagging pain occurs in the lower abdomen several days before the scheduled start of menstruation. Most intense on the first day. There is a combination with headache, nausea, fainting, vomiting, pain in the mammary glands.

Tumors of the internal genital organs

Benign tumors ovaries and uterus (cysts, fibroids) with their growth stretch the organ and contribute to nagging pain. At the same time, the ligamentous apparatus is connected to the process. The clinical picture is necessarily complemented by strong uterine bleeding.

Malignant ovarian tumors are characterized by bilateral pain, since they affect both organs. Pain syndrome is expressed at stages II–III of cancer. There are other signs:

  • loss of appetite;
  • weakness;
  • weight loss;
  • nausea;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • metastases to the stomach.

Pain in the lower abdomen on one side occurs due to cancer of the fallopian tube. His early manifestation periodic heavy watery discharge is considered. The pain itself in this case is caused by impaired peristalsis of the tube.

The early stages of uterine sarcoma are accompanied by uterine bleeding, rapid growth tumors, intense pain, metastases. For an experienced doctor, the significance of nagging pain in the lower abdomen is important for assessing a person’s condition and making a diagnosis. Patients with similar signs it is necessary to examine and identify specific causes.

The appearance of pain in the abdominal cavity requires serious attention. If a woman develops acute life-threatening symptoms, urgent hospitalization is necessary. The reasons why the lower abdomen may hurt are often related to physiological characteristics female body. To make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment, it is necessary to understand the signs that accompany pain in various pathologies. This will help provide timely assistance.

What is lower abdominal pain in women?

The appearance of pain in the lower abdominal cavity may be associated with the development pathological processes. The source of pain is irritation of the nerve endings that are located in the internal organs and in the tissues surrounding them. Below, in the pelvic area, are located:

  • organs of the female reproductive system;
  • part of the large intestine;
  • bladder;
  • rectum.

When a woman has pain in her lower abdomen, the question arises: which doctor should she consult? Acute symptoms require immediate call ambulance. In case of pain, the help of a surgeon, gastroenterologist, urologist and gynecologist is often required. When contacting the clinic, it is important to correctly describe your feelings. The following types of pain occur:

  • pulsating;
  • paroxysmal;
  • aching;
  • pulling;
  • cramping;
  • cutting;
  • dull;
  • spicy.

Equally important in the description is the duration of symptoms in time and the frequency of their occurrence. Pay attention to the fact that pain can radiate to other parts of the body and intensify during movement. Take into account the appearance accompanying symptoms:

  • high temperature;
  • discharge from the genitals;
  • painful urination;
  • pressure drop;
  • bleeding;
  • weaknesses;
  • nausea;
  • diarrhea;
  • chills;
  • vomiting.

Causes of pain

When the lower abdomen hurts in women, the provoking factors may be inflammatory processes in the abdominal organs. This condition is also caused by intestinal overcrowding, hunger cramps, and oncological pathologies. Pain syndrome is caused by:

Often, a woman’s lower abdomen ache due to pathologies of the reproductive system. Unpleasant symptoms may accompany sexual intercourse and emptying the bladder. Painful sensations are associated with the following reasons:

  • taking contraceptives;
  • carrying out diagnostic curettage;
  • congenital underdevelopment of the genital organs;
  • pregnancy pathologies;
  • uterine fibroids;
  • inflammation of the appendages;
  • HPV (human papillomavirus);
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • placental abruption;
  • abortion;
  • menopause

Among the provoking factors that result in aching in the lower abdominal cavity are pathologies urinary system: pyelonephritis, cystitis, kidney stones. Painful sensations in women are caused by:

  • metabolic disorders;
  • long-term use antibiotics;
  • injury to intervertebral discs;
  • viral diseases;
  • neoplasms;
  • genital infections – trichomoniasis, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea;
  • decreased immunity;
  • hypothermia;
  • surgical interventions;
  • use of drugs, alcohol;
  • diabetes mellitus;
  • obesity;
  • thrush;
  • stress

Pulling

Pathological changes in the functioning of the pelvic organs cause nagging, aching pain in a woman’s lower abdomen. Doctors identify organic and functional reasons for their appearance. The first include:

  • endometriosis (growth of the inner layer of the uterine wall);
  • ovarian cyst;
  • uterine fibroids;
  • inflammation of the appendages;
  • scars after operations;
  • colpitis (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa);
  • ovarian apoplexy (rupture with hemorrhage);
  • sexual infections;
  • cauterization of erosion;
  • usage intrauterine device;
  • chronic kidney and bladder diseases.

