Generally, the causes of left-sided abdominal pain are often related to gas. In more serious cases, abdominal pain may be linked to colon inflammation, appendicitis, or a stomach ulcer — all of which require immediate medical attention.
If your discomfort is caused by gas, don’t worry — this is completely normal.

You may also experience additional symptoms such as burping, bloating, abdominal tightness, and lower left abdominal pain.
However, if you develop symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, or persistent left-sided abdominal pain (upper or lower), it is best to consult your doctor to rule out serious conditions.

In this article, we will explore the main causes of left abdominal pain in both men and women, as well as common questions related to this symptom. Keep reading:

Common Causes of Left-Sided Abdominal Pain in Both Genders

Left abdominal pain can occur for many reasons, including colon inflammation, hernia, uterine prolapse, or testicular torsion. Here are the primary causes:

1. Intestinal Gas

Intestinal gas is a natural result of swallowing air and digesting food. Gas accumulates throughout the digestive system, from the stomach to the rectum. Common symptoms include burping and flatulence.

If you also experience diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, heartburn, weight loss, or blood in your stool, seek medical advice.

Common causes of excess intestinal gas include:

• Eating foods that increase gas production

• Incomplete digestion of certain foods

• Chewing gum

• Smoking

2. Stomach Ulcer

A gastric ulcer may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, black or bloody stools, and left upper abdominal pain.
If not treated properly, stomach ulcers can return, although some may heal on their own.

3. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis causes sharp lower left abdominal pain. It occurs when small pouches in the colon become infected and inflamed.

It may also lead to:

• Bloating

• Abdominal discomfort

• Changes in bowel movements

4. Indigestion

Indigestion usually appears after meals when stomach acid irritates the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Symptoms include:

• Upper or lower abdominal pain

• Discomfort

• Burning sensation

• Nausea

• Burping and gas

Causes of Abdominal Pain in Men

1. Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency, most common in boys under 18, but it can occur at any age.
It happens when the testicle twists around the spermatic cord, cutting off blood flow.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden abdominal pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Painful urination

• Scrotal swelling

• Pain radiating to the lower abdomen or thigh

Even if the pain improves, immediate medical evaluation is necessary to prevent permanent damage.

2. Prostatitis

About 90% of men with chronic pelvic pain suffer from prostatitis. Pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen and upper thighs.

3. Inguinal Hernia

More common in men, an inguinal hernia appears as a lump in the groin area caused by part of the small intestine pushing through the lower abdominal wall.

Symptoms worsen with:

• Lifting heavy objects

• Coughing or sneezing

• Exercise

Surgery is often the only effective treatment.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs can be linked to kidney problems such as prostate enlargement. Pain may occur on the left or right side of the lower abdomen and intensifies during urination.

Causes of Left Iliac Fossa Pain in Women

Some causes are serious and require urgent care, while others are common and harmless.

1. Intestinal Gas

Intestinal gas is a natural result of swallowing air and digesting food. Gas accumulates throughout the digestive system, from the stomach to the rectum. Common symptoms include burping and flatulence.

If you also experience diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, heartburn, weight loss, or blood in your stool, seek medical advice.

Common causes of excess intestinal gas include:

• Eating foods that increase gas production

• Incomplete digestion of certain foods

• Chewing gum

• Smoking

2. Stomach Ulcer

A gastric ulcer may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, black or bloody stools, and left upper abdominal pain.
If not treated properly, stomach ulcers can return, although some may heal on their own.

3. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis causes sharp lower left abdominal pain. It occurs when small pouches in the colon become infected and inflamed.

It may also lead to:

• Bloating

• Abdominal discomfort

• Changes in bowel movements

4. Indigestion

Indigestion usually appears after meals when stomach acid irritates the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Symptoms include:

• Upper or lower abdominal pain

• Discomfort

• Burning sensation

• Nausea

• Burping and gas

Causes of Abdominal Pain in Men

1. Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency, most common in boys under 18, but it can occur at any age.
It happens when the testicle twists around the spermatic cord, cutting off blood flow.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden abdominal pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Painful urination

• Scrotal swelling

• Pain radiating to the lower abdomen or thigh

Even if the pain improves, immediate medical evaluation is necessary to prevent permanent damage.

2. Prostatitis

About 90% of men with chronic pelvic pain suffer from prostatitis. Pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen and upper thighs.

3. Inguinal Hernia

More common in men, an inguinal hernia appears as a lump in the groin area caused by part of the small intestine pushing through the lower abdominal wall.

Symptoms worsen with:

• Lifting heavy objects

• Coughing or sneezing

• Exercise

Surgery is often the only effective treatment.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs can be linked to kidney problems such as prostate enlargement. Pain may occur on the left or right side of the lower abdomen and intensifies during urination.

Causes of Left Iliac Fossa Pain in Women

Some causes are serious and require urgent care, while others are common and harmless.

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Three out of four women experience PMS symptoms, including mood swings, fatigue, depression, and abdominal pain.
If symptoms worsen or disrupt daily life, especially after age 25, consult a doctor.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing abdominal pain.
Additional symptoms may include:

• Pain during bowel movements

• Painful urination

• Pain during intercourse

• Irregular periods

• Severe menstrual cramps

3. Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cyst symptoms vary among women. Large cysts can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination.
A ruptured cyst can cause severe pain or internal bleeding.

Consult a doctor if you experience:

• Sudden, sharp abdominal pain

• Fever or vomiting

• Cold, clammy skin

• Rapid breathing

• Dizziness or fainting

4. Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, causing one-sided abdominal pain.

Other symptoms include:

• Shoulder pain

• Pain during urination or bowel movements

• Vaginal bleeding or watery discharge

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive system, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Bleeding between periods

• Pain or bleeding during intercourse

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes frequent urination with left-sided abdominal pain?

Conditions affecting the bladder can cause abdominal pain (left or right) along with frequent or burning urination.

These include:

1. Cystitis (Bladder Infection)

Symptoms:

• Lower abdominal pain

• Frequent nighttime urination

• Smelly or bloody urine

Treatment usually requires antibiotics.

2. Interstitial Cystitis

More common in women. Symptoms include:

• Irritation and inflammation of the bladder

• Thickening of the bladder wall

• Pain when the bladder is full

• Frequent urination

3. Endometrial Cancer

Rarely, uterine lining cancer can cause abdominal pain and urinary discomfort.
Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical removal of cancerous tissue.

Can H. pylori cause left abdominal pain?

Yes. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects the stomach, causing inflammation and painful ulcers.

Symptoms may include:

• Mild, persistent stomach pain

• Pain 2–3 hours after eating

• Pain that comes and goes

• Pain when the stomach is empty

Treatment requires specific medical therapy.

Final Advice

Left-sided abdominal pain is not a single condition — it ranges from mild issues like gas to serious medical problems.
Listen to your body:

• If the pain is mild and gas-related: adjust your diet and move gently.

• If warning signs appear: seek medical care immediately.

Through Docdialy, you can quickly book an appointment with a gastroenterologist or gynecologist, either in clinic or online.

 

Sources:

What's Causing Pain in My Lower Left Abdomen?
https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-lower-left-abdomen#faq

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Men? 26 Possible Causes
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_causes_lower_abdominal_pain_in_men/article.htm

Stomach Ulcer – Causes
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/causes/#:~:text=H.%20pylori%20bacteria,are%20more%20affected%20than%20others

What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Men? 26 Possible Causes
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_causes_lower_abdominal_pain_in_men/article.htm