Numerous conditions can cause lower stomach or abdominal pain. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, abdominal pain is always abnormal, although the cause of abdominal pain may not always be a medical emergency. A person with mild or chronic abdominal pain---including lower abdominal pain---that is not associated with danger signs, such as unexplained weight loss, should discuss the condition with a physician.
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a potentially life-threatening cause of lower stomach or abdominal pain. According to the National Cancer Institute, endometrial cancer, also known as cancer of the uterus, is one of the most common cancers among American women. Endometrial cancer originates in the cells of the endometrium or the lining of the uterus. The uterus or womb is a hollow, pear-shaped reproductive organ located in a woman's pelvic bowl. The uterus is the location where fetal development takes place. MayoClinic.com states that common signs and symptoms associated with endometrial cancer include lower abdominal and pelvic pain, bleeding after menopause, non-bloody discharge from the vagina, pain during sex and unexplained weight loss. Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including irregular ovulation, many years of menstruation, never being pregnant, obesity and ovarian tumors.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a common cause of lower abdominal pain in middle-aged males. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders states that prostatitis is an often-painful condition that affects the prostate---a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive tract. The prostate is responsible for squeezing fluid into the urethra as sperm move through during orgasm, or sexual climax. Common signs and symptoms associated with prostatitis include lower abdominal pain; groin pain; lower back pain; a persistent urge to urinate; a burning sensation with urination; pain in the perineum, or the area between the penis and the rectum; penile or testicular pain or discomfort; and painful ejaculation. Possible complications associated with prostatitis include reduced quality of life, bacterial infection of the blood, infertility and inflammation of the epididymis---the tube at the back of the testicle that stores sperm.
Inguinal Hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through a wall that usually contains it. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin region, when part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal---a canal that contains the spermatic cord in men and a round ligament that is linked to the uterus in women. According to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, males are more commonly affected by inguinal hernias than women. Common signs and symptoms associated with an inguinal hernia include pain or discomfort in the groin or lower abdomen that is worse when bending over, coughing or lifting an object; a bulge on one side the pubic bone; a heavy sensation in the groin; and pain and swelling in the scrotum and testicles in some men. Possible complications associated with an inguinal hernia include bowel obstruction and death of bowel tissue.
