Abdominal pain is a fairly common complaint, even among women. However, because several organs are located on the left side of the abdomen, let's discuss the possible causes of left-sided abdominal pain in women.
Abdominal pain is a common complaint among both men and women. Pain can be a sign of various illnesses, ranging from mild to severe, even life-threatening. However, because several organs are located on the left side of the abdomen, several conditions can underlie left-sided abdominal pain, particularly in women.
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Digestive system disorders
The stomach is located in the upper left side of the abdomen. Therefore, if you have gastritis, which increases stomach acid production when eating late or consuming foods that are too acidic or spicy, you may experience abdominal pain, particularly in the upper left area. Conversely, insufficient fiber and water intake can increase the risk of constipation. Furthermore, left-sided abdominal pain can also occur if you have intestinal irritation or irritable bowel syndrome.
Reproductive system disorders
Several reproductive organs are located on the left side of a woman's abdomen. These include the ovaries and fallopian tubes. A large ovarian cyst that puts pressure on the fallopian tubes can cause abdominal pain. Furthermore, if fertilization does not attach to the uterus but grows in the fallopian tubes, it can lead to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (ECT), which can cause severe abdominal pain on the side of the tube where fertilization occurred.
The uterus is also located in the abdominal area. Endometriosis in the left uterine area can cause abdominal pain in women, especially during their menstrual cycle.
Urological system disorders
In addition to the digestive and reproductive organs, the urological system also includes organs. If there is an infection or urinary tract stones, this can cause abdominal pain. Left-sided abdominal pain symptoms can usually appear if there is an infection or stone in the left ureter. In addition to the organ systems mentioned above, left-sided abdominal pain in women can also be caused by muscle injury. This complaint is usually aggravated by activity.
Additionally, left-sided abdominal pain can also be caused by a hernia. Hernias typically cause pain in the lower left side of the abdomen. In its early stages, a hernia may not cause any symptoms at all. However, if the intestines become compressed in the area of the hernia, it can cause severe abdominal pain.
If you experience left-sided abdominal pain, it's crucial to consult a doctor for further evaluation. This is necessary to conduct a direct physical examination and determine the cause, confirming a diagnosis and seeking further treatment before complications arise. Some cases of left-sided abdominal pain require immediate treatment to prevent complications, especially if the pain is unbearable.
For example, a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and a hernia can occur. Both of these conditions, if left untreated, can lead to peritonitis, or inflammation of the peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, they can also trigger severe infections and shock. If treated too late, these conditions can be life-threatening.
Written by Dr. Valda Garcia Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene