Lower Abdominal Pain in Females: Causes and Symptoms

Lower abdominal pain in women can be caused by a wide range of conditions—some of which require prompt medical attention. If you are experiencing sudden, severe, or persistent lower abdominal pain, it’s important to know when to seek immediate care.

You should visit urgent care or seek emergency help right away if your pain is accompanied by:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Fainting, dizziness, or signs of shock (such as rapid heartbeat and cold, clammy skin)
• A positive pregnancy test and abdominal pain (this could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency)
• High fever and vomiting (may be a sign of a serious infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease or appendicitis)
• Inability to pass urine, blood in urine or stool
• Severe pain during or after sex
• Known ovarian cyst with sudden, sharp pain

Additionally, any unexplained abdominal pain that is severe, worsening, or associated with difficulty breathing or chest pain should be evaluated right away.

Lower abdominal pain in females is a common reason for visiting the doctor and can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infections.

When an infection is present, certain symptoms can help distinguish it from other causes of pain. Warning signs include fever or chills, which indicate your body is fighting off an infection. If you notice unusual vaginal discharge—such as yellow or green color or a foul odor—this may signal reproductive tract infections like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pain or burning during urination, known as dysuria, can point to a urinary tract infection (UTI), which we frequently diagnose and treat at urgent care centers. You may also notice increased urinary frequency or urgency.

Other symptoms that may accompany infections include pain during sex or abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after intercourse. These can be signs of infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, which require prompt medical attention. General symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or a general sense of being unwell are also important to mention to your provider. In severe cases, intense pain, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, or confusion may indicate a more serious condition and require immediate care.

Sudden, sharp lower abdominal pain in females can be alarming and may arise from several different medical conditions—some of which require immediate attention.

Common reasons for sudden lower abdominal pain in women include ovarian cysts that can rupture or twist, causing severe discomfort. Ectopic pregnancy—a potentially life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus—can also lead to intense pain and requires rapid diagnosis and intervention. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the reproductive organs, often presents with sharp pelvic pain and should be evaluated promptly.

Menstrual cramps are typically mild, but sometimes, underlying conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids can cause sudden and severe pain. Additionally, gastrointestinal issues such as appendicitis or bowel obstruction, as well as urinary conditions like urinary tract infections or kidney stones, may mimic gynecological pain. Even muscle strain can be mistaken for abdominal pain.

Because these causes range from benign to potentially life-threatening, it’s essential to seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience sudden, severe lower abdominal pain.

Dull, persistent lower abdominal pain in women can be worrying and may stem from several causes involving the reproductive, urinary, digestive, or musculoskeletal systems.

Common Causes:

Gynecological Issues: Conditions such as endometriosis (where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus), pelvic inflammatory disease (infection of the reproductive organs), ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids are common reasons for ongoing lower abdominal pain.
 
Urinary Tract Concerns: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder inflammation (cystitis) are frequent causes of lower abdominal discomfort.
 
Digestive System Issues: Problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or other digestive concerns can also contribute to persistent pain.

Musculoskeletal Factors: Muscle strain or pelvic floor dysfunction may also be at the root of your symptoms.
 
If you are experiencing persistent lower abdominal pain—especially if it’s accompanied by symptoms such as fever, abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination, or changes in your bowel habits—it’s important to get evaluated promptly. Our caring providers at SoCal Urgent Care will take a detailed history, perform a physical exam, and may recommend lab tests or imaging to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Persistent abdominal pain should never be ignored. Early evaluation at SoCal Urgent Care can help ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment, getting you back to feeling your best as soon as possible. Walk in or schedule an appointment today—your health and peace of mind are our top priorities. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 710 S Brookhurst St. Suite A, Anaheim, CA 92804 (less than 3 miles away from Disneyland). We serve patients from Anaheim CA, Fullerton CA, Garden Grove CA, Cypress CA, Stanton CA, Buena Park CA, La Habra CA, Yorba Linda CA, and surrounding cities.