The pain in the lower abdomen radiates to the left side. Pulling pain in the lower abdomen on the left and the causes of its appearance

When there is pain in the lower abdomen on the left in women, they turn to a gynecologist. But this can also occur with other pathologies, namely, the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, spleen, etc. Topographically, in the left lower lateral part of the abdomen are: the left kidney and ureter, spleen, part of the small intestine, part of the descending colon, its sigmoid part. Pathology may also be in them.

The reproductive organs in the left lower abdomen are represented by the left appendages - the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, their supporting ligaments, as well as the main organ - the left side of the uterus. Although other organs of the gastrointestinal tract are located higher - in the meso- and epigastrium, pain from them often radiates to the left iliac region. Their nature can be very different: sharp and dull, aching, stabbing, pulsating, cramping, constant or periodic, occurring only at night or during the day. For the correct diagnosis of the disease, the pain symptom must be correctly described and classified.

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Causes of pain

Pain symptoms in the lower left in the abdomen can appear with disorders of the genital area in the uterus itself and outside it, with pathologies of the urological organs, with intestinal problems, and neurological disorders. For convenience, all types of pain are combined into 2 large groups: organic and functional. In the first case, the causes of pain are those in which there is a violation of the structure of organs: all kinds of inflammation, circulatory disorders, dystrophic changes, etc. - they can be observed with pathologies of the genitals, improper installation of the IUD, diseases of the urinary tract, intestinal diseases, problems during pregnancy . Functional causes of pain occur with cycle disorders, ovulatory syndrome, blood stasis during uterine bending, flatulence, etc.

Pain is always a sign of trouble. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment with heating pads, taking analgesics can simply obscure the picture of the disease, and a serious pathology will be missed. Pain can appear as a result of inflammation, dystrophic changes, infectious lesions, muscle spasms, and circulatory disorders. They can also be of a physiological nature, for example, during ovulation, pregnancy without complications. They do not require treatment, they pass on their own. The pain syndrome of this localization is more typical for women of reproductive age, according to statistics, this occurs in every seventh woman.

Classification of pathologies

Pathologies of the listed causes can be as follows:

1. 1. Gynecological - ectopic pregnancy, adhesive disease, any problems with the ovaries: cyst, torsion of its legs, apoplexy, tumors, fibroids, left-sided endometriosis.
2. 2. Intestinal - intestinal infections, colitis, non-ulcerative sigmoiditis, Crohn's disease, appendicitis.
3. 3. Splenic - tumors, abscesses, torsion of the spleen, heart attack, wandering spleen.
4. 4. Urological - pyelitis, pyelonephritis, ICD, cystitis, nephritis.



The most common diseases and their symptoms

Pain in the lower abdomen can come directly from the affected organ at its location or radiate from others, remote. But at the same time, for example, bowel diseases do not give radiating pain, renal pathology always gives to the lower back, thigh and groin, in gynecological patients pain is also given to the lower back, perineum, rectum. It is equally important to know the initial appearance of pain at the very beginning: for example, with appendicitis, pain appears around the navel, then shifts to the right and down. The main clinical manifestations of gynecological pathologies can be considered: pain in the lower abdomen (increased before menstruation), menstrual irregularities, leucorrhoea (often mucopurulent), infertility, itching in the perineum (with an inflammatory process), general fatigue and weakness, frequent urination.



Ectopic disorders occupy pathological conditions of the vagina and appendages. These include left-sided diseases: endometriosis; adhesive disease, ovarian cysts, tubal or ectopic pregnancy, salpingitis and salpingoophoritis (adnexitis), syndromes - ovulatory and residual ovary.

With endometriosis, there is an increased uncontrolled growth of the uterine mucosa beyond its limits into other tissues and organs. At the same time, these cells can settle in other organs - pipes, ovaries, intestines. Endometrial cells remain functionally intact, therefore, being in other organs and undergoing changes characteristic of the usual menstrual cycle, they begin to cause bleeding. This, in turn, causes inflammation of the surrounding tissues, which is automatically accompanied by pain on the left with their left-sided localization. The process is more common in young women under 35 years of age. The symptoms are such that initially the pains appear as premenstrual, then they no longer go away, becoming permanent, manifest themselves during sex, urination, defecation. There are violations of the cycle: menstruation can become scarce or, conversely, abundant.

Adhesive disease develops with prolonged inflammation: with STIs and insufficient hygiene, an infection penetrates the genitals. Microbes multiply in the warm, humid environment of the vagina, and can penetrate through the cervix into the uterine cavity, tubes, ovaries, even the peritoneum and bladder. Prolonged inflammation in these places leads to the development of connective tissue, and adhesions occur. With adhesions in the tubes, a complication is often the onset of pregnancy, which in this case is ectopic. The same picture is observed after an abortion. Of the main signs, irregular aching pains in the lower left side can be called.

An ovarian cyst is formed as a result of hormonal disorders. Functional cysts (follicular and corpus luteum) resolve on their own, and non-functional cysts are removed only by surgery. At the same time, there is a pulling pain from the side of the lesion, the menstrual cycle is also disturbed in the direction of shortening, while menstruation can be scanty or plentiful. When the leg is twisted or the cyst is suppurated, peritonitis usually occurs when an emergency operation is required: the temperature rises sharply, nausea, vomiting, and intense persistent dagger pains on the side of the lesion appear.

Apoplexy does not develop in all women; during ovulation, the vessels of the ovary may rupture, and blood may flow into the abdominal cavity and the ovary itself. Therefore, this pathology appears in the middle between menstruation. This happens with increased physical exertion, after intimacy during the period of ovulation. If a hemorrhage occurs in the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum is affected, and symptoms of its inflammation may appear: pains are acute, not passing, Shchetkin-Blumberg's symptom is positive. With heavy bleeding, anemia, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness can also develop. The condition requires urgent surgery.

Torsion of the leg of an ovarian cyst can occur as a result of sudden movements, with increased physical exertion. If the leg is twisted only by 90 °, the blood circulation is partially disturbed: only the outflow of venous blood, cyst edema develops. If the torsion is 360 °, blood does not enter the cyst at all, the pains become sharp, cutting, vomiting appears, fever, the lower back is also involved in this pain, urination is disturbed. The operation is necessary, because. the leg is not able to unwind on its own, necrosis occurs, the cyst is removed completely.

With salpingitis and adnexitis, the inflammation process develops in the fallopian tubes, often involving the ovaries. It is caused by the penetration of bacteria, but it can also develop after any manipulations on the genitals with insufficient observance of sterility. Pain in the abdomen of a dagger type, radiating to the rectum. There is a lack of menstruation, fever, purulent discharge, dyspareunia, frequent urination with pain. With the transition to the chronic form, the state of health improves, but the pain remains, becoming aching and constant on the left side of the abdomen.

Residual ovary syndrome is so called because during any operation on the ovary, a piece of tissue may remain when it is removed. Then, closer to the left iliac region, pain occurs that requires a second operation.

The exact etiology of ovulatory syndrome is unknown, its rare occurrence refers to manifestations of physiology. It is observed not always and not at all. It is believed that with this syndrome, when a mature egg leaves the follicle, part of the blood enters directly into the pelvic cavity and irritates the peritoneum. Spikes can also contribute to the development of pathology. In this case, there may be such symptoms: pulling the lower abdomen and lower back on the one hand, intimacy becomes painful, nausea, weakness, bloody scanty discharge from the vagina in the form of a few drops of blood. The development of symptoms occurs in the middle of the cycle, they do not cause great and sharp discomfort, they pass on their own. But if the work of the ovary takes place according to this scheme constantly and regularly, you need to undergo an examination.

Uterine reproductive pathologies. These include: adenomyosis (genital endometriosis), endometritis, fibroids, polyps, dysmenorrhea, and a misplaced IUD.

Adenomyosis is the growth and ingrowth of the endometrium into the myometrium. The cause may be heredity, hormonal imbalance, diagnostic curettage, IUD. Symptoms: premenstrual and menstrual pain, dyspareunia, hypermenorrhea, intermenstrual discharge, cycle disorders.



Endometritis has an infectious nature, the reasons are the same. With left-sided localization, pain is observed on the left side, as well as temperature, bleeding, discharge with a smell. In the chronic form of inflammation in the lower abdomen, there are constant aching pains that radiate to the lower back and sometimes to the rectum, the cycle is disrupted. On palpation, the uterus is always painful, tense, the woman notes a feeling of heaviness in the ovaries on the sides of the uterus.

Myoma is a benign tumor of muscle tissue. The reason for it is hormonal imbalance. Symptoms: an obligatory component are cramping pains during menstruation, which are determined by the location of the tumor, cycle disorders, hypermenorrhea. Growing fibroids can put pressure on neighboring organs - the bladder and rectum, disrupting their function.

With uterine polyps, hyperplasia occurs, i.e. uncontrolled growth of the uterine mucosa - its endometrium. According to its structure, hyperplasia can be of several types - with the involvement of glandular tissue, mixed type, etc., which appears with hormonal imbalance. Contribute to the appearance of hyperplasia of infection, curettage of the uterus. There are violations of the cycle, constant pulling-aching pains in the lower abdomen with movement to the affected side.

Dysmenorrhea - the appearance of pain during menstruation, which are associated with sharp spasms of the uterus. They occur before menstruation 1-2 days before its onset; by nature they are sharp, pulling, cutting, they can radiate to the perineum, lower back, rectum. This is due to the fact that during menstruation in some women, the uterus, with contractions and rejection of unnecessary endometrium, causes discomfort, which is quite painful in some categories. This is considered physiological and does not require treatment. This can be observed with an abnormal location of the uterus, its infantilism, a low threshold of pain sensitivity of nerve endings, if the uterus swells strongly before menstruation and is close to large nerve nodes, there is an IUD. In addition, age is of some importance: in girls, the process proceeds much more smoothly.

What else can be?

A manifestation of physiology will be the appearance of pain after abortion, the restoration of menstruation after childbirth and lactation. Pain during menstruation as secondary symptoms can be in the presence of inflammatory processes in the uterus, miotic nodes, after gynecological operations.



Pain in the lower abdomen can also appear with PMS - this condition develops in some women a week before the onset of menstruation and is characterized by increased nervous excitability, in which physical and psychological symptoms appear. In addition to abdominal pain, there may be: a bad low mood, tearfulness, unreasonable anxiety, irritability, increased appetite, aggressiveness, fatigue, chest tightness, drowsiness or insomnia.

The appearance of pain before menstruation, as a rule, occurs during the formation of the cycle and the development of the genital organs in young girls, girls. Pain after menstruation is not the norm, they can appear with endometriosis, endometritis, ovarian cyst, in which case it is worth visiting a doctor.

An improperly selected IUD almost always causes algomenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, pain in the lower abdomen and on the left if it is not installed asymmetrically.

If the tumors are localized on the ovaries, then as they grow, they begin to constrain neighboring organs and tissues, and cause pain. More often, benign formations behave this way, with malignant symptoms, except for pain, usually there is no tumor decay and cancer intoxication. Pain on the left can appear at an early stage of the tumor, while they are cramping, copious watery discharge appears. More often the picture develops in the period of menopause.

The bend of the uterus is congenital and acquired. In the latter case, this happens with adhesive processes and inflammation. The main complaints at the same time: pain in the lower abdomen, which may be on the left, hypo- or hypermenorrhea;, conception problem, dyspareunia.



Intestinal disorders

Very often, pain on the left is due to the pathology of the sigmoid colon, which is located in the left lower abdomen. Its anatomical structure contributes to this to a large extent. Its S-shape leads to the fact that the stool easily stagnates in it without moving further. This is provided by nature specifically for the formation of fecal masses, but at the same time it also contributes to the occurrence of intestinal ailments. Against the background of stagnation, inflammatory and degenerative processes easily occur in this part of the intestine, tumors appear. Left-sided lesion of the colon occurs in 28%, and rectosigmoiditis - in 54% of cases. Despite some difference in their etiology, pathologies have many similar symptoms: unstable stools with a tendency to diarrhea, pain during and before defecation, mucus and blood in the feces, and an unpleasant odor of feces.



With an intestinal tumor, pain appears with the growth of the neoplasm, which is accompanied by bleeding, blood in the stool and other symptoms of general anemia.

Intestinal infections can be different, there are quite a lot of them. They cause cramping pains in the abdomen, depending on their location. With them, general intoxication of the body often develops. This is due to the fact that any pathogen in the process of its reproduction releases toxic substances.

Chronic non-ulcerative sigmoiditis can develop with infections, malnutrition, antibiotics, hereditary factors, allergies. Pain in the left side of the abdomen is aggravated after walking, when driving on a rough road. In this disease, the intestinal microflora is disturbed, the pain has a bursting character. It gives to the lower sections: the left groin, perineum, increases with stress. At other times, the pain is weak, tenesmus, instability of the stool become a frequent symptom.

With Crohn's disease, cracks, fistulas, adhesions appear in the walls of the intestine. They are located in sections, segmentally. The pain appears before a bowel movement and goes away after a bowel movement. In advanced cases, it becomes permanent.

With appendicitis, pain occurs in the right iliac region, but the option of pain on the left is not excluded - these cases are not typical, but they exist. The doctor's task is to recall the atypical manifestations of inflammation of the appendix and correctly diagnose where there is always a threat of peritonitis.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis - a chronic inflammation of the large intestine with ulcerative lesions of its mucosa - begins in the rectum and spreads upward. The reasons are unknown. It is manifested by rectal bleeding, diarrhea with mucus and blood, pain in the left iliac region, hyperthermia, weight loss and anorexia.

Diverticulosis of the large intestine is a pathology when pockets-protrusions form in the intestinal wall, more often in the descending colon and sigmoid colon. Causes: obesity, constipation, flatulence, frequent use of laxatives. As the pathology progresses, pains appear in the left lower abdomen, stool instability and flatulence.

