What Causes Sharp Pain in the Lower Left Abdomen in Women?

Sharp pain in the lower left abdomen can be concerning, but it is not always a sign of a serious condition. Our experienced healthcare providers are here to help you determine the cause of your discomfort and provide the timely care you need. There are many possible reasons for lower left abdominal pain. Common, less serious causes include constipation, gas, or muscle strain. In women, menstrual cramps and ovulation pain can also lead to discomfort in this area. However, some conditions require prompt medical attention. These may include diverticulitis, kidney stones, hernias, or infections of the reproductive organs. In rare cases, pain in the lower left abdomen may be related to issues with the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease, or complications from a ruptured cyst or ectopic pregnancy in women.

It’s important to pay attention to additional symptoms such as fever, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool or urine, or severe tenderness. If your pain is sudden, severe, worsening, or associated with these symptoms, visit Columbia Clinic Urgent Care right away. Our team can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam and any necessary testing, to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While not all abdominal pain is serious, it should not be ignored—especially if it is severe or persistent.

Your ovaries are located on either side of the uterus, and pain related to ovarian issues (such as ovarian cysts, ovulation pain, or more serious conditions like ovarian torsion) can often present on one side. However, pain in the lower left abdomen isn’t always ovarian in origin. It may also be caused by issues like diverticulitis, urinary tract infections, constipation, or muscle strain. If your pain began suddenly and is severe—especially if you’re also experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, or dizziness—please visit Columbia Clinic Urgent Care or your nearest emergency department immediately. These symptoms could indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst, ovarian torsion, or another urgent medical condition that requires prompt attention.

In addition to ovarian causes, other organs in the lower left abdomen—including the colon, left ureter, and, in people with a uterus, the left fallopian tube—can also be sources of pain. Our experienced medical team at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a pelvic exam, lab tests, or an ultrasound to help determine the exact cause of your pain. Tracking your symptoms—such as whether the pain coincides with your menstrual cycle, if you have a history of ovarian cysts, or if you notice any changes in your periods, bowel habits, or urination—can help our providers make a more accurate diagnosis.

You should especially seek urgent medical care at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care if your abdominal pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
●Fever or chills
●Persistent nausea or vomiting
●Inability to keep food or liquids down
●Blood in your stool or urine
●Unexplained weight loss
●Abdominal swelling or pronounced tenderness
●Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Lower left abdominal pain can result from a variety of conditions, including diverticulitis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, or gynecological issues such as ovarian cysts. Some of these conditions can worsen rapidly or become serious if not addressed quickly. If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent attention, the experienced medical professionals are here to assess your situation and provide the care you need. Walk in anytime or contact us to ensure you get the right treatment, right when you need it.

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we often see patients who are concerned about sharp pain in the lower left abdomen. In some cases, this type of pain can be related to menstruation. Many women experience abdominal discomfort or cramping as part of their menstrual cycle—a condition known as dysmenorrhea. These cramps are usually felt in the lower abdomen, but sometimes the pain may be more intense on one side, including the lower left. Other menstrual-related causes can include ovulation (mittelschmerz), endometriosis, or ovarian cysts, all of which can sometimes result in sharp, localized pain.

However, sharp pain in the lower left abdomen is not always related to menstruation. It may also be caused by other issues such as gastrointestinal conditions (like diverticulitis or constipation), urinary tract infections, or, in rare cases, gynecological emergencies such as ovarian torsion. If your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, unusual vaginal bleeding, or if you have any concerns about your symptoms, we encourage you to visit Columbia Clinic Urgent Care for a prompt and thorough evaluation. Our experienced medical team is here to provide the care you need and help determine the cause of your symptoms.

For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you at Tibbetts St Portland, Stark Street Portland, and Tigard, OR. We also accept walk-ins. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR, and surrounding areas. We also accept walk-ins.