15 Main Causes of Right Side Abdominal Pain (Extensive Guide)
Any form of acute, dull, aching, or painful sensation between the top of your pelvis and your lower chest can be referred to as right-side abdominal discomfort. You might have nausea, bloating, digestive issues, cramping, and right-side abdominal pain. The gallbladder, pancreas, appendix, right kidney, liver, and a portion of your small intestine are all located on the right side of your abdomen.
Symptoms accompanying right side pains in your abdomen that need medical attention are:
In this article, I am going to examine the different reasons why pain can occur in the upper right abdominal area or in the lower right abdomen. You will also find out about causes of right-sided abdominal pain that only affect men or women.
Organs on the Right Side of the Abdomen
On the right side of your abdomen you can find some of the most important internal organs in your body:
Liver and gallbladder – Your liver lies under the ribcage on the right side of your stomach and the gallbladder is right under the liver. Gallstones or infection around your liver can cause sharp, right-sided pain below your ribs on the right side of the abdomen.
Right lung – Your lungs play an important function in removing toxins from your blood and replacing them with oxygen. Certain lung infections in the right lung can cause severe pain that can be felt in the right side of your abdomen.
Part of the stomach, intestines, and colon – Part of your stomach, intestines, and colon are also located on the right side of your abdomen. The last part of your colon is located in the lower right side of the abdomen. If you have any digestive problems, the digestive-related pain might be felt on the right side.
Appendix – You appendix is another organ on the right side of your abdomen that can cause right-sided pain. Sometimes, inflammation or infection can cause appendicitis which will result in severe pain the lower part of your belly.
Women’s reproductive system – Part of the reproductive organs in women are located on the right side of their body. The right fallopian tube and ovary are found in the pelvic area are just below the right side of the belly button. Therefore, it quite common that premenstrual syndrome, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis can be a reason for right-sided abdominal pain in women.
Unfortunately, abdominal pain on the left side or right side can affect all of us. Most of the time, aches, pains, and discomfort in the right abdomen are not symptoms of anything serious.
Because some types of right side abdominal pain can be serious, it’s important to know where the pain is coming from and how to describe the pain. According to Dr. Charles Patrick Davis on MedicineNet, doctors divide the abdominal area into four areas or quadrants. The upper right abdominal area or right upper quadrant (RUQ) is the part of your upper body below the right chest and above your navel. The right lower quadrant (RLQ) or lower right abdominal area is below your navel and above your right pelvis.1
It is also important to recognize the type of pain and describe it properly. According to doctors from the National Institutes of Health, types of pain that you can feel in your abdominal area include:
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of right-side abdominal pain.
2. Indigestion
Another digestive issue that could be to blame for your right upper quadrant pain is indigestion. Indigestion often causes abdominal cramping after eating as well as chest pain.
Dr. Jay Marks who specializes in gastroenterology reports that indigestion can be the result of various gastrointestinal issues. Another cause of abdominal pain caused by indigestion is the buildup of bacteria in the small intestine. However, the most common symptom of indigestion is upper abdominal or chest pain.
3. Heartburn
A related condition of indigestion is heartburn. Heartburn causes burning feelings in the upper chest as well as abdominal discomfort.
Heartburn is often referred to as acid reflux and is also associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD says that heartburn causes upper abdominal pain because the acid from the stomach escapes up the esophagus.
4. Shingles
Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can cause burning pain and tenderness on either side of the abdomen. Usually, only one side of the upper body is affected, not both at the same time.
According to medical information published in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research, pain in the upper body caused by singles can feel like acute abdominal pain. This usually precedes a rash that appears on the affected area of the body.
5. Gallstones
Your gallbladder is located in your upper right abdomen just below your ribcage. Gallstones can form in the gallbladder if you have high cholesterol or there is an obstruction in there. A gallbladder infection or bile duct blockage due to gallstones can cause pain in your upper right abdomen area. The pain associated with a gallbladder attack can come on suddenly and feel very intense.
Sharp upper right abdominal pain is also one of the side effects of gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). After the gallbladder removal, you may need to follow a gallbladder removal diet to prevent post-cholecystectomy side effects such as indigestion and weight gain.
According to the journal BMJ, gallstones cause severe constant pain in the upper right quadrant. The discomfort can last between one and several hours and it can be difficult to get relief.
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that along with intensifying pain below your right ribcage, gallbladder issues can also cause the following:
If you have severe upper right quadrant pain that gets worse and doesn’t go away, you should visit your doctor for the best treatment.
