"Why Am I Experiencing Pain in My Lower Abdomen?"

Many vital organs in the human body are located in the abdomen. If these organs experience pathology, it may lead to abdominal pain, especially in women, who may experience abdominal pain more frequently. Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the causes of lower abdominal pain to better address similar situations when they arise. What are the reasons for lower abdominal pain? Here are six common causes:

1. Ovulation-related Abdominal Pain

During ovulation, adolescent girls may experience a rupture of the ovarian follicle, which can stimulate the peritoneum. This can cause alternating, monthly mild abdominal pain on either side. This is a physiological phenomenon, characterized by unilateral lower abdominal dull pain, aching, or a dragging sensation. Some girls may also experience slight vaginal bleeding, known as ovulation bleeding, which usually disappears within one or two days and rarely lasts more than seven days. This type of abdominal pain typically does not indicate any pathological changes and gynecological examination results are normal. It is generally not necessary to treat it.

2. Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterus, with 95% of cases occurring in the fallopian tubes. Factors such as abnormal fallopian tube development, functional abnormalities, tumor compression, and displacement of intrauterine devices can lead to ectopic pregnancy. One common symptom is dull lower abdominal pain. Other symptoms include amenorrhea and irregular vaginal bleeding.

3. Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea can be classified into primary and secondary types. Primary dysmenorrhea is common in adolescent girls and is related to prostaglandin levels, cold exposure, and emotional and psychological factors without organic pathology. It usually resolves with age or after marriage and childbirth. Secondary dysmenorrhea is often caused by endometriosis or adenomyosis, characterized by gradually worsening and often cyclical pain, which may intensify before, during, or after menstruation. It is often accompanied by infertility and menstrual disorders and often requires medical treatment.

4. Corpus Luteum Rupture

This occurs due to excessive bleeding within the corpus luteum, causing sudden abdominal pain in the lower abdomen or one side. In severe cases, it can lead to shock. Most cases occur between the 20th and 26th day of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms may vary in severity. The corpus luteum undergoes a process of congestion and enlargement before rupture, which can be triggered by factors such as straining during bowel movements, trauma, sexual intercourse, or vigorous activities, especially during menstrual congestion. It is essential to seek medical attention immediately after the onset of symptoms to avoid masking them with painkillers.

5. Ovarian Cyst Torsion or Rupture

This occurs when the cyst has a long pedicle, a large volume, and high mobility, making it susceptible to torsion due to intestinal movement or changes in body position. Pain suddenly occurs on one side of the lower abdomen, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, abdominal tenderness, and muscle tension. Ovarian cyst rupture can also occur, stimulating the peritoneum and causing severe pain. Ultrasound examination can confirm the diagnosis, and emergency surgical treatment is usually required.

6. Pregnancy-related Diseases

In recent years, teenage pregnancies are not uncommon. Pregnancy-related abdominal pain can be caused by conditions such as threatened abortion and ectopic pregnancy. In ectopic pregnancy, dull or distending pain may be felt in the affected fallopian tube area. When ectopic pregnancy results in a miscarriage or rupture, it can cause intra-abdominal bleeding, with pain varying depending on the amount and speed of bleeding. If the ectopic pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube, pain is often localized to one side of the lower abdomen, and blood accumulation in the uterus-rectum pouch can cause rectal pressure pain. In cases of fallopian tube rupture, massive and rapid bleeding can spread throughout the abdominal cavity, causing generalized abdominal pain.