Pain may accompany physiological processes, passing through a woman’s body. The functional reasons for their occurrence include:

  • bending of the uterus, causing stagnation of menstrual blood;
  • ovulation - nagging pain accompanies the process of follicle rupture;
  • premenstrual syndrome associated with hormonal influences on nervous system;
  • underdevelopment of the uterus;
  • menstrual disorders;
  • uterine bleeding.

A woman may experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen throughout her entire pregnancy. An unpleasant syndrome develops as a result of pathologies of other organs located in the abdominal cavity. The cause of the painful condition may be:

  • stones in the bladder, kidneys, ureters;
  • chronic form appendicitis;
  • cystitis, accompanied by burning and pain when urinating.

Acute

Urgent need to be provided medical care if acute severe pain occurs in the lower abdomen in women. This condition indicates serious problems. Gynecologists identify the causes of pain in acute form:

  • torsion of the pedicle of an ovarian cyst;
  • endometriosis;
  • acute inflammation of the appendages after abortion or childbirth;
  • ovarian apoplexy;
  • fall during pregnancy;
  • early placental abruption;
  • ruptured fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy.

The cause of acute pain in women is blockage of ureteral stones during the development of urolithiasis. Dangerous condition can cause pathologies:

  • nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
  • Crohn's disease (autoimmune inflammation of the intestines);
  • acute form of appendicitis;
  • prolonged constipation.

Periodic

Natural physiological processes occur in the female body, following with a certain frequency. Monthly ovulation causes painful sensations during rupture of the follicle and release of the egg. The condition may be accompanied by bloody discharge. The cause of periodic pain symptoms is dysmenorrhea. This is a pathological condition associated with the menstrual cycle. Pain syndrome appears:

  • before menstruation (more often in young girls);
  • during or after the end of menstruation (mainly in multiparous women).

Lower abdomen on the right

The location of unpleasant sensations is important when determining the causes of the disease. Provoking factors for the appearance of pain on the right side can be gynecological pathologies. These include:

  • weakening of the internal os of the uterus in early pregnancy (isthmic-cervical insufficiency);
  • apoplexy of the right ovary;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • tumors in the appendages on the right;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • torsion of the pedicle of the right ovary;
  • inflammatory processes in the uterus;
  • the onset of spontaneous abortion;
  • hypertonicity of the uterus, threatening miscarriage during pregnancy.

It hurts on the right side of the abdominal cavity when pathologies of the pelvic organs develop. This condition is provoked by indigestion, helminthic infestations, tumor processes. The cause of pain may be sexually transmitted infections and inflammation:

  • gallbladder;
  • lymph nodes of the intestinal mesentery;
  • urinary tract;
  • intestinal mucosa;
  • appendix;
  • ileum.

In the middle

If a woman’s lower abdomen hurts severely in the middle part, the cause may be a malfunction digestive system. This condition is provoked by prolonged constipation, intestinal upset due to poor nutrition, and the development of dysbacteriosis. Gynecological causes may also be factors in the occurrence of pain:

  • ovulation process;
  • menstruation;
  • bearing a child;
  • formation of a tumor, cyst;
  • development of endometriosis;
  • fertilization process;
  • inflammation of the uterus and appendages.

Lower abdomen hurts, nausea

When pain is accompanied by nausea, specialists diagnose disorders in the functioning of the digestive system. Serious condition causes food poisoning and chemicals. If you feel nauseous when pain occurs, this may accompany the following pathologies:

  • inflammation of the pancreas - pancreatitis;
  • intestinal colic;
  • peritonitis - inflammation of the peritoneum;
  • gastritis;
  • peptic ulcer.

Nausea occurs if it cuts into the lower abdominal cavity as a result of gynecological disorders that occur in a woman’s body. Such symptoms may occur if:

  • torsion of appendages, pedunculated cysts;
  • adhesive disease;
  • dysmenorrhea;
  • cyst rupture;
  • inflammation of the appendages after abortion, childbirth;
  • premature placental abruption;
  • ectopic pregnancy.