12. Diverticulitis
LRQ pain associated with appendicitis can often be mistaken for a condition called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is when small sacs or small pockets develop in the colon and become inflamed.
According to the Yonsei Medical Journal, the right lower quadrant pain can be a common symptom of diverticulitis. This often happens in your lower right abdomen because most of your colon is found there. Right-sided pain from diverticulitis usually occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. Pain in the lower left abdomen is also a symptom.
Right Side Abdominal Pain in Women Only
There are many conditions that cause pain in the right abdominal area of women.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause pain on either side of the lower abdomen or pelvic area depending on which side is affected. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus and can intensify the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Right Side Abdominal Pain in Women Due to Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you will experience cramping and lower abdominal pains due to hormonal changes and the baby growing. Let’s look at some of the common reasons for abdominal pains during pregnancy and when the symptoms require medical attention.
Growing baby
It is natural that as your baby grows, changes in your uterus will result in some mild abdominal pains that don’t last long.
Round ligament pain
During pregnancy, it is normal to have occasional sharp jabbing pains during your second or third trimester. This is a condition called round ligament pain.
Gynecologist Dr. Traci Johnson explains that the round ligament connects the uterus to your groin. The round ligament stretches as the womb grows. Dr. Johnson says that round ligament pain usually affects your right lower abdominal area and is caused when the ligament tightens quickly.
Braxton Hicks contractions
One reason for lower abdominal cramping towards the end of your pregnancy is Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a potentially serious complication of pregnancy that can result in lower abdominal pains.
Ectopic pregnancy
Another serious cause of right-side abdominal pain or left-side pains in the abdomen with vaginal bleeding is an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fetus grows outside of the uterus.
Miscarriage
Another complication of pregnancy that causes sharp abdominal cramping and possible vaginal discharge is a miscarriage.
When to See a Doctor about Right Side Abdominal Pain
Thankfully, the majority of right-side abdominal pain situations, even a single sharp abdominal pain occasionally, are unimportant.
The following conditions warrant consulting a medical professional, according to Mayo Clinic experts, because some types of right-side stomach pain can be a sign of something serious:
Fortunately, the majority of right-sided abdominal pain symptoms are harmless and pass quickly.
For example, pain on the right of your abdomen caused by gas or indigestion can cause, sharp nagging aches. However, sometimes, dull aches that become more intense, or sharp cramping pains in the right side of your belly that don’t go away could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Reproductive organs like the right ovary and part of the uterus are located in the lower right abdomen of women. Cramping pain connected with the menstrual cycle can be felt on just the right side of the lower abdomen if the right ovary is ovulating or if there are cysts.
Even though aches and pains in the right abdomen are usually harmless, there are times when you shouldn’t ignore the constant discomfort. Cramping pain along with other symptoms can be a cause for worry.
Right Side Abdominal Pain: Common Causes and Other Symptoms
For example, pain on the right of your abdomen caused by gas or indigestion can cause, sharp nagging aches. However, sometimes, dull aches that become more intense, or sharp cramping pains in the right side of your belly that don’t go away could be a sign of a more serious condition.
Reproductive organs like the right ovary and part of the uterus are located in the lower right abdomen of women. Cramping pain connected with the menstrual cycle can be felt on just the right side of the lower abdomen if the right ovary is ovulating or if there are cysts.
Even though aches and pains in the right abdomen are usually harmless, there are times when you shouldn’t ignore the constant discomfort. Cramping pain along with other symptoms can be a cause for worry.
Symptoms accompanying right side pains in your abdomen that need medical attention are:
- Abdominal pain that causes nausea and vomiting
- Dull aching pain that starts near your belly button and spreads to the lower right belly
- Any kind of severe pain in the right abdomen that doesn’t go away
- Passing bloody stools
In this article, I am going to examine the different reasons why pain can occur in the upper right abdominal area or in the lower right abdomen. You will also find out about causes of right-sided abdominal pain that only affect men or women.
Organs on the Right Side of the Abdomen
On the right side of your abdomen you can find some of the most important internal organs in your body:
Liver and gallbladder – Your liver lies under the ribcage on the right side of your stomach and the gallbladder is right under the liver. Gallstones or infection around your liver can cause sharp, right-sided pain below your ribs on the right side of the abdomen.
Right lung – Your lungs play an important function in removing toxins from your blood and replacing them with oxygen. Certain lung infections in the right lung can cause severe pain that can be felt in the right side of your abdomen.
