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Left Side Stomach Pain Reasons in Female

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Shivani Arora, last updated on 18 February 2023| min read
Left Side Stomach Pain Reasons in Female

Quick Summary

Left-side stomach pain can be caused by gas, but there could be many more underlying disorders which can be severe, including diverticulitis, appendicitis etc.

You should seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms along with left-side stomach pain:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody stool

The primary cause of left-side stomach pain is gas, but there could be many more underlying disorders which can be severe, including diverticulitis, appendicitis etc. These conditions require immediate medical attention. Numerous additional signs might help you distinguish between ordinary gas pain and more dangerous conditions for which you should seek emergency care.

Let's read the following blog to know more about left side stomach pain reasons for female and why women feel cramping on left side of abdomen.

What is Left Side Stomach Pain?

Left side stomach pain in females can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from digestive issues to reproductive and urinary tract issues. The location and severity of the pain, as well as any accompanying symptoms, can provide important clues to help determine the underlying cause.

The left side stomach pain in females can be categorized into: 

  1. Gastrointestinal causes
  2. Urological causes
  3. Gynaecological causes
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Gastrointestinal causes

There are many gastrointestinal reasons for pain in left side of abdomen female. Some of the include:

  1. Bloating and Gas: Bloating and Gas can be caused by eating habits, such as eating too quickly or foods that are difficult to digest. The pain is often relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement. Over-the-counter remedies, such as antacids or simethicone (an anti-gas medication), may help reduce Left side stomach pain reasons for female. 
  2. Constipation: Constipation is when you have infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It can be caused by lack of fibre in the diet, not drinking enough fluids, or not getting enough exercise. Constipation can cause abdominal pain and discomfort. Increasing fibre and fluid intake and regular exercise can help relieve constipation.
  3. Ulcer: An ulcer is a sore that forms on the skin or mucous membranes. Ulcers in the digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine, can cause abdominal pain. Ulcers may be caused by certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or by a bacterial infection. Treatment may include medications to reduce acid production in the stomach and promote healing.
  4. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements. It is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including abnormal muscle contractions in the intestine, sensitivity to certain foods, and stress.
  5. Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition which occurs when small pouches (diverticula) present in the lining of the intestine become infected or inflamed. It can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel movements. It is thought to be caused by a diet low in fibre, which can lead to constipation and increased pressure in the intestine.
  6. Stomach flu: Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is an infection of the digestive tract caused by a virus. It can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
  7. Ulcerative colitis: It is a type of inflammatory disease that affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic (long-term) condition manageable with lifestyle changes and medications.
  8. Appendicitis: Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a tube-like organ located in the lower right side of the abdomen. It can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
  9. Gallstones: Gallstones are hard deposits that can form inside the gallbladder and cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you want to learn more, click How to Remove Gallstones Naturally
  10. Hernia: A hernia is the protrusion of a tissue or an organ through the cavity wall that usually contains it. It can cause abdominal pain, especially when coughing or lifting heavy objects.

Urological causes

There are a few urological conditions that are Left Side Stomach Pain Reasons for Female. Some examples include:

  1. Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs are caused when bacteria enter the urinary system and can cause abdominal pain, discomfort while urinating, and a frequent urge to urinate.
  2. Kidney stones: Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and cause abdominal pain, nausea, and blood in the urine
  3. Bladder inflammation (Cystitis): Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that can cause abdominal pain, as well as other symptoms such as frequent urges to urinate, burning or pain during urination, and blood in the urine. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
It is necessary to seek help from a healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe or persistent left-side stomach pain or have other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. A medical professional can help determine Left Side Stomach Pain Reasons for Female.

Gynaecological causes

Left-side abdominal pain when a woman is pregnant can be caused because multiple factors. Some typical Left Side Stomach Pain Reasons for Female who are pregnant include: 

  1. Round ligament pain: As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby, the round ligaments that support the uterus can stretch and cause pain in the lower abdomen. This type of pain is usually temporary and should not be severe.
  2. Constipation: Pregnancy hormones can slow the digestive process, leading to constipation, which can cause pain in the left side of the abdomen and bloating and discomfort.
  3. Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs are usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary system and can cause abdominal pain, discomfort while urinating, and a frequent urge to urinate. UTIs are more common during pregnancy because of the changes in the urinary tract and the increased risk of bacteria entering the urinary system.
  4. Ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy is a severe condition in which the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus. It occurs in the fallopian tube usually. It can cause abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder pain. Ectopic pregnancies cannot continue to term and require immediate medical attention.
  5. Placental problems: The placenta is the organ that connects the baby to the mother's uterus and provides the baby with nutrients and oxygen. Placental Problems, such as placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery) or placental previa (when the placenta covers the cervix), can cause abdominal pain and other complications.
  6. Ovarian Cysts: Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the ovaries. They are common and usually benign but can cause abdominal pain, especially during ovulation or sexual activity.
  7. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissues that line the uterus grows out of the uterus. It can cause abdominal pain, especially during menstruation, as well as pain during sexual activity and difficulty getting pregnant.
  8. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. It can cause abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, and pain during sexual activity. PID is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.

