Periodic pain in the lower abdomen in women is in most cases associated with cyclical changes in the reproductive system. They appear before menstruation and disappear some time after their end. However, in some cases, pain in the lower abdomen may be a sign of pathology.
What to do if you have pain in the lower right abdomen?
In order to find out which organ of the female body provoked the occurrence of painful sensations in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, the pain syndrome is detailed. This concept means an assessment of the severity and nature of pain (cramping, cutting, stabbing, pulling, etc.), as well as its relationship with body position, physical activity, urination and the act of defecation.
When conducting a diagnostic examination, the specialist must determine the presence of accompanying signs (fever, the nature of vaginal discharge, the presence of vomiting, diarrhea, etc.). At the same time, it is necessary to find out whether such pains appeared before and what caused them.
To make a final diagnosis, the patient is prescribed a diagnostic examination, which includes instrumental and laboratory methods.
It is mandatory for a woman to undergo an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, as well as blood and urine tests.
If a pathological process is suspected to be localized in the digestive or excretory system, it is recommended that the patient undergo an x-ray, as well as, if necessary, an endoscopic examination of the digestive organs, bladder or organs of the reproductive system.
Pain after intercourse
Most often, pain at the end of sexual intercourse, which is not accompanied by orgasmic contractions, is associated with swelling of the tissues, a rush of blood to the organs during the process of arousal.
There may also be pain associated with tissue trauma during excessively intense sexual intercourse, and pain as a symptom of diseases of the pelvic organs: adhesions, endometriosis, endometritis or andexitis in chronic form, cervicitis, tumor neoplasms of the genital organs. In addition, the lower abdomen may hurt after menstruation due to increased blood circulation due to endometriosis or the formation of an endometriotic cyst, which increases immediately after the end of menstruation.
Causes of pain in the lower right abdomen
In clinical practice, pain arising in the lower right quadrant is usually divided into 2 groups: gynecological and general (caused by diseases of other internal organs).
Causes of gynecological pain:
- Inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages.
- Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
- Torsion of the pedicle of the right ovarian cyst.
- Apoplexy of the right ovary (hemorrhage).
- The presence of a benign or malignant tumor on the right appendage of the uterus.
Causes of non-gynecological pain:
- Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix).
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the intestinal mesentery (mazadenitis).
- Pathologies of the urinary tract.
- Intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease, neoplasms, diverticulosis).
Gynecological pain
In the case when a woman experiences pain in the lower right part of the abdomen, most often this condition can signal the presence of pathology in the uterine appendages. There are several factors by which one can suspect the development of a gynecological disease:
- The presence of acute or chronic inflammatory process in the uterine appendages;
- Menstrual irregularities;
- The occurrence of pathological vaginal discharge;
- Unfavorable medical history.
The nature of pain in acute gynecological pathology
In the case when pain in the lower right part of the abdomen develops suddenly and is characterized by the greatest degree of intensity, the patient requires urgent medical attention.
Symptoms of an acute abdomen can be provoked by ectopic pregnancy, acute inflammation of the appendages (adnexitis), hemorrhage into the ovary, torsion of the pedicle of an ovarian cyst. In this case, the pain is cramping, cutting or stabbing in nature.
When the fallopian tube ruptures, which is a consequence of tubal pregnancy, the so-called “dagger” pain occurs;
With an ovarian abscess or accumulation of gnosis in the fallopian tube, patients complain of sharp throbbing pain;
Often, pain caused by one or another gynecological problem radiates to the anus and the area of the sacroiliac joint;
With the development of massive bleeding, due to a drop in blood pressure, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, dizziness, general weakness and increased heart rate are noted;
If a large amount of blood or pus enters the pelvic cavity, pain can radiate to the supra- and subclavian region, as well as to the right hypochondrium;
With the development of acute right-sided inflammation, along with pain in the lower abdomen, the patient’s body temperature rises and purulent vaginal discharge appears.
The nature of pain in chronic gynecological pathology
In the presence of a chronic inflammatory process in the right appendage, women complain of dull nagging pain localized in the lower right part of the abdomen. Often, painful symptoms are accompanied by the presence of mucopurulent discharge.
Under the influence of provoking factors (hypothermia, a stressful situation or physical overexertion, weakened immunity, etc.), there is a possibility of exacerbation of the pathological process, accompanied by the development of purulent complications. In the absence of adequate treatment, irreversible changes in the right appendage of the uterus may develop, which can lead to tubal infertility.
Pain in the lower right part of the abdomen during the development of neoplasms
In gynecological practice, there are often cases when the cause of pain localized in the lower right part of the abdomen is neoplastic processes (benign and malignant tumors on the ovaries or on the fallopian tube). As a rule, benign cystic neoplasms make themselves known once they reach a certain size (when the tumor begins to compress nearby tissues and organs).
When a malignant tumor forms on the fallopian tube, patients complain of pain in the right lower abdomen already in the early stages of its development. In this case, the painful sensations are cramping in nature and are often accompanied by copious watery discharge. Most often, this disease is detected in women who have reached 40-45 years of age and have entered menopause.
As for ovarian cancer, this pathology most often develops in the postmenopausal period, but for a long time it does not manifest itself in any way. In this situation, pain occurs against the background of symptoms of cancer intoxication and general exhaustion of the body, with the widespread prevalence of the tumor process. At the same time, there are often cases when pain in the lower right part of the abdomen with cancer of the right ovary makes itself felt in the very early stages of the disease. They arise for no reason, and have a short-term aching or pulling character.
Over time, pain occurs once every 4-5 days, lasts for 2-3 hours, and then subsides. In the case when the tumor grows into the pelvic cavity, the patient suffers from constant pain, which can change its character depending on the degree of damage to the organs and tissues involved in the pathological process.
