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What Causes a Lower Stomach Ache?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

A lower stomach ache does not always indicate an issue with the stomach itself. In fact, almost any type of abdominal pain can be felt as a lower stomach ache. Some of the potential causes of pain and discomfort in the abdominal area can include indigestion, kidney stones, or endometriosis. While most reasons behind a lower stomach ache are not a cause for great concern, sometimes this pain is an indicator of a serious medical condition such as appendicitis. Treatment options are widely varied and depend on the actual source of the pain.

Indigestion is a common cause for a lower stomach ache. Symptoms of indigestion may include a burning sensation in the stomach area after eating or a bloated or uncomfortable feeling after a meal. This condition often has no known cause, although it can sometimes be traced to a digestive disorder such as acid reflux or even cancer in extreme cases. Treatment often involves the use of over-the-counter antacids, although it is important to see a doctor in order to rule out more serious medical conditions.

An illustration of a human stomach.
An illustration of a human stomach.

Another possible cause of a lower stomach ache can be due to a kidney issue such as an infection or kidney stone. While the kidneys are located near the back, pain often radiates to the front part of the abdomen. Treatment may include pain medications or antibiotics, although surgical intervention may be indicated if a kidney stone causes a urinary blockage.

Indigestion can lead to a stomach ache.
Indigestion can lead to a stomach ache.

Endometriosis, another potential cause of a lower stomach ache, is a medical condition that affects only females. Endometriosis occurs when uterine tissue starts to grow outside of the uterus, often attaching to other organs such as the intestines. This can cause a lot of pain, especially during ovulation and menstruation. Hormonal medications are often prescribed, although surgery is sometimes necessary. This surgery can involve removing endometrial tissue, or, more commonly, the entire uterus must be removed in a procedure known as a hysterectomy.

An inflammed appendix may cause a lower stomach ache.
An inflammed appendix may cause a lower stomach ache.

It is important to report any lower stomach ache to a physician in order to rule out medical conditions that could become life threatening if not treated promptly. For instance, appendicitis, a condition that causes the appendix to become inflamed, could become deadly if the appendix ruptures. An ectopic pregnancy is another such example. In this case, a fertilized embryo implants outside of the uterus, generally in one of the fallopian tubes. This could potentially cause the fallopian tube to rupture, creating a medical emergency.

Discussion Comments

golf07

Every month I get lower side and abdominal pain because I have endometriosis. This pain can almost be debilitating, and even though I have found ways to lessen the pain, I just expect for it to come every month. I am just hoping this won't get bad enough that I will have to have surgery.

bagley79

Eating the wrong foods gives me a stomach ache. I used to be able to eat just about anything I wanted and not have any problems, but that isn't the case anymore.

A couple years ago I did find out that I was lactose intolerant. If I eat dairy products, I get a really bad stomach ache, so I have had to give them up. There are some product substitutions out there, but I don't think any of them are as good as the real thing.

If I eat too late at night many times I will get lower stomach cramps. It isn't healthy to go to bed on a full stomach, and I usually pay for it all night long if I do.

julies

I have a history of recurring kidney infections and many times I have lower stomach pain, which is actually from the infection in my kidneys.

When I go to the doctor, they always check both my abdomen and my kidneys. Since this has happened so often, the pain is very familiar to me. A week of antibiotics usually clears it right up, but it gets frustrating experiencing this pain all the time.

John57

I had bouts of stomach pain for a long time before it became severe. After going through some tests, they determined it was my gallbladder. I had to have surgery to have my gallbladder removed.

Even after having my gallbladder removed, I still get some stomach pain from time to time if I eat something that is greasy. This is the same type of food that caused me to have stomach pain before my surgery. I have pretty much eliminated fried, greasy food from my diet so I don't end up getting stomach pain.

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    • An illustration of a human stomach.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach.
    • Indigestion can lead to a stomach ache.
      By: Kalim
      Indigestion can lead to a stomach ache.
    • An inflammed appendix may cause a lower stomach ache.
      By: dr_ox
      An inflammed appendix may cause a lower stomach ache.
    • Kidney stone pain may cause a lower stomach ache.
      By: airborne77
      Kidney stone pain may cause a lower stomach ache.
    • Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all, while others suffer from lower abdominal and pelvic pain.
      By: ryanking999
      Some women with endometriosis experience no symptoms at all, while others suffer from lower abdominal and pelvic pain.