Part of the stomach, intestines, and colon – Part of your stomach, intestines, and colon are also located on the right side of your abdomen. The last part of your colon is located in the lower right side of the abdomen. If you have any digestive problems, the digestive-related pain might be felt on the right side.
Appendix – You appendix is another organ on the right side of your abdomen that can cause right-sided pain. Sometimes, inflammation or infection can cause appendicitis which will result in severe pain the lower part of your belly.
Women’s reproductive system – Part of the reproductive organs in women are located on the right side of their body. The right fallopian tube and ovary are found in the pelvic area are just below the right side of the belly button. Therefore, it quite common that premenstrual syndrome, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis can be a reason for right-sided abdominal pain in women.
Unfortunately, abdominal pain on the left side or right side can affect all of us. Most of the time, aches, pains, and discomfort in the right abdomen are not symptoms of anything serious.
Because some types of right side abdominal pain can be serious, it’s important to know where the pain is coming from and how to describe the pain. According to Dr. Charles Patrick Davis on MedicineNet, doctors divide the abdominal area into four areas or quadrants. The upper right abdominal area or right upper quadrant (RUQ) is the part of your upper body below the right chest and above your navel. The right lower quadrant (RLQ) or lower right abdominal area is below your navel and above your right pelvis.1
It is also important to recognize the type of pain and describe it properly. According to doctors from the National Institutes of Health, types of pain that you can feel in your abdominal area include:
- Cramping pain
- Mild to severe cramping
- Gnawing aches
- Sharp, shooting pains
- Stabbing pain
- Throbbing pains
- Jabbing aches
- Tenderness
For example, many women who have right side abdominal pain during their menstrual cycle describe the pain as cramping aches in the lower belly or pelvis. Pain associated with kidney stones or gallstones could be like sharp shooting pains that come and go. However, trapped gas can also cause similar stabbing or jabbing pains.
ALSO READ: 4 Foods to Eat With Hiatal Hernia
Causes of Right Side Abdominal Pain
Let’s look at some of the most common causes of right-side abdominal pain.
1. Trapped gas
Trapped gas is one of the most common reasons why you could have a sharp aching feeling in your right abdomen. Part of your small intestine and colon is on the right side of your middle abdomen, and gas can put pressure on the surrounding muscles.
Doctors from Johns Hopkins Medicine say that gas is caused by bacteria that break down certain foods in the colon. It is actually estimated that the average person passes gas around 14 times a day. If gas collects on the right side of the colon, the resulting sharp pain may be mistaken for appendicitis or gallstones.
The best way to get rid of the abdominal pains caused by gas is to expel the gas by making yourself fart. However, you can also try to cut back on foods that are making excessive amounts of gas. For some helpful advice on gas pain, please read my article on the best home remedies for gas and bloating.
Trapped gas is one of the most common reasons why you could have a sharp aching feeling in your right abdomen. Part of your small intestine and colon is on the right side of your middle abdomen, and gas can put pressure on the surrounding muscles.
Doctors from Johns Hopkins Medicine say that gas is caused by bacteria that break down certain foods in the colon. It is actually estimated that the average person passes gas around 14 times a day. If gas collects on the right side of the colon, the resulting sharp pain may be mistaken for appendicitis or gallstones.
The best way to get rid of the abdominal pains caused by gas is to expel the gas by making yourself fart. However, you can also try to cut back on foods that are making excessive amounts of gas. For some helpful advice on gas pain, please read my article on the best home remedies for gas and bloating.
2. Indigestion
Another digestive issue that could be to blame for your right upper quadrant pain is indigestion. Indigestion often causes abdominal cramping after eating as well as chest pain.
Dr. Jay Marks who specializes in gastroenterology reports that indigestion can be the result of various gastrointestinal issues. Another cause of abdominal pain caused by indigestion is the buildup of bacteria in the small intestine. However, the most common symptom of indigestion is upper abdominal or chest pain.
3. Heartburn
A related condition of indigestion is heartburn. Heartburn causes burning feelings in the upper chest as well as abdominal discomfort.
Heartburn is often referred to as acid reflux and is also associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD says that heartburn causes upper abdominal pain because the acid from the stomach escapes up the esophagus.
4. Shingles
Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can cause burning pain and tenderness on either side of the abdomen. Usually, only one side of the upper body is affected, not both at the same time.
