Women might experience pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen due to stomach problems, appendicitis, ovarian cyst, kidneys stones, etc. This write-up provides some information on these conditions.
Pain in the lower right abdomen generally arises when any of the organs located inside the abdomen is unable to function properly. Organs that are located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen include pancreas, liver, right kidney and parts of the large intestine. Women might experience pain in the lower right section of the abdomen due to diseases of the reproductive system.
Contributing Factors
Since abdominal discomfort could be attributed to serious medical conditions, it is extremely important to ascertain the underlying cause. Here’s some information on the possible causes of pain in the lower right abdominal region in women.
Stomach or Intestinal Disorders
Women affected by constipation, Crohn’s disease, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, or colon cancer might also experience pain in the abdominal region. Constipation is a common stomach problem that might lead to pain in the abdominal region.
Appendicitis
The appendix is a close-ended narrow tube that is located in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Sometimes, the appendix might become obstructed by mucus or hardened stool. This might lead to the growth of bacteria. Bacterial overgrowth could cause the appendix to become inflamed and swollen. The symptoms of appendicitis include pain and tenderness in the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal swelling. Women affected by inflammatory bowel diseases or an infection in the gastrointestinal tract are more prone to developing appendicitis.
Kidney Stones
Abdominal discomfort or pain could be caused by kidney diseases. It could be caused due to formation of kidney stones. A kidney stone is a solid stone-like mass that is formed due to crystallization of the minerals and salts present in the urine. These are generally made of calcium, struvite, cystine, or uric acid. If the kidney stones are small, these can be flushed out of the body through the urinary tract. However, problems arise when these stones become large. Though pain in the abdomen is one of the common symptoms of kidney stones, this condition might also give rise to symptoms such as pain during urination, back pain, and a frequent urge to urinate.
Reproductive Health Issues
Since the lower right abdomen comprises the reproductive organs, women may experience pain in the abdomen due to medical conditions associated with the uterus, Fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Ectopic pregnancy could also cause pain in the abdomen. This is a pregnancy complication that is attributed to the implantation of the fertilized egg in the Fallopian tube or the ovary. In case of an ectopic pregnancy, the embryo continues to develop in the Fallopian tube. The stretching of the tube causes abdominal discomfort and pain in women. Women might also experience abdominal cramps and pain during menstruation. Women affected by conditions such as dysmenorrhea, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis could also experience pain in the abdominal region.
The treatment options for pain in the abdomen will vary, depending on the underlying cause. Since pain could be caused due to serious medical conditions, it must be taken seriously. If you have been experiencing recurring bouts of pain, consult a doctor soon.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.