Intestinal diseases
At the earliest stage, completely safe, timely screening diagnostics are carried out. After studying the results of the examination, an experienced doctor will figure out why the stomach hurts on the right side, determine the type of disease, and select the optimal methods of treating the underlying disease.
You should not try to treat yourself if your lower abdomen hurts on the right.
After consulting a specialist, you need to undergo an examination and begin the prescribed treatment course.
Since pain in the lower abdomen on the right in women can accompany a large number of diseases and physiological conditions, various diagnostic methods can be prescribed to make an accurate diagnosis.
To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination. Diagnosis begins with examining the patient and palpating the abdomen. Based on the patient's complaints, the doctor makes a rough diagnosis and prescribes an examination.
Making an accurate diagnosis depends on several factors:
- general condition of the sick person;
- the nature of the painful sensations, the place of their manifestation and irradiation;
- time of onset or intensification of pain;
- association of unpleasant sensations with food intake. If there is such a connection, then you need to clarify the type of dish and its volume that causes pain;
- external characteristics of feces: color, smell, consistency, presence of unusual inclusions;
- the presence of additional symptoms: increased temperature, lack of appetite, belching, nausea, vomiting, heartburn.
Based on these factors, a diagnosis can be made and treatment can be prescribed. But only an experienced doctor should do this.
There are several main diseases that most often cause pain in the right lower abdomen in women and men.
Appendicitis
Paroxysmal stabbing pain in the lower abdomen on the right is often found in diseases of the upper urinary tract. They are especially characteristic of the so-called renal colic, which most often accompanies urolithiasis.
Even experienced surgeons often have difficulty differentiating between renal colic and appendicitis.
Pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen caused by acute appendicitis
In addition to gynecological diseases, inflammation of the appendix can provoke pain in the lower right part of the abdomen. In the absence of adequate medical care, this condition can cause suppuration and subsequent rupture of the appendix, which, in turn, provokes the development of peritonitis, and can even lead to death. Therefore, if the pain is concentrated in one point on the right, or is localized in the navel area, and does not go away for several hours, the woman needs urgent medical attention.
With inflammation of the appendix, a dull aching pain that occurs in the pit of the stomach slowly progresses and gradually moves to the iliac region. Very often, the pain radiates to the rectum and intensifies when walking, as well as when trying to roll over to the left side (in a lying position). Often, with the development of a pathological process, the patient experiences nausea, possible vomiting and increased body temperature.
Intestinal diseases
Urolithiasis (urolithiasis) is a disease of the kidneys and bladder, manifested by the release of calculi (stones). It is dangerous because it subsequently provokes the development of pyelitis and pyelonephritis, renal colic.
Treatment is carried out with diuretic anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as citrate suppositories.
Drawing, aching or stabbing pain in the lower abdomen on the right is characteristic of lesions of the final part of the thin
Judging by the fact that you are now reading these lines, victory in the fight against diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is not yet on your side...
Have you already thought about surgery? This is understandable, because the stomach is a very important organ, and its proper functioning is the key to health and well-being. Frequent abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, belching, nausea, bowel dysfunction... All these symptoms are familiar to you firsthand.
Other dangerous conditions that cause pain in the lower right abdomen
Acute surgical pain that occurs in the lower abdomen is called “acute abdomen” in clinical practice. This is a symptom complex characteristic of inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis) and peritonitis of various origins. The most characteristic signs of this pathological condition include unbearable pain, prevailing on the right, attacks of vomiting, significant deterioration in general condition, high body temperature. Such patients require urgent hospitalization in the surgical department.
Note: It is not recommended to take painkillers before a medical examination, as they can significantly change the clinical picture.
Pain in the lower right quadrant caused by inflammatory pathologies
Painful sensations in the lower right side in women can be provoked by inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon), granulomatous enteritis, or Crohn's disease (pathology of unknown etiology), ileitis (inflammation of the ileum), as well as helminthic infestations. At the same time, pain in the lower right part of the abdomen can cause compression of the nerve endings going to this area from the spine, occur due to herpes zoster (herpes virus infection) and the movement of a stone along the ureter.
Often, pain in the lower abdomen is caused by sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis). In this case, they are accompanied by purulent or mucopurulent vaginal discharge and discomfort during urination.
Disorders of the musculoskeletal system
The next reason is spinal osteochondrosis. Up to 15% of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis experience pain on the right side of the abdomen, since the nerve roots are pinched and blood circulation is impaired. Quite often, neurological diseases have similar symptoms as a result of radicular syndrome.
The cause of dull pain on the right side of the abdomen is often degenerative changes in the thoracic spine. This disease simulates gastrointestinal pathology.
It is almost impossible to tolerate if the patient is bothered by constant pain in the lower abdomen on the right. It is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner, because many different ailments are associated with such a symptom.
Pain in the lower right abdomen during pregnancy
Physiological reasons
Most often, pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen in early pregnancy occurs due to the attachment of the fertilized egg to the right side of the uterus. However, pain can occur under the influence of progesterone, which relaxes and softens the tissues surrounding the uterus, and the growing uterus itself can also provoke pain.
Pathological causes
- Hypertonicity of the uterus (a condition that threatens miscarriage).
- Beginning of spontaneous abortion.
- Isthmic-cervical insufficiency (weakening of the internal os of the uterus).
- Precursor contractions.
- Cystitis.
- Digestive disorders.
If pain in the right lower abdomen becomes protracted, a woman should definitely consult a specialist who, after carrying out all the diagnostic examinations provided for in the protocol, will find out the cause of the pain and, if necessary, recommend adequate treatment.