Rezi

Cutting pain lower abdomen in women often requires urgent medical intervention. Alarming symptoms can be caused by ulcerative colitis, inflammation of the bladder. Cutting and burning sensation when urinating is accompanied by cystitis. Often the cause of this pain syndrome is:

  • the onset of contractions before childbirth;
  • infection of the fallopian tubes;
  • endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining);
  • malignant tumors reproductive system;
  • cervicitis (inflammatory process in the cervical canal);
  • threat of termination of pregnancy;
  • placental abruption;
  • uterine rupture;
  • miscarriage.

Stomach and lower abdomen hurt

The first painful symptoms appear with the onset of the inflammatory process in the mucous membranes of the stomach. In this condition, a woman experiences nausea, the pain is aching in nature, and is localized on the left side. When the stomach and lower abdomen ache, this may signal the development of the following processes:

  • erosion of mucous membranes – peptic ulcer;
  • the appearance of neoplasms in the cavity;
  • the occurrence of a hernia;
  • inflammation of the pancreas, which has a negative effect on the stomach.

When pressed

If you complain of pain, the doctor palpates not only the lower abdominal cavity, but also its other areas. This helps to identify a gastric hernia, the presence of neoplasms, and changes in the size of organs. When pressed, pain may occur. This condition appears when:

  • gastroesophageal reflux disease;
  • poorly digested food;
  • intestinal colic;
  • helminthic infestation.

Pain when pressing on the lower abdomen in women is a symptom of poor-quality food poisoning. Unpleasant sensations may occur if diagnosed:

  • peptic ulcer of the duodenum, stomach;
  • peritonitis;
  • acute appendicitis;
  • cholelithiasis;
  • exacerbation of gastritis;
  • urinary tract infections;
  • Crohn's disease;
  • gynecological pathologies;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • hernias

Lower abdomen hurts and discharge

Painful syndrome with gynecological pathologies often accompanied by vaginal discharge. They differ in color, smell, intensity. The lower abdomen is painful with the following diseases:

Discharge

Peculiarities

endometritis

bloody

occur in the middle of the cycle

placental abruption

ectopic pregnancy

(ruptured fallopian tube)

gonorrhea, trichomoniasis

yellow, brown

Unpleasant smell

chlamydia, mycoplasmosis

endometriosis

dark brown

bleeding

copious

uterine cancer

putrid smell

cervical inflammation

burning sensation when urinating

In the morning

A woman’s lower abdomen hurts in the morning due to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. The reason for this condition is large number food eaten at night, which did not have time to be digested. The digestive organs could not cope with such a load. The pain is caused by pregnancy, a feeling of hunger in the morning if there was an early dinner. Discomfort is caused by pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract:

  • intestinal infections;
  • poisoning;
  • pancreatitis;
  • helminthic infestations;
  • peptic ulcer;
  • food allergies;
  • appendicitis;
  • neoplasms;
  • adhesive disease.

After eating

The lower abdomen often hurts after eating. The causes of this condition are associated with disruption of the digestive system. Pain syndrome and heaviness in the stomach are provoked by overeating, eating fried, fatty, spicy foods. The condition is accompanied by belching, heartburn, vomiting, and pain in the hypochondrium. The reasons for such sensations in women after eating may be:

  • gastritis (damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach walls);
  • appendicitis;
  • cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder);
  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • stomach ulcer.

Lower abdominal pain and fever

Often, painful sensations in women are accompanied by symptoms of intoxication of the body. Fever, weakness, nausea, and diarrhea can occur as a result of poisoning with chemicals, food, and alcohol. Hyperthermia and pain in the lower abdominal cavity accompany the following pathologies:

  • intestinal obstruction;
  • hernias;
  • acute appendicitis;
  • adhesions;
  • varicose veins of the pelvic veins;
  • enterocolitis;
  • acute cystitis.

When your stomach hurts and your temperature rises, these may be symptoms of kidney disease. In this case, women experience urinary retention and are diagnosed with kidney stones, pyelonephritis, and infectious pathologies caused by harmful bacteria and fungi. Hyperthermia often accompanies the following gynecological problems:

  • inflammation of the uterine appendages;
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • consequences of abortion;
  • rupture of an ovarian cyst;
  • postpartum inflammation;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • placental abruption;
  • uterine fibroids.

