Navigating Lower Abdominal Pain in Women: A Gastroenterologist's Perspective

Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain in Women: A Unique Challenge

gastroenterologist in chandigarh

Lower abdominal pain in women is a common and often perplexing symptom. While it can frequently stem from gynecological issues, it’s just as often a sign of underlying gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. This overlap can make diagnosis tricky, leading to prolonged discomfort and confusion. At Dr. Sandeep Pal’s clinic in Chandigarh, serving patients from Mohali, Panchkula, Kharar, Zirakpur, and Patiala, we offer a specialized perspective to accurately diagnose and treat the GI causes of lower abdominal pain in women.

Ignoring persistent pain can delay necessary treatment. Understanding when your discomfort might be related to your digestive system is crucial for finding lasting relief.

The Intersecting Worlds: GI and Gynecological Causes

For women, lower abdominal pain can originate from several sources. It’s essential to consider both possibilities:

Common GI Causes:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A very frequent cause of chronic lower abdominal pain in women, often accompanied by bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. IBS symptoms can often worsen during menstrual periods.

• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of small pouches in the colon, typically causing pain in the lower left abdomen.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis cause chronic inflammation in the intestines, leading to pain, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and weight loss.

• Constipation: Chronic constipation can cause significant lower abdominal pain and discomfort.

• Appendicitis: While affecting everyone, it presents as sudden, worsening pain in the lower right abdomen, which requires urgent medical attention.

• Food Intolerances: Sensitivity to certain foods (e.g., lactose, gluten) can cause gas, bloating, and lower abdominal cramps.

• Gastroparesis: Slowed stomach emptying can sometimes lead to lower abdominal discomfort in addition to upper GI symptoms.

Common Gynecological Causes (Often Mimicking GI Pain):

• Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Normal period pain can be severe.

• Endometriosis: A condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pelvic pain, especially during periods.

• Ovarian Cysts: Can cause sharp or dull pain, sometimes intermittent.

• Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pressure and pain.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs.

• Ectopic Pregnancy: A medical emergency where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.

Our Approach: Collaborative Care and Precise Diagnostic Evaluation

Given the overlap, a holistic and precise diagnostic evaluation is key to understanding lower abdominal pain in women. Dr. Sandeep Pal believes in collaborative care — working closely with gynecologists when necessary — to ensure no stone is left unturned:

• Detailed Medical History: We begin by thoroughly discussing your symptoms, their relation to your menstrual cycle, diet, stress levels, and any previous medical conditions.

• Physical Examination: A comprehensive exam helps identify areas of tenderness or abnormality.

• Blood and Stool Tests: To check for infection, inflammation, anemia, or other markers of GI disease.

• Imaging Studies:

• Abdominal Ultrasound: Often the first step to visualize abdominal organs and rule out gynecological issues.

• CT Scan / MRI: Provide more detailed images of both GI and pelvic organs, helping to differentiate causes.

• Endoscopy / Colonoscopy: For direct visualization and biopsy of the digestive tract. A colonoscopy is essential to rule out IBD, diverticulitis, or other structural issues in the colon.

• Breath Tests: For conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), which can cause significant lower abdominal pain and bloating.

Managing Your Lower Abdominal Pain

Once a clear diagnosis is made, a tailored treatment plan is developed. Our focus is on providing effective IBS Management and other GI-specific treatments:

• Medication: To reduce inflammation, control pain, regulate bowel movements, or treat infections (e.g., antibiotics for diverticulitis).

• Dietary Modifications: Personalized advice on trigger foods, fiber intake, and hydration, especially crucial for IBS and IBD. A low-FODMAP diet might be recommended under guidance.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Stress management techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can significantly impact GI symptoms.

• Collaborative Management: If a gynecological cause is identified or suspected, we work seamlessly with your gynecologist to ensure integrated care.

Don’t let persistent lower abdominal pain diminish your quality of life. If you’re a woman experiencing this discomfort in Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Kharar, Zirakpur, or Patiala, and suspect a GI connection, Dr. Sandeep Pal and our expert team are here to help. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and personalized care, ensuring you get the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment you deserve.

Take control of your health. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Sandeep Pal today.