Pain that occurs anywhere below your belly button is referred to as lower abdominal pain. Pelvic pain is a type of lower abdomen pain, but they are in fact quite different.
The difference is based on the exact location of the pain and what is causing it.
While lower abdominal pain is a broad term for pain felt in the area between your belly button and pelvis, which is typically caused by problems with your digestive system, urinary system and reproductive organs, pelvic pain comes specifically from the lowest part of your abdomen and includes the pelvis.
We take a closer look at the causes and treatment of lower abdominal and pelvic pain in women
Causes and treatment of lower abdominal pain
Pain in your lower abdomen is usually caused by an organ found there, including your:
- Appendix
- Bladder
- Colon
- Ovaries
- Peritoneum
- Small intestine
- Uterus.
The pain can range from mild to severe and it can come on suddenly and be short-lived, or it can last a long time. In both cases, the pain can get worse over time – if that happens, then it’s important to see your doctor to find out what is causing it. The most common causes of lower abdominal pain are everyday problems with your small and large intestines, including indigestion, wind, diarrhea, and constipation. Inflammation in the intestines can also cause pain, and this may be caused by infections, ulcers or obstructions, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease. Pain in the lower abdomen can also be a sign of colon cancer. Mild lower abdominal pain can often be managed at home with pain relief. If your pain is more severe, your doctor will run a number of tests to determine its cause and recommend treatment accordingly.
Causes of pelvic pain in women
Pelvic pain in women can be an indication of infection or a problem with your reproductive organs, which includes the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and fallopian tubes. The pain can be caused by:
- Cervical cancer
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Menstrual cramps
- Miscarriage
- Ovarian cancer
- Ovarian cysts or other ovarian disorders
- Ovulation
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Pregnancy
- Uterine cancer
- Uterine fibroids.
Pelvic pain in women is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding, bloating, fever, painful urinate, and hip pain. If any of these are present, then always see your doctor.
Treatment for pelvic pain will depend on many things, such as its cause, frequency and intensity.
When should I be concerned about lower abdominal pain?
If pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis comes on suddenly and is severe, always see your doctor.
You should also see a doctor if:
- The pain doesn’t go away
- The pain is getting worse
- There is blood in your urine or poo
- You have lost your appetite
- You are pregnant
- Your abdomen appears swollen or rigid