When walking

When the lower abdominal cavity hurts and symptoms in women intensify with movement, this is a signal of the development of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, and genitourinary systems. Such signs are characteristic of diseases of the spine. Pain when walking may accompany:

  • cystitis;
  • pyelonephritis;
  • appendicitis;
  • urolithiasis;
  • injuries of the kidneys, pancreas;
  • fracture of the pelvic bones;
  • thrombosis, rupture, blockage of blood vessels abdominal wall;
  • osteochondrosis lumbar region spine;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • hernia;
  • pneumonia;
  • pericarditis;
  • pleurisy.

Often, painful symptoms when walking are observed in pregnant women as a result of sprains during fetal growth. The lower abdomen hurts in a woman who has the following pathologies of the reproductive organs:

  • uterine fibroids;
  • sepsis as a consequence of abortion;
  • endometriosis (pain intensifies during menstruation and sexual intercourse);
  • adhesions;
  • sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea);
  • threat of miscarriage;
  • ectopic pregnancy.

Lower abdominal pain and diarrhea in women

The appearance, in addition to pain in the lower abdominal cavity, of diarrhea is a sign of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. The condition is accompanied by weakness, nausea, bloating, and fever. Symptoms of the disorder can occur during fasting, overeating, eating fatty foods, or the development of the following pathologies:

  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • celiac disease (intolerance to the vegetable protein gluten);
  • autoimmune hepatitis;
  • acute intestinal ischemia;
  • ulcerative colitis;
  • obstruction of the colon;
  • appendicitis;
  • cholecystitis;
  • stomach ulcers.

Gives to the lower back

If a woman feels that her lower abdomen is aching and radiates to the lumbosacral region, first of all, she needs to visit a gynecologist. Such symptoms are noted in numerous pathologies of the female reproductive system. The appearance of signs may accompany the development of:

  • uterine fibroids;
  • polycystic ovary syndrome;
  • prolonged menstruation;
  • bend of the uterus;
  • torsion of appendages;
  • ectopic pregnancy;
  • adhesive process;
  • apoplexy (rupture of the ovary);
  • vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina);
  • threats of miscarriage;
  • twisting of the pedicle of an ovarian cyst.

When the lower abdomen and lower back ache, the cause may be associated with the development of osteochondrosis spinal region spine, in which the nerve roots are pinched. There are reasons for the appearance of such signs that are common to women and men. These include:

Give to the anus area

Discomfort in the lower abdomen in women is often accompanied by sharp or aching pain, which radiate to the anal area. Such symptoms indicate the presence of inflammatory processes in the pelvic area. Pain radiating to the anus may be a confirmation of the development of:

  • hemorrhoids;
  • rectal fissures;
  • paraproctitis (inflammation of the anal glands);
  • accumulation of fluid in the pelvic cavity.

Pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the anus, occurs with gynecological pathologies. They are often accompanied by vaginal discharge. Such symptoms are observed in the case of ectopic pregnancy, threats of miscarriage, and the appearance of benign neoplasms - fibroids, fibroids. Signs may accompany inflammatory processes:

  • uterine appendages (salpingoophoritis);
  • vaginal mucosa (colpitis);
  • inner layer of the uterus (endometritis).

The appearance of abdominal pain radiating to the anus is characteristic of pathological processes occurring in the ovaries. This condition is sometimes observed during the formation of:

  • hyperfunction as a result of stimulation before IVF (in vitro fertilization);
  • polycystic disease;
  • apoplexy (sudden rupture of tissue with bleeding);
  • twisting of the cyst stalk;
  • suppuration.

Diagnostics

Since pain in the lower abdominal cavity accompanies numerous diseases, it is important to correct diagnosis. The doctor chooses research methods based on symptoms pathological condition. Be sure to perform palpation to clarify the location of the pain syndrome. During the appointment, he collects anamnesis and finds out:

  • character, possible reasons the appearance of pain;
  • frequency of manifestations;
  • additional symptoms.

