Many conditions can cause lower left quadrant abdominal pain. Certain structures and tissues within this portion of the abdomen can generate pain or discomfort, although pain from structures in other parts of the body can also be felt in the lower left abdominal quadrant. Lower left quadrant abdominal pain can be short-lived or long-term.
Ovarian Cyst
An ovarian cyst can cause pain in the lower left quadrant. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac in or on a woman's ovary. According to FamilyDoctor.org, a website maintained by the American Academy of Family Physicians, a significant number of ovarian cysts are noncancerous. These cysts are called functional cysts and occur as a result of ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Functional cysts often shrink over time and usually do not cause a person to experience symptoms. In fact, many people with ovarian cysts do not even know they have them. In some cases, however, cysts can cause abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities, nausea and vomiting. Certain factors dictate the need for surgical intervention, including a person's age, whether the affected woman is having periods, the size of the cyst, the appearance of the cyst and the symptoms present.
Constipation
Constipation can cause left lower quadrant abdominal pain. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that a person is constipated if he has fewer than three bowel movements per week. The stools of a constipated person are usually hard, dry, small and challenging to void or eliminate. A person with constipation may experience pain during a bowel movement, along with straining, abdominal distension or bloating and the sensation of a full bowel. Numerous factors can cause constipation, including a lack of fiber in the diet, sedentary living, certain medications, milk, certain medical conditions, significant life changes or changes in daily routine, laxative abuse, dehydration and ignoring the urge to defecate. NIDDK notes that boosting fiber intake is an effective method to treat constipation. The suggested daily fiber intake to treat or prevent constipation is 20g to 35g.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia can cause lower left quadrant pain. An inguinal hernia develops when a part of the intestine or other soft tissue protrudes through a tear in the lower abdominal wall, creating a bulge on one side of the pubic bone that may be painful. Certain activities may increase the pain, such as coughing, bending over or lifting a heavy object. Most inguinal hernias are not life-threatening, although some inguinal hernias can cause serious health complications. Common signs and symptoms associated with an inguinal hernia include an observable bulge in the affected area, groin and abdominal pain or discomfort, a heavy sensation in the groin and, in some men, pain and swelling in the scrotum, according to the MayoClinic.com. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of an inguinal hernia, such as increased pressure within the abdomen and a preexisting weak spot in the tissues of the abdominal wall.
