Nearly everyone experiences abdominal pain at some point in their lifetime. It can arise for a multitude of reasons, and many of which — like overindulging at dinner — are benign, and symptoms fade on their own with time.
However, some types of abdominal pain can indicate a more serious underlying condition, and the location of your pain could be a clue to the cause. One of those locations? The lower left side of your abdomen.
Persistent lower left abdominal pain could be a sign of a condition like diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even ovarian cysts. As an internal medicine specialist, Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, can help you pinpoint the cause and provide the treatment you need to start feeling better.
Diverticulitis develops when small pouches, called diverticula, form along the walls of your colon and get inflamed or infected. These pouches are most common in the lower left side of your abdomen, which makes diverticulitis a prime suspect for lower left abdominal pain.
When diverticula get inflamed or infected, you can experience symptoms like lower left abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness, fever, and changes in bowel habits. While the exact cause of diverticulitis isn't always clear, the condition becomes more common with age. Other risk factors can include eating a low-fiber diet and carrying extra weight.
If Dr. Sanbandam diagnoses you with diverticulitis, your treatment plan may include dietary adjustments, antibiotics, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that causes a range of digestive symptoms, including lower left abdominal pain. It often feels like cramping and general abdominal discomfort, because IBS is characterized by alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea, along with bloating and gas.
Up to 10% of American adults have IBS. The exact cause isn’t clear, but it’s been linked to abnormal gut motility, heightened sensitivity to certain foods, and stress.
While IBS itself doesn't pose a serious health risk, the symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life. Management strategies for IBS typically involve dietary modifications, stress reduction techniques, and, in some cases, medication.
Another common cause of lower left abdominal pain for women is ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that grow on your ovaries. While most ovarian cysts are harmless, larger cysts or cysts that get twisted (known as ovarian torsion) can lead to intense pain.
The pain from ovarian cysts often feels like a dull ache or sharp twinge. If the cyst is on your left ovary, you’ll feel the pain in the lower left side of your abdomen. It may also be accompanied by irregular menstrual cycles, bloating, and pelvic discomfort. Ovarian cysts can sometimes resolve on their own, but medical intervention is necessary if they cause severe pain or complications.
Remember that these aren’t the only possible causes of lower left abdominal pain. Proper medical evaluation is essential to accurately diagnose and treat the underlying issue.
Dr. Sambandam and our team at North Tarrant Health providers are here to help. If you or someone you know experiences persistent or severe lower left abdominal pain, don't hesitate to reach out. Call our office in Fort Worth, Texas, at 817-904-4165 today, or schedule a consultation online any time.
