What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females?

Lower abdominal pain is a common concern for many women. In most cases, mild discomfort or cramping in the lower abdomen can be normal and is often associated with the menstrual cycle, ovulation, or simple digestive processes. Many women experience this type of pain just before or during their period, known as dysmenorrhea. This pain usually feels dull, aching, or crampy, and may sometimes radiate to the lower back or thighs. Some women also notice mild pain in the middle of their cycle—about two weeks before their next period—which is called mittelschmerz or “ovulation pain.” This type of discomfort is generally brief and not severe.

Normal lower abdominal pain tends to be predictable, mild to moderate in intensity, and usually goes away on its own within a few hours to a couple of days. It typically does not disrupt your daily activities. Other non-gynecological causes of mild lower abdominal pain include gas, indigestion, or constipation.

However, if your abdominal pain is sudden, severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms—such as fever, vomiting, unusual vaginal discharge, or heavy bleeding—it may indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Lower abdominal pain is a common complaint among women and can have a variety of causes. Sometimes, the pain is harmless—such as menstrual cramps, indigestion, or mild constipation. However, certain situations require prompt medical evaluation to ensure your health and safety.

At Clio Urgent Care, we encourage you to seek immediate attention if you experience sudden and severe lower abdominal pain. This can be a sign of serious conditions such as appendicitis, ovarian torsion, or a ruptured ovarian cyst. Lower abdominal pain that is accompanied by fever, persistent vomiting, chills, or a general feeling of illness may indicate an infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease, which requires timely treatment.

If your pain is associated with abnormal vaginal bleeding—especially if the bleeding is heavy or occurs outside your regular menstrual cycle—this can signal gynecological issues. Additionally, pain during urination, blood in the urine, or difficulty passing urine could indicate a urinary tract infection or kidney stones, which also need prompt medical evaluation.

We recommend visiting Clio Urgent Care if your lower abdominal pain is:

• Worsening over time
• Lasting more than a few days
• Interfering with your daily activities
• Accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or shoulder pain
• These symptoms may point to serious or potentially life-threatening conditions, such as internal bleeding.
• Remember, while not all lower abdominal pain in females is dangerous, persistent, severe, or unusual pain—especially when associated with other symptoms—should never be ignored.

Lower abdominal pain in females is a common concern we see at Clio Urgent Care, and it can result from a range of causes, from mild to more serious conditions. Many cases are related to the reproductive system. For example, menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) and ovulation pain (mittelschmerz) are frequent reasons for discomfort, as are conditions like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria—can also lead to lower abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by fever or unusual vaginal discharge.

It’s important to consider pregnancy-related issues as well. Mild cramping can occur in early pregnancy, but severe or persistent lower abdominal pain may be a warning sign of complications, which require immediate medical evaluation.

Other possible causes include digestive issues like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even appendicitis. Occasionally, musculoskeletal problems such as muscle strain or injury can also be the culprit.

Because there are so many potential causes—some of them urgent—it’s important to pay attention to the pattern, severity, and any associated symptoms.

At Clio Urgent Care, we are here to provide timely evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for lower abdominal pain and related symptoms.

At Clio Urgent Care, we understand that lower abdominal pain in women can be concerning and sometimes signals a serious medical issue. Our medical team follows a thorough, systematic approach to ensure every patient receives the appropriate evaluation and care.

Comprehensive Assessment
When a woman visits Clio Urgent Care with lower abdominal pain. We ask about the onset, duration, and nature of your pain, as well as any accompanying symptoms such as fever, vomiting, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or urinary issues. To help narrow down the possible causes, our team will also review menstrual history, sexual activity, contraception use, and the possibility of pregnancy.

Focused Physical Examination
Our clinicians perform a careful physical examination, paying close attention to the abdomen and pelvis to check for tenderness, swelling, or signs of peritonitis (which could indicate a surgical emergency). When appropriate, a pelvic exam may be performed to look for infection, masses, or other abnormalities.

Diagnostic Testing
Based on your symptoms and our initial findings, Clio Urgent Care may recommend urine or blood tests to check for infections, anemia, pregnancy, or inflammation. A urine pregnancy test is especially important, as certain conditions like ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening and require immediate care.

If additional information is needed, we may arrange for imaging studies such as an ultrasound or, in some cases, a CT scan. These tests help us identify issues like ovarian cysts, appendicitis, or other serious conditions.

Prioritizing Your Safety
Throughout your visit, our team is vigilant for warning signs of serious or life-threatening conditions, such as severe or worsening pain, signs of shock (like low blood pressure or rapid heart rate), a rigid abdomen, or evidence of acute gynecological emergencies.

If any of these red flags are present, or if the diagnosis remains uncertain but the risk is high, our staff will promptly coordinate transfer to a nearby emergency department or specialist for further evaluation and management. For more information, please contact us or simply walk in! You can also schedule your appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4272 W. Vienna Road Clio, MI 48420. We serve patients from Clio MI, Montrose MI, Birch Run MI, Mount Morris MI, Beecher MI, Genesee County, MI, and surrounding areas.