With left-sided localization, colon polyps cause pain on this side. There are intestinal bleeding, stool disorders with alternating diarrhea and constipation.



When localized in sigma, colon cancer will give pain symptoms in the lower left abdomen. They are dull, aching in nature, there are stool disorders, bleeding, tenesmus, flatulence, weight loss, admixture of pus and mucus in the feces.

Etiology associated with the spleen

Tumors, wandering of the organ, its volvulus, abscesses, etc. can be noted here. With many of them, the pain is just characteristic of its localization at the bottom left:

1. 1. Lymphatic and myeloid leukemia - malignant tumors with the development of the process in the lymphatic tissue. Of the symptoms, one can note: fever, loss of appetite and weight, aching pains in the lower abdomen on the left side, in the groin, pelvic bones and joints, lymphangitis, splenomegaly, etc. This pathology affects both children and adults.
2. 2. Abscess of the spleen develops secondarily against the background of infections in other organs and systems, the infection enters the spleen by the hematogenous route through the blood vessels. With small sizes and in the case of their singularity, they can heal themselves, in other cases they can be opened into other cavities, including the abdominal one. In these cases, the pain becomes diffuse and peritonitis develops.
3. 3. The cause of volvulus of the spleen is trauma to the spleen, when the fascial ligaments holding the spleen are stretched. In this case, the pain is sharp, reaches the groin, other symptoms include constipation, flatulence, vomiting, nausea. The more twist, the sharper the pain.



Urological problems

In the vast majority of cases, the pathology of the urinary tract is of an infectious origin. With pyelonephritis, the lower abdomen hurts and the lower back, as a rule, gives to the lower back and pulls the lower back periodically. The temperature may rise, nausea, urination is disturbed, the nature of the urine: often it becomes cloudy, with flakes, sometimes with an unpleasant odor. But the most basic symptom is a cutting pain in the lower abdomen.



ICD is characterized by the formation of a different composition, depending on the impaired nutrition of calculi (stones). Stones can form in different parts of the urinary tract, depending on this, and the pain will be localized accordingly. The main symptom in KSD is renal colic: the pain is very intense, it does not respond well to analgesics, the patient rushes about, the pain does not tend to subside. At the same time, mictions become more frequent, become painful, hematuria may be noted. Pain can be provoked by physical activity, sudden movements, diet violations, driving over bumps, jumping, i.e. everything that will move any calculus from its place.

Pain during pregnancy

They can be divided into natural and pathological. Physiology is discussed when the embryo is attached to the left side of the uterine wall, in the early stages the body produces an increased amount of the pregnancy hormone - progesterone, which relaxes the uterus. The uterus itself, when enlarged, is also capable of projecting pulling pains in the lower abdomen. But if the pulling pains are replaced by sharp ones, there is a discharge of blood from the vagina, we can talk about the threat of a miscarriage. With the threat of miscarriage up to 22 weeks, the pains become cutting, stabbing, they appear from uterine contractions. Pain may also appear in the back. Practically unpleasant sensations are present in all pregnant women from different sides. This is due to the growth of the fetus and its pressure on the surrounding space - all these pains can be attributed to obstetric.



Another group of pain sensations is not associated with the fetus - these are non-obstetric causes. These include: ectopic pregnancy, premature detachment of the placenta, the threat of miscarriage; problems with the gastrointestinal tract, stretching of the supporting ligaments of the uterus, surgical pathologies. When the ligaments are sprained, the pains are throbbing, tingling, they appear with sudden movements, turns of the body. They usually go away quickly and on their own.

The threat of miscarriage - the pain becomes sharp, in the form of contractions, occurs suddenly, for no apparent reason. There are highlights that shouldn't be there. If bleeding occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Pain in premature placental abruption begins from the lower corner of the abdomen. This condition can develop after mechanical injuries, illnesses during pregnancy, overload. There is bleeding, blood is poured into the abdominal cavity. Pain in the form of cutting, very strong. Aching, closer to the groin, may appear when the pubic joint diverges during pregnancy.



A few more reasons

Ectopic pregnancy - proceeds at first as usual. It is interrupted for a period of 2-3 to 10-12 weeks, and a tubal abortion occurs. At the same time, there are sharp paroxysmal, dagger-like pains in the lower abdomen with irradiation to the anus, weakness, bleeding, dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, and pallor of the skin increases due to blood loss. When a tube breaks, blood flows into the abdominal cavity, an ambulance should be called immediately.

Pain may also appear after intercourse. If in this case it is the lower abdomen that pulls, most likely, there is a moral dissatisfaction with an unsuccessful sexual intercourse. Usually such pain is not strong, it goes away on its own after the woman calms down. But if it becomes regular, pulls constantly, you need to go to the doctor.



Diagnostic measures

Given such a large selection of causes and pathologies, many methods can be prescribed to identify them. But there are basic ones: an x-ray of the abdominal cavity (standing, on its side, on the back), ultrasound, CT, MRI, and an x-ray of the pelvis and spine, irrigoscopy may be needed. Endoscopic research methods: cystoscopy, colonoscopy, in gynecologists - laparoscopy. KLA, OAM, analysis for hCG, sowing of cervical mucus are taken.

Special mention should be made of laparoscopy: the method is currently very popular, accessible and informative. Can identify all causes of violations of pain in the lower abdomen. Laparoscopy is remarkable in that it can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. It is performed using a laparoscope, an endoscopic instrument. Unlike the traditional surgical incision of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity with rather limited possibilities, it is made through small holes 2-4 mm in size. The device is equipped with lenses that provide high definition of the organ under study, and a video camera that transmits the image to the monitor. Treatment is carried out after establishing the etiology of pain according to the relevant indications.

Pelvic pain in the lower abdomen is a symptom that worries many. This may be episodic minor pain or discomfort that does not portend anything serious. Perceptible pain syndrome may indicate serious acute or chronic diseases, which will be discussed in the article.

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen: what organs are we talking about

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen can be disturbing from the front side, below the navel line and from the back side - below the waist. Pain in this area occurs in almost all urological, gynecological and gastroenterological diseases. According to medical data, in 65-90% of cases this symptom indicates a urological pathology; in 60-70% of cases - for a gynecological disease; in 50-60% of cases - a disease of the digestive tract; in 7-15% of cases - orthopedic pathology.

According to statistics, pain in the lower abdomen occurs in every sixth person on the planet. This symptom can be associated with dozens of different pathologies, but we will focus only on the most common ones.

Certain organs are located on the left side, and most often, the pain is associated with them:

• Spleen. This is an unpaired organ that belongs to the human immune system. In the tissues of the spleen, blood cells are formed, accumulated and destroyed. At the same time, the spleen acts as a reserve storage for blood due to the portal blood flow system. If the spleen is removed, then the person does not die, since other organs, namely the liver and lymph nodes, take over its functions.
• . On the left side is the left side of the transverse colon and the descending branch of the colon. The cause of pain in the left side of the lower abdomen can be these parts of the colon.
• Small intestine . Part of the small intestine is located on the left side. In particular, we are talking about the second section of the small intestine. Intussusception of the jejunum, inflammation and blockage, as a rule, are accompanied by pain.
• Urogenital organs. Inflammatory processes in the left parts of the female and male urinary organs are often accompanied by pain in the left side of the lower abdomen.
• Pelvic bones. Pain on the left side can be triggered by lesions of the left hip joint, blood vessels, cartilage, nerve fibers and lymph nodes of the pelvic girdle.

Mechanism of pelvic pain

Pain is a rather complex process, the formation of which is still poorly understood. The pain is able to migrate from one area to another, giving false sensations. It also happens that a person feels pain without a specific source of pathology.

The main causes of pain are:

• Local circulatory disorders and congestion.
• Violation of cellular metabolism in the pathological area.
• The development of an inflammatory or dystrophic process.
• Structural and functional changes in the internal organs, which causes irritation of the nerve endings, which causes pain.

The formation of pain takes place in several stages:

• First stage. Initially, a person feels discomfort in the place of the pathological focus.
• Second phase. There is a formation of a secondary focus of pathology and a loss of communication with the primary focus. In other words, reflected pain appears.
• Third stage. The pathological process is aggravated, there is a spread of trophic disorders. The focus of the pain impulse increases, due to which the patient feels an increase in the intensity of pain.

The main causes of pain in the left side of the lower abdomen

Most often, pain in the lower abdomen on the left side is associated with inflammatory processes in the organs that are located in this area. As mentioned above, these are the spleen, large and small intestines, the organs of the genitourinary system in men and women, and in rare cases, the pelvic bones, blood vessels and nerve endings.