If you are experiencing left-side abdominal pain during pregnancy, you must speak to a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is essential to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or if you have other symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding or shoulder pain.

Treatment for left side abdominal pain

The treatment for left-side abdominal pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Some potential treatments may include:

  1. Over-the-counter medications: If the pain is caused by gas or bloating, over-the-counter remedies such as antacids or simethicone (an anti-gas medicine) may be helpful.
  2. Lifestyle changes: If the pain is caused by constipation, increasing fibre and fluid intake and regular exercise may help relieve the pain.
  3. Medications: If an ulcer or other digestive problem causes the pain, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to reduce acid production in the stomach and promote healing.
  4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery could be essential to treat the underlying cause of the pain. For example, surgery will be needed to remove the appendix if you have appendicitis.
  5. Pain relief: Depending on the severity of the pain, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription pain relief medications to help manage the pain.

When to See a Doctor?

It is essential to seek medical advice if you are experiencing severe or persistent pain in the left side of the stomach in females or have other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  1. Pain that lasts for more than 7-8 days
  2. Abdominal pain that is severe or worsening
  3. Pain that is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or difficulty breathing
  4. Vaginal bleeding
  5. Shoulder pain
  6. Abdominal pain that occurs during pregnancy

You need to See a doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or a history of abdominal surgery. affecting your abdominal pain.

Takeaway

You now have a clear idea about Left Side Stomach Pain Reasons for Female and why pain in left side of abdomen female occurs. 

If you have any doubts or are looking for an appointment with a doctor, you can contact the HexaHealth team. At HexaHealth, we have a fantastic group of healthcare professionals who will help manage your condition with the proper treatment and expertise. Our support team will also help you in all aspects.

It is essential to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of left-side abdominal pain. Our team will be able to determine the cause of your pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The left side stomach pain reasons for female include constipation, gas and bloating, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and kidney stones. It is essential to see a doctor if the pain is severe or persistent.

There are many reasons for pain in the left side of the female abdomen, including menstrual cramps, constipation, gas and bloating, ovarian cysts, and intestinal infection. You should see a doctor if the cramping is severe or persistent.
Several organs on the left side of the body can cause pain if they are not functioning correctly. These include stomach, colon, spleen, kidney, and ovaries. The spleen, located in the upper left side of the abdomen, can also cause pain if it is injured or enlarged. The left kidney, located just below the ribcage, can cause pain if there are issues such as kidney stones, a kidney infection, or kidney disease. The ovaries, located on either side of the uterus, can cause pain if there are conditions such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis.

There are three main types of abdominal pain: acute, chronic, and referred. Acute pain is sudden and severe, chronic pain persists for a long time, and referred pain is felt in the abdomen but is caused by a problem in another part of the body.

Stress can cause abdominal pain on the left side or any other part of the abdomen. Stress can contribute to a variety of digestive issues, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. It can also worsen digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

There are several signs that your stomach pain may be due to gas: the location of the pain, the presence of bloating, the relief of pain after passing gas and the relief of pain after changing position. Gas pain is typically felt in the abdomen, especially in the lower abdomen. It is often accompanied by bloating and is relieved by passing gas or changing position. Gas pain is usually not severe and goes away on its own. 

Gas pain can feel sharp, stabbing, dull, and aching. It is often felt in the lower abdomen, but it can also be felt in the upper abdomen or the back. Gas pain is usually not severe, but it can be uncomfortable and may interfere with daily activities. Some people may also experience bloating, belching, flatulence, and gas pain.
Pain in the lower left abdomen can be caused by various conditions, some of which may be serious. Constipation, gas and bloating, diverticulitis, ovarian cysts, kidney stones, and appendicitis are all possible causes of lower left abdominal pain.
If you are experiencing pain in your lower left abdomen as a woman, there are a few steps you can take to help alleviate the pain: try to identify any possible triggers, take over-the-counter pain medication, apply heat to the area, drink plenty of fluids, and try to relax.

You can take several steps to help alleviate pain in the left side of your stomach. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. Applying heat to the area may also help reduce the pain. Staying hydrated can help prevent constipation, which can contribute to abdominal pain. Relaxing and practising stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing or meditation may help alleviate the pain.

Last Updated on: 18 February 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Shivani Arora

Shivani Arora

BA Journalism and Mass Communication

2 Years Experience

She is an accomplished new-age professional who has interviewed prominent personalities such as Bhaichung Bhutia, G. Sathiyan, Shashi Tharoor, etc. A content writer interested in health communication, graphic desi...View More

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