Abdominal pain can manifest anywhere between the chest and the pelvis. It can originate within the abdomen or outside the abdomen. Lower abdominal pain is a common health complaint, especially among women. Lower abdominal pain is often caused by reproductive tract problems and can be debilitating, affecting a person's quality of life.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can cause lower abdominal pain. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease. Trichomoniasis affects men and women, although symptoms appear most often in women. Most men do not exhibit symptoms of trichomoniasis; when they do, however, it is usually in the form of penile irritation, penile discharge and mild burning with urination or ejaculation.
Common signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis in women lower abdominal pain, frothy vaginal discharge that's yellow or green in color, pain with intercourse and urination and itching in the genital area. Signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis in women typically manifest within five to 28 days after exposure.
Endometritis
Endometritis can cause lower abdominal pain. MedlinePlus states that endometritis is an inflammation of the endometrium or uterine lining. Endometritis is caused by infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, tuberculosis and certain combinations of normal bacteria in the vagina. A person who has had a miscarriage or who has already given birth has a greater risk for endometritis.
According to MedlinePlus, endometritis may occur in the presence of other pelvic infections, such as acute pelvic inflammatory disease or salpingitis, acute cervicitis and other STDs. Common signs and symptoms associated with endometritis include lower abdominal and pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, unusual vaginal bleeding and discharge, pain with bowel movements and fever.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a common cause of lower abdominal pain. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, interstitial cystitis is a condition in which a person experiences recurring pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. Interstitial cystitis is characterized by irritation and scarring of the bladder's wall, along with areas of pinpoint bleeding within the bladder.
The NIDDK notes that some interstitial cystitis symptoms are similar to a bacterial infection, although testing usually reveals no organisms present in the urine of a person with interstitial cystitis. Heredity may play a major role in the development of interstitial cystitis. Common signs and symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis include lower abdominal and pelvic pain, a persistent urge to urinate and pain during intercourse and ejaculation.
