Lower abdominal pain can be one of those frustrating symptoms that leaves you wondering what's going on. It might show up as a dull, persistent ache that nags at you throughout the day, or sudden, sharp cramping that makes you stop whatever you're doing. The discomfort can feel vague and hard to describe, or it might be intense enough to interfere with your daily routine.

At Summit Health, we understand how frustrating dealing with vague or persistent discomfort can be. That’s why we take a whole-person approach to help you figure out what’s going on. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of lower abdominal pain, when it’s time to seek care, and what treatment might look like, so you can stop guessing and start feeling better.

Digestive Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain: Gas, Constipation, and Gastrointestinal Issues

When people experience lower abdominal pain, digestive problems are often behind it. These can range from temporary annoyances that resolve on their own to ongoing conditions that need more attention.

• Gas and bloating: Extra gas in your digestive tract can lead to pressure and sharp, cramp-like pain in the lower belly. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), gas is considered normal. Most people pass it 8 to 25 times a day, but it can become a problem if it’s excessive, painful, or interferes with daily life.
• Constipation: If you haven't had a bowel movement in several days, you might start feeling a dull, persistent ache accompanied by bloating and a general sense of heaviness or fullness. The discomfort often builds gradually and can make you feel sluggish overall.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This chronic condition can cause lower abdominal cramping, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits. IBS symptoms often flare up during stressful periods, after eating trigger foods, or during hormonal changes like menstruation.
• Other GI conditions: Diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal blockages typically cause pain that doesn't improve and may actually get worse over time.

One helpful clue about digestive-related pain is that it often improves after passing gas or having a bowel movement. 

But even if the pain seems clearly related to digestion, it's worth mentioning to your doctor at Summit Health if it keeps happening, especially if it's interfering with your daily life or changing in intensity.

Red Flags That Your Lower Abdominal Pain Warrants Immediate Attention

While many cases of lower abdominal pain resolve on their own or with simple remedies, certain symptoms should prompt you to seek medical care right away. These warning signs can indicate conditions that need urgent evaluation and treatment.

Contact a healthcare provider right away if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter remedies
• Fever, chills, or vomiting along with abdominal discomfort
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• Frequent or painful urination
• Unexplained weight loss or ongoing fatigue
• Visible abdominal swelling or tenderness to the touch

For women, lower abdominal pain can sometimes relate to reproductive health issues like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or (in rare cases) ectopic pregnancy. 

Sharp, one-sided pain, abnormal bleeding, or feeling faint or dizzy are symptoms that need urgent medical attention.

Trust your instincts about your body. If something feels seriously wrong or different from your usual experience, don't hesitate to seek care with Summit Health. It's always better to have concerning symptoms evaluated promptly rather than waiting and hoping they'll resolve on their own.

Medical Treatments Based on the Underlying Cause

The proper treatment for lower abdominal pain depends entirely on what’s causing it. That’s why getting an accurate diagnosis is the first, and most important, step toward feeling better.

At Summit Health, our award-winning gastroenterology team will start by learning about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. A physical exam may be followed by tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging (like ultrasound or CT scan), or a referral to a specialist, like an OB/GYN.

Based on the underlying cause, treatment may include:

• Dietary and lifestyle changes for constipation, IBS, or gas-related symptoms
• Medications to reduce inflammation, relieve cramping, or treat infection
• Antibiotics for conditions like diverticulitis or urinary tract infections
• Surgical evaluation or referral for hernias, ovarian cysts, or other structural issues
• Ongoing specialist care for chronic GI conditions like IBD or endometriosis

Whether your pain is new, ongoing, or suddenly worse, we’re here to help you find answers, get relief, and take the next step toward feeling like yourself again.

When It’s Time to Get Help, We’re Here for You

Lower abdominal pain can be frustrating, especially when the cause isn’t clear. At Summit Health, we’re here to listen, evaluate your symptoms, and guide you toward answers with expert, compassionate care.

Whether you need same-day primary care, a specialist consultation, or diagnostic testing, our connected team is ready to support you every step of the way.

Schedule an appointment today with a Summit Health provider and take the first step toward feeling better.