Abdominal pain is something almost every woman experiences at some point, from period pain and cramping to digestive discomfort. As Healthdirect explains, abdominal pain is felt anywhere in the area between the bottom of your ribs and your pelvis, and it can range from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain.
Importantly, symptoms alone cannot reliably tell you what is causing abdominal pain for women. Similar symptoms can come from many different causes, so pain that is persistent, worsening, severe or otherwise concerning should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional. This article is general education about common causes, symptoms and self-care, and about when to seek medical advice; it is not a tool for diagnosing yourself.
Common Types and Locations of Stomach Pain in Women
Abdominal and pelvic pain can feel quite different depending on the individual and the underlying cause. According to Healthdirect, you might notice:
- upper abdominal pain, lower abdominal pain, or pain more to one side;
- cramping pain, or sharp or stabbing pain;
- dull or aching pain, or a feeling of pressure or heaviness;
- pain that comes and goes in waves, or pain that is more constant;
- pain that appears around your period or ovulation, around eating, or around bowel movements.
Describing the location, timing and type of your pain can give a healthcare professional useful clues. However, the location or type of pain on its own is not enough to diagnose the cause, and a particular pattern does not automatically point to a specific condition.
Common Causes of Stomach Pain in Women
Abdominal pain has many possible causes, and similar symptoms can arise from different body systems. Common, everyday reasons include:
- Digestive causes. Indigestion or reflux, constipation, and gastroenteritis or food poisoning are common, as are longer-term conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
- Urinary causes. A urinary tract infection or kidney stones can cause abdominal or lower abdominal pain.
- Muscle-related discomfort. Strain of the abdominal muscles can sometimes cause pain in the area.
- Menstrual or ovulation-related cramping. Period pain and pain around ovulation are common causes of lower abdominal or pelvic cramping.
This is not a checklist for working out what is wrong. Because many different causes can produce similar symptoms, the only reliable way to understand ongoing or concerning abdominal pain is an assessment by a healthcare professional.
Women's Health Conditions That Can Cause Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Some women's health conditions can be associated with abdominal or pelvic pain. The information below is general education only; experiencing one of these symptoms does not mean you have one of these conditions, and diagnosis is a matter for a doctor. Sources such as Jean Hailes for Women's Health provide detailed, evidence-based information on each.
- Period pain (dysmenorrhoea). Cramping lower abdominal or pelvic pain around the time of menstruation is common. However, severe period pain that interferes with everyday activities is not something to simply put up with, and is worth discussing with a doctor.
- Endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas. It can be associated with persistent pelvic pain, painful and heavy periods, and pain at other times, such as during ovulation.
- Adenomyosis. In adenomyosis, tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. It can be associated with painful, heavy periods and pelvic pain, and it is different from endometriosis, although the two can occur together.
- Uterine fibroids. Fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths in the muscle wall of the uterus. Many people have no symptoms, but fibroids can sometimes be associated with heavy or painful periods and abdominal or pelvic discomfort.
- Ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on or in an ovary. Many cause no symptoms and resolve on their own, but some can be associated with pelvic pain or discomfort.
If you are experiencing persistent pelvic or abdominal pain, painful or heavy periods, or other symptoms that concern you, it is worth speaking with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional, who can assess your individual situation.
General Self-Care for Mild Stomach Pain
For mild abdominal pain where the cause is already known and there are no concerning symptoms, some simple, conservative measures may help you feel more comfortable while it settles. Based on Healthdirect's guidance, these include:
- keeping hydrated by drinking clear fluids, and limiting alcohol, tea and coffee;
- avoiding foods that are rich, fatty or spicy;
- getting plenty of rest;
- trying gentle warmth, such as a hot water bottle or warm wheat pack on your abdomen.
Self-care may not be suitable for severe, worsening, recurrent or unexplained abdominal pain, and it should never delay appropriate medical assessment. If your pain is severe, keeps coming back, or you are not sure what is causing it, see a doctor rather than managing it at home.
When Should You See a Doctor About Stomach Pain?
Separate from the emergency warning signs above, there are times when it is sensible to arrange a routine appointment with your GP. Healthdirect suggests seeing a doctor if your abdominal pain is recurrent (keeps coming back), is persistent (ongoing), or started mild but is getting worse.
It is also worth seeing your doctor if you have abdominal pain together with other changes, such as:
- vaginal bleeding that is not associated with your period;
- a change in your bowel habits;
- any bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stools;
- swelling of your abdomen;
- unexplained weight loss;
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes;
- fevers.
If your symptoms are ongoing, or you are unsure what is causing them, speak with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. Reaching out early is sensible, and it does not need to wait for symptoms to become severe.
When Does Stomach or Abdominal Pain Need Urgent Medical Attention?
Because severe abdominal pain can occasionally signal a serious problem, it is worth knowing the warning signs first. Severe abdominal pain is a medical emergency.
Stomach Pain in Women - Frequently Asked Questions
What can cause lower abdominal pain in women?
Lower abdominal pain in women can have many possible causes involving the digestive, urinary, reproductive or musculoskeletal systems. Common examples include period-related pain, urinary symptoms and digestive issues, as well as conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or ovarian cysts. Because similar symptoms can have very different causes, persistent or concerning pain should be clinically assessed.
Can period-related conditions cause stomach or pelvic pain?
Yes, some conditions associated with menstruation can cause abdominal or pelvic pain. Period pain itself, as well as conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids, can be associated with pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort. If period pain is severe or is affecting your daily life, it is worth discussing with a doctor.
When should I be concerned about stomach pain?
Severe, worsening, persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, particularly when it comes with other concerning symptoms, should be medically assessed. Warning signs that need urgent attention include severe pain, persistent vomiting, a fever, blood in your stool or urine, a very swollen abdomen, feeling very unwell, or unusual or heavy vaginal bleeding. If you have severe abdominal pain or another medical emergency, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.
What can I do at home for mild stomach pain?
Mild abdominal pain with a known cause may sometimes settle with simple measures such as staying hydrated, resting and using gentle warmth. Self-care is not appropriate for severe, worsening, recurrent or unexplained pain, and you should seek medical advice if you are unsure or your symptoms are not improving.
Can stomach pain during pregnancy require medical attention?
Yes, abdominal pain during pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor, midwife or other appropriate healthcare professional, particularly where the pain is severe or sudden or comes with other concerning symptoms. Because pain in pregnancy can have several causes, it is safest to have it assessed rather than trying to work out the cause yourself.
This article provides general information only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for personalised medical advice. Stomach and abdominal pain can have many different causes, and this information cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. If your pain is persistent, worsening, severe or concerning, or you are pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain, speak with a qualified healthcare professional such as your GP or midwife. If you have severe abdominal pain or another medical emergency, call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.
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