A general, biochemical blood test and urine test are mandatory for all patients. If diseases of the digestive system are suspected, the following is carried out:

  • stool analysis occult blood;
  • intragastric pH-metry (acidity measurement);
  • scatological examination of stool;
  • endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography;
  • study gastric juice;
  • FGDS – fibrogastroduodenoscopy, examining the stomach, duodenum, and esophagus.

To detect neoplasms, pathological changes specialists prescribe a CT scan - computed tomography organs located in the abdominal cavity, depending on the expected dislocation. If a painful syndrome appears as a result of problems in the urinary system, the following is used for diagnosis:

  • cystoscopy - examination of the inner surface of the bladder;
  • cystography - radiographic determination of changes in the organ;
  • bacteriological examination scraping from the urethra to determine sexually transmitted infections.

If the cause of pain is related to gynecological problems, the doctor prescribes blood tests for the presence of HPV (human papillomavirus), sexually transmitted infections, and, if necessary, tumor markers. Additionally, the following studies are carried out:

  • vaginal smear (high levels of leukocytes are noted);
  • Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
  • bacteriological culture scrapings from the vagina, cervix to identify sexually transmitted infections.

What to do if your lower abdomen hurts

The doctor prescribes treatment for the woman depending on the symptoms. Much attention is paid to the nature of pain. You need to do the following:

Symptoms of pain

Pathologies

Events

Moderate, constant

examination in the clinic

taking tests

performing ultrasound of the pelvic organs, abdominal cavity

Severe, sharp pain

call an ambulance

ectopic pregnancy

torsion of the pedicle of an ovarian cyst

acute appendicitis

urgent surgery

uterine fibroids

ovarian cysts

cholecystitis

oncology

elective surgery

When the diagnosis is confirmed, doctors of the appropriate specialization - gynecologist, nephrologist, gastroentorologist - prescribe treatment, including conservative methods:

  • medications to relieve inflammation;
  • drugs that relieve pain and spasms;
  • antibiotics for bacterial infections;
  • means for maintaining immunity;
  • vitamin complexes;
  • physiotherapeutic procedures;
  • acupuncture;
  • doing exercises therapeutic exercises;
  • use of diet;
  • compliance with hygiene rules.

Treatment for a specific disease is prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the nature of the pain and all the symptoms of the disease. The following methods are used:

Disease

Therapy methods

Endometriosis

gynecologist

hormonal, anti-inflammatory drugs, electrophoresis

Gonorrhea, trichomoniasis

venereologist

antibiotics

Pancreatitis

gastroenterologist

diet, analgesics, enzymes, antispasmodics, H2 blockers

Stomach ulcer

antacids, cytoprotectors, antiulcer agents, probiotics

antiseptics, antibiotics, antispasmodics, analgesics

Video

Women most often complain of pain in the lower abdomen. This is due to the physiological characteristics of the female body and, above all, to the unique ability to give life to a new person.

But don't forget about others, pathological reasons pain syndrome, due to which nagging pain in the peritoneum can occur in representatives of both sexes.

Knowing which causes pose a serious threat to health will help prevent the development of complications and come to the aid of your body in time.

In what cases can a healthy person have a tugging sensation in the lower abdomen?

Before menstruation (PMS)

Nagging pain in the abdomen, especially in its lower part, in girls and women of reproductive age every month reminds of the imminent onset of menstruation.

In addition to aching pain in the abdomen and lower back, premenstrual syndrome is often accompanied by headache and psycho-emotional stress:

  • irritability,
  • tearfulness,
  • depressive state.

All this helps women easily determine the beginning of a natural process in their body. Why are so many representatives of the fair sex forced to experience monthly pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes quite intense and prolonged?

Menstruation is evidence that fertilization of the egg has not occurred. The uterus does not need a layer of endometrium covering it, the function of which is to create optimal conditions for the acceptance of the embryo and the course of pregnancy.

The removal of the endometrial mucosa occurs due to the contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus, the spasms of which cause pain in the abdominal area. For uterine contractions in critical days Prostaglandin hormones respond; the level of their concentration in the blood determines the motor activity of the uterus and the intensity of sensations.

During ovulation

During the rest of the menstrual cycle - during the period when there are no periods - processes occur that prepare the woman’s body to become a mother. Therefore, a slight aching pain on the left or right in the groin approximately one and a half to two weeks after menstruation is usually also not a cause for concern.