Pelvic pain in diseases of the spleen

Some diseases of the spleen are accompanied by bright pain in the lower abdomen. Among them, the following pathologies are distinguished:

• Volvulus of the spleen. The splenic artery, veins, and nerve bundles may be partially or completely twisted. A torsion of the spleen can occur for a variety of reasons. As a rule, the reason lies in the individual characteristics of a person who, from birth, has long mesenteric ligaments that hold the organ in the abdominal cavity. With volvulus, the symptoms are accompanied by signs of an acute abdomen. The patient is concerned about acute pain in the left side, which radiates to the groin and upper part of the lower limb. Pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The patient has a sharp deterioration in health. In this case, the issue of surgical operation is decided.
• Spleen enlargement. The inflammatory process and impaired outflow of blood through the portal vein can lead to acute expansion of the spleen, which is accompanied by pain in the left side of the lower abdomen. If the outflow of blood is disturbed, the patient complains of dull pain, which on the left side can migrate to the abdomen. On ultrasound, the expansion of the spleen is clearly visible in the form of smoothing the sharp edges of the organ. With inflammation of the spleen, the pain syndrome is usually accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting. As a rule, inflammation of the spleen is not independent, but it is associated with pathologies of other organs.
• Abscess of the spleen. This is a purulent inflammation of the spleen, which can be complicated by the development of peritonitis - a formidable condition that requires immediate surgical intervention. Small abscesses of a spleen, as a rule, come to the end with full recovery of the patient. As for large foci of purulent inflammation, there is a danger of developing serious complications.
• spleen cyst. A cyst is a cavity consisting of a capsule containing fluid or mucus. As a rule, a spleen cyst forms after an abscess. Usually, the cyst is accompanied by dull pain, sometimes it is paroxysmal in nature.
• Spleen infarction. This condition develops when the arterioles and small arteries of the parenchyma are blocked, due to which necrosis develops around the vessel thrombus. A patient with a spleen infarction feels a sharp pain in the left hypochondrium. As the disease progresses, the pain radiates down the abdomen. With a deep breath, coughing or sudden movements, the pain intensifies. Spleen infarction is also accompanied by elevated body temperature up to 38-39 degrees. This pathology is dangerous with profuse blood loss.
• Leukemia. Chronic lympho- and myeloid leukemias are accompanied by damage to the hematopoietic organs, including the spleen. With this pathology, the spleen increases in size, because of which the patient feels pain. Often in such cases resort to splenectomy - removal of the spleen.

As for other pathologies of the spleen, for example, congenital disorders and atrophy of the organ, they usually occur without a pronounced pain syndrome.

Pain in the lower abdomen with diseases of the small intestine

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen is likely to be associated with diseases of the small intestine. Here are some of the most common diseases that are accompanied by such a symptom:

• Malabsorption. This is a congenital or acquired disease. The essence of the disease is that the mucous membranes of the small intestine are not able to absorb certain food components contained in certain products. For example, it can be milk, some fruits and other foods. The disease is characterized by indigestion, diarrhea and pain in the left side. The patient is also worried, accompanied by cramping attacks. As a rule, after a bowel movement, the pain subsides.
• . This is intolerance to gluten - a vegetable protein found in the gluten of cereals. Symptoms of the disease are in many ways similar to malabsorption. When gluten enters the intestines of a person, pain in the lower abdomen, rumbling, bloating and upset stools are disturbing. Treatment of the disease is reduced to the complete exclusion of products containing gluten in their composition.

Pelvic pain in diseases of the colon

Pain in the lower abdomen on the left side can be caused by the following diseases of the large intestine:

• . It is a disease of unknown etiology that affects both men and women. Women often notice an exacerbation of the disease during menstruation or with changes in hormonal levels. This pathology is manifested by chronic pain, sometimes on the left side. In addition, irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by flatulence and stool disorder (constipation or diarrhea). Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by periods of subsidence and exacerbation, for example, after eating certain foods or against a background of stress. With the help of a specially selected diet and drug treatment, a significant improvement and disappearance of the symptoms of the disease can be achieved.
• Hirschsprung disease. This is a hereditary disease that affects mainly boys. With this disease, there are no areas of innervation in some parts of the colon. The main symptoms of Hirschsprung's disease, in addition to pain in the left side of the lower abdomen, are constipation, bloating and increased gas formation. The main method of treatment is surgical intervention, the essence of which is to remove sections of the colon that are devoid of nerve endings.
• Crohn's disease . This is an inflammatory bowel disease that can be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen on the left side, depending on the part of the intestine that has undergone an inflammatory process. Crohn's disease is a rather complex disease that requires conservative and surgical treatment. The complexity of this pathology is that it often disguises itself as other diseases, which makes it difficult for the patient to make a diagnosis.
• Nonspecific ulcerative colitis . This is an inflammatory polyetiological disease of the intestine, in which morphological changes occur in the intestine. It is believed that the main reason lies in hereditary factors and malfunctions of the immune system. The nature of the pain, as a rule, is paroxysmal in nature with varying intensity.
• . Polyps are benign neoplasms. In addition to the pain syndrome, polyps can be accompanied by a disorder of the stool, in which constipation can be replaced by diarrhea, which is dangerous for the development of dehydration. Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen, as a rule, occurs when polyps affect the descending part of the colon.

