Numerous conditions can cause mid to lower abdominal pain. According to the Net Doctor website, mid to lower abdominal pain is a common health complaint among women. However, men can develop pain in this area too. Mid to lower abdominal pain can range from mild and annoying to severe and life threatening. In some cases, mid to lower abdominal pain can be long lasting and impair a person's ability to perform daily activities.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis can cause mid to lower abdominal pain. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, prostatitis is an often painful condition of the prostate, which is a walnut-sized gland associated with the male reproductive system. Prostatitis usually affects young and middle-aged men. Prostatitis can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms vary from person to person and many of the signs and symptoms can suggest other diseases or conditions. The NIDDK states that there are four principle types of prostatitis: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Possible signs and symptoms associated with prostatitis include mid to lower abdominal pain, groin or lower back pain, burning pain when urinating, difficulty urinating or urinary hesitancy, a persistent urge to urinate and testicular pain or discomfort.
Intestinal Gas
Intestinal gas can cause mid to lower abdominal pain. MayoClinic.com states that everyone, from time to time, experiences gas and gas pain and that the average person passes gas about 12 times per day. However, some individuals have excessive intestinal gas and gas pain that regularly causes discomfort. Gas that cannot be expelled can cause intense, sporadic abdominal pain, according to MayoClinic.com. Along with mid to lower abdominal pain that's sharp or jabbing, abdominal bloating is a common sign or symptom associated with intestinal gas. Possible causes of intestinal gas include constipation, laxatives, antibiotics, artificial additives in food, and food intolerances such as an intolerance to dairy or gluten. Certain medical conditions can also cause intestinal gas including diverticulitis or an inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
Bladder Infection
Bladder infections, also known as cystitis, can cause mid to lower abdominal pain. According to the Merck Manuals website, bladder infections can occur in both men and women, although cystitis is more common among women. Escherichia coli, a species of bacteria commonly found in the genital area, are the cause of most cases of cystitis. MayoClinic.com states that common signs and symptoms associated with bladder infections include pain, discomfort or pressure in the mid to lower abdomen, a persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, blood in the urine, strong-smelling urine, pelvic area discomfort and a low-grade fever. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of a bladder infection in both men and women including obstruction of the flow of urine, immune system changes and the long-term use of catheters. Women who are sexually active, use certain types of birth control and who are pregnant have a greater risk of bladder infection.