Slight discomfort for a couple of days in the middle of the cycle indicates ovulation: the maturation and release of the follicle from the ovary, which may be accompanied by minor damage to the blood vessels and slight bleeding from the vagina.

Echoes of this process often cause minor pain: depending on which ovary the egg came from, the pain is localized on the left or right.

In addition, a woman may experience:

  • slight increase in body temperature,
  • heaviness in the mammary glands,
  • nausea,
  • copious white discharge of clear mucus (or slightly pink).

These signs are harmless and indicate healthy ovulation. In addition, the listed factors help calculate optimal timing for successful conception, since a week after ovulation the chances for favorable outcome there is practically none left.

When pregnancy occurs

If a woman has a delay (there is no period at the beginning of a new cycle), and the body gives signals similar to symptoms of premenstrual tension, we are most likely talking about a joyful event: the onset of pregnancy. Delayed menstruation morning sickness and the nagging pain just above the groin leave no doubt that a small new life has arisen.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the stomach often feels tight, like during menstruation. The fact is that after ovulation, the fertilized egg reaches the uterus only at the end of the cycle - around the time of the next menstruation - therefore, women often confuse the process of attaching it to the walls of the uterus with PMS.

The main reproductive organ in girls - the uterus - is accepting the invasion " foreign body", is forced to adapt his muscle tissue for further peaceful coexistence. Therefore, egg implantation is accompanied by damage to epithelial cells, which explains the pain syndrome and the presence of minor bleeding in the early stages of conception.

In later stages, pain localized below the navel occurs due to:

  • increasing the size of the abdomen,
  • increasing load on the ligamentous apparatus of the uterus,
  • pressure of the uterus on neighboring organs,
  • softening pelvic bones and ligaments.

For flatulence and stool disorders

Bloating and pain in the lower peritoneum are a common complaint in men and women with flatulence and stool disorders.

By processing food that contributes to increased gas formation (legumes, sauerkraut, baked goods, fast food, carbonated drinks, etc.), bacteria in the intestine release gases, which, when accumulated, begin to put pressure on its walls and negatively affect motility.

In pregnant women, additional pressure on the intestines is exerted by the enlarged uterus, aggravating the problem with belching, hiccups and bad breath.

As a result, there may be a delay in bowel movement - constipation, or, conversely, loose stool- diarrhea. The same situation can occur with a lack of intestinal microflora due to taking certain medications and gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, the cause of heaviness in the abdomen and indigestion may be poisoning.

During constipation, pain is caused by a large amount of feces, which creates pressure on the intestinal walls. He, in turn, begins to put pressure on organs located nearby. With diarrhea, pain and heaviness provokes stretching of the intestinal walls and spasms of smooth muscles.

What does heaviness in the lower abdomen indicate during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should definitely listen out for abdominal pain of unknown origin, because it can harm two lives at once. In addition to the relatively harmless flatulence and stool disorders that we described above, heaviness in the abdomen can be accompanied by contractions and serious pathologies of pregnancy.

Threat of placental abruption

A real threat to the life of the fetus is premature placental abruption, a pathology that most often manifests itself in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The placenta performs a protective function, providing the baby in the womb with everything necessary. If it is completely detached, the fetus may die.

Classic symptoms of this complication:

  • internal or external bleeding,
  • severe and dull pain in the groin area,
  • hypertonicity of the uterus;
  • heartbeat disturbances in the fetus.

provoke premature detachment placenta during pregnancy may be due to abdominal trauma or the presence of:

  • bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs);
  • iron deficiency anemia;
  • autoimmune diseases;
  • allergies to certain types of drugs;
  • changes in the uterine epithelium (occurs in women who have had a large number of births);
  • sharp changes blood pressure.

Training contractions

At the end of the second trimester, pregnant women may feel cramping pain and tension in the abdomen several times a day, during which the uterus becomes as if “stone-like.” These are training contractions that prepare the body for future childbirth.

There is no need to be afraid of them, but if the intensity of the pain increases, it is better to consult a gynecologist to eliminate the threat of miscarriage or premature birth.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, similar sensations can be caused by the onset of labor pains.