According to medical information published in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research, pain in the upper body caused by singles can feel like acute abdominal pain. This usually precedes a rash that appears on the affected area of the body.
5. Gallstones
Your gallbladder is located in your upper right abdomen just below your ribcage. Gallstones can form in the gallbladder if you have high cholesterol or there is an obstruction in there. A gallbladder infection or bile duct blockage due to gallstones can cause pain in your upper right abdomen area. The pain associated with a gallbladder attack can come on suddenly and feel very intense.
Sharp upper right abdominal pain is also one of the side effects of gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). After the gallbladder removal, you may need to follow a gallbladder removal diet to prevent post-cholecystectomy side effects such as indigestion and weight gain.
According to the journal BMJ, gallstones cause severe constant pain in the upper right quadrant. The discomfort can last between one and several hours and it can be difficult to get relief.
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that along with intensifying pain below your right ribcage, gallbladder issues can also cause the following:
- Back pain between your shoulder blades
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin (in serious cases)
- High fever with chills
If you have severe upper right quadrant pain that gets worse and doesn’t go away, you should visit your doctor for the best treatment.
READ MORE:Gallbladder And It Associated Problems
6. Pancreatitis
The head of your pancreas is located on the right side of your upper abdomen. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause persistent right-sided abdominal pain.
Doctors from Cedars-Sinai say that pancreatitis can be caused by gallstones, drinking large amounts of alcohol, certain medications, or high-fat content in your blood (high triglycerides). This results in varying degrees of upper right abdominal pain.
The head of your pancreas is located on the right side of your upper abdomen. Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause persistent right-sided abdominal pain.
Doctors from Cedars-Sinai say that pancreatitis can be caused by gallstones, drinking large amounts of alcohol, certain medications, or high-fat content in your blood (high triglycerides). This results in varying degrees of upper right abdominal pain.
7. Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstructions can be a result of underlying health issues and can cause sharp pains in the right side of your abdomen.
According to Dr. Christy Hopkins from the University of Utah School of Medicine, pain from bowel obstructions often happens on the right side. This is because the right colon has a larger capacity and lesions in the right colon can grow quite large.
Bowel obstructions can be a result of underlying health issues and can cause sharp pains in the right side of your abdomen.
According to Dr. Christy Hopkins from the University of Utah School of Medicine, pain from bowel obstructions often happens on the right side. This is because the right colon has a larger capacity and lesions in the right colon can grow quite large.
8. Problems with the liver
Your liver is located in your upper right abdomen and some liver conditions can cause pain in that area.
Problems with your liver that result in upper abdominal pain can be difficult to diagnose.
Your liver is located in your upper right abdomen and some liver conditions can cause pain in that area.
Problems with your liver that result in upper abdominal pain can be difficult to diagnose.
9. Too much iron
Dr. Wedro says that upper right quadrant pain is a symptom commonly associated with liver disease.
To help prevent liver disease, it’s essential to avoid habits that damage your liver. This includes drinking too much alcohol, getting too little sleep, smoking, and being overweight.
10. Lung issues
Medical issues with your right lung can result in sharp stabbing upper abdominal pains on the right side. Some common problems with the lungs that cause chest pain are pleurisy, pneumonia, or a collapsed lung.
Dr. Wedro says that upper right quadrant pain is a symptom commonly associated with liver disease.
To help prevent liver disease, it’s essential to avoid habits that damage your liver. This includes drinking too much alcohol, getting too little sleep, smoking, and being overweight.
10. Lung issues
Medical issues with your right lung can result in sharp stabbing upper abdominal pains on the right side. Some common problems with the lungs that cause chest pain are pleurisy, pneumonia, or a collapsed lung.
11. Appendicitis
Your appendix is a small organ found in your lower right abdomen and appendicitis can cause excruciating pain on your right side.
However, in many cases, the first symptom of appendicitis is pain around your belly button. This is usually intermittent pain that feels like a deep aching feeling. Doctors from the National Health Service say the pain then travels to your lower right-hand side and becomes more intense. Then the pain becomes a constant severe ache causing a great deal of discomfort.
Your appendix is a small organ found in your lower right abdomen and appendicitis can cause excruciating pain on your right side.
However, in many cases, the first symptom of appendicitis is pain around your belly button. This is usually intermittent pain that feels like a deep aching feeling. Doctors from the National Health Service say the pain then travels to your lower right-hand side and becomes more intense. Then the pain becomes a constant severe ache causing a great deal of discomfort.