Pain in the left side of the lower abdomen with diseases of the genitourinary system

Diseases of the genitourinary system in men and women are a common cause of pain in the lower abdomen, both on the left and on the right side. This symptom can occur with diseases such as:

• Pathological expansion of the renal pelvis.
• Urolithiasis disease .
• Allen-Masters Syndrome.
• Endometriosis.
• Other diseases of the urinary system.

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system require diagnosis and appropriate therapy. In the case when the pain in the lower abdomen is accompanied by a disorder of urination, discharge from the vagina or urethra, then with a high degree of probability we can talk about diseases of the genitourinary system. You should consult a urologist or gynecologist to find out the cause of this condition.

Pain in the lower abdomen on the left in women can be the result of gynecological ailments, as well as diseases of other organs located in this area or in other parts of the body. In the latter case, they speak of radiating pain.

When pain occurs in the lower abdomen, regardless of the left or right, you need to classify it. After all, the nature of the pain in this case is a very bright diagnostic indicator, on which the establishment of its cause depends. In particular, a sharp sharp pain in the lower abdomen can be a sign of dangerous ailments that cannot be eliminated without surgical intervention.

What can hurt

On the one hand, in the indicated segment along the lower abdominal cavity in women it hurts, the same as in men:

• part of the jejunum - a section of the small intestine;
• segments of the colon of the large intestine;
• left kidney and ureter;
• left hip joint.

On the other hand, pain in the lower abdomen on the left can be caused by pathology of the organs of the female genital area:

• left ovary;
• left fallopian tube;
• left half of the uterus.

It is impossible to discount the diseases of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, located at the very top of the body. In this case, reflected pain can be felt along the very bottom of the abdomen. In addition, irradiating pain syndrome in rare cases is felt in this area and with heart disease. Let us consider in more detail how and why it can hurt in the specified area of ​​the human body.

Why does it hurt

Pain occurs as a reaction of the body to the fact that something is not proceeding as it was intended by nature. Therefore, doctors warn that self-medication aimed at "dulling" pain with analgesics is life-threatening in some cases. After removing this symptom, you can miss a serious pathology.

In particular, pain syndrome occurs as a result of:

• tissue inflammation in the lower abdomen;
• dystrophic changes;
• circulatory disorders in the organ or its area;
• violation of intracellular metabolism.

In addition, it can be caused by completely natural physiological processes of the body that occur on the verge of normal. In such cases, treatment is not required. Everything falls into place at the end of the process.

For example, the very bottom of the groin can be caused by ovulation. It occurs when the ovary membrane ruptures to release the egg. Almost always after that the pain disappears. But if during the next menstruation blood clots appear in the discharge, then this may be a sign of inflammation.

Gynecological causes

It is possible to determine that the causes of pain in the left region along the lower abdomen are related only to the female genital area by several symptoms:

• failure of the menstrual cycle;
• vaginal discharge of a different nature (purulent, bloody and others);
• transferred ectopic pregnancy, inflammation, surgical interventions.

Pathological conditions peculiar only to women can be of two types:

• acute - they are characterized by a sharp, cutting pain along the bottom of the abdominal cavity;
• chronic - they are distinguished by dull, aching, pulling pain.

In the first case, the patient should be immediately hospitalized. Here are some diseases that cause pain in the lower abdomen. Since we are talking about the left area, we mean the localization of the disease in this square.

Ectopic pregnancy

If during a normal pregnancy the zygote is introduced into the endometrium of the uterus, then during an ectopic pregnancy - into the ovary, fallopian tube, and abdominal cavity. This condition is characterized by severe paroxysmal pain. If there is a rupture of the fallopian tube, the woman feels a sharp, sharp pain in the lower abdomen. In the case when the left tube is damaged, then, accordingly, the pain syndrome will be localized in this area. Since intra-abdominal bleeding occurs during an ectopic pregnancy, the woman must be hospitalized immediately.

Ovarian apoplexy

Extremely severe ovulation, when the follicle ruptures and bleeds into the ovary itself. The causes of apoplexy are excessive physical activity or intense sexual intercourse. At the same time, the pain experienced by the lady is sharp and cutting, located at the very bottom of the abdominal cavity. In addition, there are symptoms characteristic of blood loss: pallor of the skin, decreased pressure, in severe cases - fainting. When apoplexy occurs, an urgent operation is necessary for a woman.

Torsion of the cystic pedicle

Another reason for the occurrence of an "acute" abdomen of gynecological etiology, with all the characteristic symptoms. This pathology can be provoked by sharp inclinations and turns, a lot of physical activity. Aching pain below, closer to the groin, may indicate a violation of the outflow of venous blood from the cyst, which occurs when its leg is twisted by 90o.