Divergence of the pelvic bones

Pain in the pubic, groin or pelvic area in a pregnant woman, which intensifies when walking and changing body position, often indicates a divergence of the bones of the pubic symphysis - symphysitis. This pathology usually manifests itself in the third trimester and requires close monitoring by a doctor until birth. In some cases, the pregnant woman even requires hospitalization.

Fetal kicks

Starting from the middle of pregnancy (16-24 weeks), pain in the lower abdomen can also occur due to the movements and kicks of the growing baby. And, although they are often quite painful, they are completely natural and safe.

Pathological causes of nagging pain in the lower abdomen

Appendicitis

The appendix is ​​located on the lower right side of the abdomen. If inflammation occurs, pus accumulates in the appendix, and it itself increases in size and becomes painful. Appendicitis causes acute and sharp pain in the peritoneum, the patient feels sick, feels weak and chills due to increased temperature.

Kidney and bladder diseases

The inflammatory process of the urinary tract (cystitis, pyelonephritis) often leads to swelling of the affected organs.

The kidneys and bladder compress the nerve endings, irritating the posterior wall of the peritoneum, hence:

  • painful and frequent urination,
  • bloody and white discharge in the urine,
  • pain in the abdomen and lumbar region,
  • signs of general intoxication (dizziness, lethargy, decreased appetite, the patient feels sick).

Gynecological diseases

Heaviness in the lower abdomen can become a symptom of a progressive disease of the female genital area.

Most often they become:

  1. Endometriosis (growth of the endometrium in the uterine cavity and appendages). It is usually accompanied by brown discharge after ovulation, pain in the groin and pubis.
  2. Ovarian apoplexy (ovarian rupture). Its characteristic symptoms: drop in blood pressure, weakness, nausea, lightheadedness, pale skin, sharp pain right or left abdomen.
  3. Cysts, fibroids, adhesions and inflammatory processes of the uterus and its appendages. All these pathologies disrupt blood circulation in the pelvic organs and put pressure on surrounding organs and tissues, so when they develop, the lower abdomen often feels tight. They may be accompanied by irregularities and delays in menstruation, intermenstrual bleeding, difficulty and frequent urination.

In addition, pain in the lower abdomen often accompanies an ectopic pregnancy. An embryo growing outside the uterine cavity puts pressure on surrounding tissues, and thereby provokes aching pain in the groin area.

Varicose veins of the pelvis

Varicose veins located in the pelvis are observed in 30% of women during pregnancy.

It can also occur against the background of:

  • gynecological diseases,
  • taking hormonal medications,
  • frequent childbirth,
  • numerous abortions,
  • sedentary work,
  • excessive physical activity,
  • pelvic vein thrombosis,
  • congenital weakness of the walls of blood vessels.

Women with varicose veins of the pelvis experience aching pain in the lower parts abdomen, perineum and lumbar region after physical exertion, prolonged stay in an upright position and during sexual intercourse. You may also experience brown discharge before and after your period.

Diseases of the abdominal organs

Gastritis, stomach ulcers, inflammation of the gallbladder, duodenal pancreas, cirrhosis of the liver and some other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and organs located in the abdominal cavity are also often accompanied by aching abdominal pain and digestive disorders.

Most of them are usually accompanied by additional symptoms, such as:

  • bloating,
  • flatulence,
  • belching,
  • heartburn,
  • nausea,
  • vomit,
  • bowel disorders,
  • general weakness,
  • decreased appetite.

What to do if such pain occurs?

If you have pain in your lower abdomen before your period or in the middle of your cycle, the pain is moderate and is not accompanied by any alarming symptoms- most likely there is nothing to worry about. But if you have doubts, make an appointment with a gynecologist and verify this personally.

In all other cases, especially if you are expecting a child, the pain is very severe or prolonged and/or, in addition to it, you observe an increase or decrease in body temperature, a general deterioration in your condition, unusual discharge from the urethra or vagina - visit your obstetrician-gynecologist and therapist as soon as possible!

Do not self-medicate! Unauthorized use of painkillers makes diagnosis difficult and can lead to dire consequences. A timely visit to a doctor will help you quickly determine the correct diagnosis, speed up treatment and prevent unwanted complications.

Video: what can pain in the abdomen below the navel indicate?