12. Diverticulitis
LRQ pain associated with appendicitis can often be mistaken for a condition called diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is when small sacs or small pockets develop in the colon and become inflamed.
According to the Yonsei Medical Journal, the right lower quadrant pain can be a common symptom of diverticulitis. This often happens in your lower right abdomen because most of your colon is found there. Right-sided pain from diverticulitis usually occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. Pain in the lower left abdomen is also a symptom.
13. Kidney stones
A buildup of mineral deposits in your right kidney can result in kidney stones and cause severe right-side flank pain. Your kidneys are located in the middle of your back under the ribcage. The excruciating abdominal pain from kidney stones can be felt anywhere from your middle back to your groin.
A buildup of mineral deposits in your right kidney can result in kidney stones and cause severe right-side flank pain. Your kidneys are located in the middle of your back under the ribcage. The excruciating abdominal pain from kidney stones can be felt anywhere from your middle back to your groin.
14. Kidney infection
An infection in your right kidney (pyelonephritis) could be to blame for sharp pains in your right flank, abdomen, or lower back.
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best habits to prevent negatively affecting your kidneys’ health and avoid kidney infections. Also, watermelon, berries, lemon juice, and apples are foods that help boost the health of your kidneys.
An infection in your right kidney (pyelonephritis) could be to blame for sharp pains in your right flank, abdomen, or lower back.
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best habits to prevent negatively affecting your kidneys’ health and avoid kidney infections. Also, watermelon, berries, lemon juice, and apples are foods that help boost the health of your kidneys.
15. Crohn’s disease
Left-sided or right-sided lower abdominal pain is often a symptom of Crohn’s disease. This is an inflammatory bowel condition that affects the intestines.
Men and women can suffer from lower abdominal pain on either side if they have a urinary tract infection. UTIs develop if bacteria enter your urinary tract and can cause inflammation and pain anywhere from your genitals to your kidneys.
To prevent UTI from getting worse it’s important to treat the first symptoms of it. To find out what you can do, please read my article on natural urinary tract infection remedies.
Right Side Abdominal Pain in Men Only
Let’s look at the 2 most common causes of abdominal pain in the lower right abdomen that only affect men.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion describes the condition where one of the testicles rotates in the scrotum and cuts off the blood supply to the scrotum. If the right or left testicle twists, then you will feel pain in the genitals and lower abdomen.
According to emergency medical consultant Dr. Timothy Rupp, the most common symptom of testicular torsion is severe scrotal pain that radiates to the lower abdomen. You may also have nausea and vomiting from the intense pelvic pain.
Inguinal hernia
Although inguinal hernias can affect anyone, they are more common in men than women. Inguinal hernias cause lower abdominal pain when part of the small intestine pushes through the inguinal canal in the groin.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that an inguinal hernia will cause a noticeable bulge in the lower abdomen.
Enlarged scrotum
If the lower abdominal pain suddenly gets worse and you have a bulge in your groin, you should seek medical help promptly.
Left-sided or right-sided lower abdominal pain is often a symptom of Crohn’s disease. This is an inflammatory bowel condition that affects the intestines.
Men and women can suffer from lower abdominal pain on either side if they have a urinary tract infection. UTIs develop if bacteria enter your urinary tract and can cause inflammation and pain anywhere from your genitals to your kidneys.
To prevent UTI from getting worse it’s important to treat the first symptoms of it. To find out what you can do, please read my article on natural urinary tract infection remedies.
Right Side Abdominal Pain in Men Only
Let’s look at the 2 most common causes of abdominal pain in the lower right abdomen that only affect men.
Testicular torsion
Testicular torsion describes the condition where one of the testicles rotates in the scrotum and cuts off the blood supply to the scrotum. If the right or left testicle twists, then you will feel pain in the genitals and lower abdomen.
According to emergency medical consultant Dr. Timothy Rupp, the most common symptom of testicular torsion is severe scrotal pain that radiates to the lower abdomen. You may also have nausea and vomiting from the intense pelvic pain.
Inguinal hernia
Although inguinal hernias can affect anyone, they are more common in men than women. Inguinal hernias cause lower abdominal pain when part of the small intestine pushes through the inguinal canal in the groin.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that an inguinal hernia will cause a noticeable bulge in the lower abdomen.
Enlarged scrotum
If the lower abdominal pain suddenly gets worse and you have a bulge in your groin, you should seek medical help promptly.
