What Causes Lower Abdominal Stabbing Pain in Females?

Lower abdominal pain can have several possible causes which is why it’s important to get assessed by a doctor to accurately identify the root of the problem. Some of the most common causes of stabbing lower abdominal pain in women are:

– Appendicitis
– Ectopic pregnancy
– Endometriosis
– Menstrual cramps
– Ovarian cysts
– Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

The cause of stabbing pain isn’t always straight forward which is why you should seek medical attention if you’re experiencing sudden or severe lower abdominal pain. This type of symptom may require medical intervention as it can often indicate a potentially serious underlying condition.

Acute abdominal pain that comes on suddenly and intensely is often a medical emergency. If your pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, sudden weight loss, or rectal bleeding, seek immediate medical attention without delay as these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, gallbladder disease, or a ruptured organ.

In some cases, sharp abdominal pain may be a sign of a chronic condition that requires medical attention over time. For instance, gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause recurrent abdominal pain, all of which need tending medical intervention to treat.

Pregnant women should also watch out for this type of abdominal pain because while abdominal pain is common during pregnancy, any sudden or severe pain could indicate a miscarriage, preterm labor, or ectopic pregnancy.

Abdominal pain is classified according to its origin or causes and can be sorted into the following categories:

– Acute pain. This type of pain occurs suddenly and is usually severe, indicating a medical emergency such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or ruptured organ.

– Chronic pain. This type of pain lasts for a prolonged period, typically more than three months, and may be associated with conditions like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or diverticulitis.

– Colicky pain. This type of pain is characterized by waves of cramping pain, intermittent in nature, and associated with conditions like kidney stones, gallstones, or irritable bowel syndrome.

– Hormonal pain. This type of pain occurs in women during menstruation or pregnancy and is related to hormonal changes in the body.

– Psychogenic pain. This type of pain is associated with stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological factors.

– Referred pain. This type of pain occurs in a different part of the body, other than the original source.

– Somatic pain. This type of pain occurs in the abdominal wall or the parietal peritoneum, which is the protective lining around the abdominal organs. Somatic pain presents as a sharp, localized pain that worsens upon movement or changes in position.

– Visceral pain. This type of pain arises from the organs of the body’s torso, including the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and gallbladder. Visceral pain presents as vague discomfort, cramping, or a dull ache and may be difficult to locate.

Experiencing cramps when you’re not on your period can be unsettling and concerning; however, it’s not an uncommon phenomenon and can stem from different occurrences taking place within the body.

One of the primary reasons for cramps outside your menstrual cycle is ovulation which can bring about mild to moderate cramping that lasts for few hours or a couple of days.

Intestinal and digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, are also a common cause of gut-related cramps. In addition to this, dehydration, gas, and bloating issues can also cause abdominal discomfort.

Other common causes of non-period cramps may include stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

If you’re experiencing cramping regularly outside your menstrual period or if they’re interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s important to see your healthcare provider as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re in need of medical assistance for your abdominal pain, don’t hesitate – reach out to us at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, walk in for a same-day appointment, or book in for a visit. Our exceptional medical team would be more than happy to assist you in getting the care you need so that you can get back to feeling your best. 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, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.