If the cyst has turned in a full circle (by 360 degrees), then the arterial blood flow is also disturbed, which just entails the development of symptoms of an “acute” abdomen, including acute, cutting pain. In any case, surgical intervention is indispensable. The cyst is removed, but its leg is not untwisted.

Myoma

Pulling, pressing pain can occur when the tumor grows to a large size and begins to compress nearby organs. Severe cramping pains in the lower abdomen on the left accompany the emergence of a new myomatous node in this area. In this case, severe bleeding occurs. For a woman, there is again one way - for an emergency operation.

Endometriosis of the left localization

It can be another cause of pain in the lower left abdomen. With this disease, cells identical to the uterine endometrium spread outside the organ. This leads to adhesions, disruptions in the menstrual cycle, which increases pain. Hormone therapy is indicated, and in the most severe cases, surgery.

Intestinal causes

Most often, the sigmoid colon can hurt in the left lower abdomen with its various pathologies. It has an S-shape, which contributes to the delay in the promotion of its contents. So provided by nature for the formation of feces. But this special physiological "trick" contributes to the development of various ailments. Their reasons are varied. But the symptoms are sometimes similar:

• violation of the stool, more often it is diarrhea;
• increased pain before a bowel movement;
• change in feces: they have an admixture of mucus and / or blood;
• unpleasant smell of feces;
• weakness, general malaise.

As a rule, the pathology of the sigmoid colon also captures the rectum, into which it passes. Although there are exceptions.

Intestinal infections

Their pathogens secrete substances that negatively affect the entire body as a whole and the terminal intestine in particular (up to erosion of its mucous membrane). The onset of the disease is characterized by cramping pain in the very bottom of the abdominal cavity. It has symptoms characteristic of intestinal infections. As a result of general poisoning, the patient's body temperature rises and signs of intoxication appear: headache, drowsiness, weakness.

To reduce the risk of "catching" the infection, you should follow the rules of hygiene: wash your hands and vegetables with fruits, drink boiled water. The disease should be cured, otherwise the patient risks getting its chronic form.

It should be noted that some people in whose body pathogens have settled do not get sick, but are bacteria carriers, and along with the sick become a source of infection.

Chronic non-ulcerative sigmoiditis

The reasons for its appearance are different:

• allergic reaction;
• infection;
• malnutrition;
• alcoholism;
• hereditary factor;
• the presence of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• lengthy .

All this leads to the fact that the optimal content of microflora in the intestine is disturbed. At the same time, arching pain occurs in the lower abdomen, extending to the groin and perineum on the left. Physical activity and sudden movements contribute to an increase in its intensity. At other times, the pain is mild or moderate.

Unlike other intestinal diseases, this disease is characterized by constipation, which can be permanent or alternate with. This disease can have serious consequences, in particular, lead to exhaustion of the nervous system, up to depressive states and the emergence of phobias. It is possible to get rid of it by removing the cause.

Crohn's disease

Segmental disorders of the intestinal walls, in which cracks, scars, fistulas, adhesions develop. Aching pain occurs before defecation and goes away after it ends. In advanced cases, when adhesions develop, the pain syndrome becomes constant and increases with a change in posture.

Appendicitis

Everyone knows that the hallmark of this disease is severe pain in the lower abdomen on the right. But with an atypical course, they can shift to the left. The task of doctors is to quickly diagnose the disease, because the rupture of the appendix is ​​fraught with the development of peritonitis, and he, in turn, is fatal.

Splenic causes

In this organ, like others, various ailments can develop. Most of them cause pain in the lower abdomen on the left.

Lymphatic and myeloid leukemia

There are three stages of their development. The pain begins to torment the patient on the second of them and increases on the third with the acceleration of cell growth. There is aching pain in the abdomen, lymph nodes of the groin, joints and pelvic bones.

Abscess of the spleen

Small inflammatory lesions may self-heal. Large ones open into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis, characterized by severe diffuse pains in the lower left and other signs of inflammation.

Volvulus of the spleen

It occurs as a result of sprains and elongations of the fascial ligaments that hold this organ due to injuries or a hereditary factor. Volvulus of blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves leads to a sharp pain that descends into the groin. Constipation, vomiting, excessive gas formation in the intestines are added to it. The greater the angle of twist, the greater the pain. It also affects the urgency of surgery.

Once again about the dangers of self-medication

We have considered only a small part of the causes that cause pain in the lower abdomen on the left. In addition, they can be the result of pathologies of the kidneys and ureters, joints and pelvic bones.

In any case, a woman who suffers from various types of pain at the bottom of this area should immediately see a doctor. In most cases, self-medication and delay can be deadly.