Right Side Abdominal Pain in Women Only
There are many conditions that cause pain in the right abdominal area of women.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause pain on either side of the lower abdomen or pelvic area depending on which side is affected. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus and can intensify the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
ALSO:How to Treat Endometriosis Naturally With Herbs
Ovulation
Some women experience lower right-side abdominal pain when they ovulate mid-cycle. The side of the cramping pain usually depends on which ovary releases the egg. Painful ovulation is also referred to as “mittelschmerz” (which is German for “middle pain”).
Lower abdominal cramping about 2 weeks before your next period
The pelvic pain can switch sides each month or it can stay on the same side for a few cycles.
Abdominal pain varies from woman to woman – some feel mild twinges in the lower abdomen, and others have sharp abdominal pains
The right-side abdominal pain or left-side pain can last from a few minutes to 48 hours
Ovulation usually increases vaginal discharge and you may notice signs of spotting 2 weeks before your next period is due.
Ovarian cysts
Sudden sharp pains in your lower right abdomen could happen if you have ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are normal during the menstrual cycle and many women don’t show signs of ovarian cysts.
Pelvic congestion syndrome
Pelvic congestion syndrome is another cause of abdominal pain in women that can affect either side of the pelvis. The reason for the pelvic pain is that veins in the pelvis become dilated and twisted, just like varicose veins.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Infections and inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries can cause right-side abdominal pain in women. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be the result of a sexually transmitted infection when bacteria affect the reproductive organs.
Ovulation
Some women experience lower right-side abdominal pain when they ovulate mid-cycle. The side of the cramping pain usually depends on which ovary releases the egg. Painful ovulation is also referred to as “mittelschmerz” (which is German for “middle pain”).
Lower abdominal cramping about 2 weeks before your next period
The pelvic pain can switch sides each month or it can stay on the same side for a few cycles.
Abdominal pain varies from woman to woman – some feel mild twinges in the lower abdomen, and others have sharp abdominal pains
The right-side abdominal pain or left-side pain can last from a few minutes to 48 hours
Ovulation usually increases vaginal discharge and you may notice signs of spotting 2 weeks before your next period is due.
Ovarian cysts
Sudden sharp pains in your lower right abdomen could happen if you have ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are normal during the menstrual cycle and many women don’t show signs of ovarian cysts.
Pelvic congestion syndrome
Pelvic congestion syndrome is another cause of abdominal pain in women that can affect either side of the pelvis. The reason for the pelvic pain is that veins in the pelvis become dilated and twisted, just like varicose veins.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Infections and inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries can cause right-side abdominal pain in women. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be the result of a sexually transmitted infection when bacteria affect the reproductive organs.
Right Side Abdominal Pain in Women Due to Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you will experience cramping and lower abdominal pains due to hormonal changes and the baby growing. Let’s look at some of the common reasons for abdominal pains during pregnancy and when the symptoms require medical attention.
Growing baby
It is natural that as your baby grows, changes in your uterus will result in some mild abdominal pains that don’t last long.
Round ligament pain
During pregnancy, it is normal to have occasional sharp jabbing pains during your second or third trimester. This is a condition called round ligament pain.
Gynecologist Dr. Traci Johnson explains that the round ligament connects the uterus to your groin. The round ligament stretches as the womb grows. Dr. Johnson says that round ligament pain usually affects your right lower abdominal area and is caused when the ligament tightens quickly.
Braxton Hicks contractions
One reason for lower abdominal cramping towards the end of your pregnancy is Braxton Hicks contractions or false labor.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a potentially serious complication of pregnancy that can result in lower abdominal pains.
Ectopic pregnancy
Another serious cause of right-side abdominal pain or left-side pains in the abdomen with vaginal bleeding is an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fetus grows outside of the uterus.
Miscarriage
Another complication of pregnancy that causes sharp abdominal cramping and possible vaginal discharge is a miscarriage.
When to See a Doctor about Right Side Abdominal Pain
Thankfully, the majority of right-side abdominal pain situations, even a single sharp abdominal pain occasionally, are unimportant.
The following conditions warrant consulting a medical professional, according to Mayo Clinic experts, because some types of right-side stomach pain can be a sign of something serious:
- severe stomach pain that doesn't subside
- bloody stools
- nausea and diarrhea
- Touching the sore part of the abdomen causes pain.
- Bloating
- persistent, dull, agonizing discomfort on your left or right side.
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