Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Left lower abdominal pain?

Hello Dr.
Chen, I would like to ask about some symptoms I've been experiencing for about two weeks.
I have been having persistent dull pain in my lower left abdomen (intermittent), and my bowel movements have become irregular.
I used to have a bowel movement once a day, but now it has changed to 1-2 times a day, with varying consistency, sometimes thin and resembling a muddy texture (but not to the extent of diarrhea).
When the stools are thin, they are about a little over 2 centimeters in diameter.
Occasionally, I experience a slight burning sensation when urinating, and there is a bit of pain in my abdomen after urination.
I also feel quite hungry after using the restroom (for a bowel movement), but the abdominal pain does not seem to significantly lessen afterward.

I have some thoughts regarding the abdominal pain:
1.
I previously had autonomic nervous system dysfunction, during which my mental state was not good, but now I am eating and sleeping normally.
2.
Two weeks ago, I engaged in weight training, specifically using a leg press machine, and I was lifting quite a heavy weight at that time.
3.
A few weeks ago, I accidentally swallowed a small piece of salmon bone (though I am not sure, it was very small).
4.
I almost masturbate daily; this has been a habit for several years, but on a few rare occasions (not often), I have experienced pain in my lower abdomen after ejaculation.
5.
Three months ago, I had an incident where I held in a bowel movement, and when I finally went, there was a lot of blood in my stool.
At that time, I thought it was hemorrhoids, so I bought an ointment from the pharmacy to apply myself, and since then, I have not seen blood in my stool.
I would like to ask the doctor if these symptoms could be related to the above situations.
I am quite worried that it might be related to intestinal cancer.
Thank you for your attention, and I appreciate your help.

Nianqingren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/10

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it seems to be just a short-term issue related to gastrointestinal motility and digestion, which should not be a concern.
However, if the symptoms persist for a month, you may want to visit a gastroenterology clinic for an examination.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Best regards, Chen Shih-Dian.

Reply Date: 2016/12/10

More Info

Understanding left lower abdominal pain can be quite complex, as it can stem from a variety of causes, both physical and psychological. Based on your description, there are several potential factors to consider.

Firstly, the symptoms you are experiencing, including persistent left lower abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and occasional burning during urination, could indicate several underlying conditions. The irregularity in your bowel movements, particularly the change from a regular pattern to having stools that vary in consistency and frequency, is noteworthy. This could suggest a gastrointestinal issue, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Given your history of autonomic nervous system dysregulation, it’s possible that stress could be playing a role in your current symptoms.

Additionally, the weight training you mentioned, particularly the use of the leg press machine, could have led to a strain or injury in the abdominal or pelvic region. If you were lifting heavy weights without proper form or warm-up, this could contribute to muscle strain, which may manifest as pain in the lower abdomen.

The incident of swallowing a small fish bone, while it may seem minor, could potentially lead to irritation or injury in the gastrointestinal tract, especially if it caused any obstruction or inflammation. However, if you have not experienced any acute symptoms such as severe pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing since that incident, it may be less likely to be the primary cause of your current discomfort.

Regarding your concerns about the relationship between your sexual activity and abdominal pain, it’s important to note that while some individuals may experience discomfort after ejaculation, this is not typically indicative of a serious underlying condition. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it would be prudent to discuss this with a healthcare provider.

Your previous experience with rectal bleeding is also significant. Although you attributed it to hemorrhoids and have not seen blood since, any history of gastrointestinal bleeding warrants careful monitoring. Changes in bowel habits, especially with the presence of blood, should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions, including colorectal cancer, particularly if you have risk factors or a family history of such diseases.

Given the complexity of your symptoms and their potential interrelation, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare provider. This may include a physical examination, laboratory tests, and possibly imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to assess for any structural abnormalities in the abdomen or pelvis. A referral to a gastroenterologist may also be beneficial, especially to address your bowel symptoms and any concerns regarding your gastrointestinal health.

In summary, while your symptoms could be related to several benign conditions, it is essential to approach them with caution. Early evaluation and intervention can help alleviate your concerns and lead to appropriate management of your symptoms. Remember, your health is paramount, and addressing these issues with a qualified healthcare provider will provide you with the best path forward.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Help

Hello Dr. Chen: In the past two days, I have experienced pain in the lower left abdomen when pressure is applied, but there are no other abnormalities when not under pressure.

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Left lower abdominal pain is usually related to intestinal issues, commonly associated with bloating or constipation. If the symptoms persist, please consult a gastroenterologist. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Insights

I have been experiencing pain in the lower left abdomen for the past three days. The pain does not occur while sitting, but becomes noticeable when I stand up and walk. I do not have any bad habits, do not smoke or drink, and my daily routine is normal. I also do not have any gas...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Left lower abdominal pain can be related to gastrointestinal issues, as well as gynecological or urological problems. Please consult a gastroenterologist for further differential diagnosis.

Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues: Causes of Left Lower Abdominal Pain

Hello doctor, I often experience diarrhea and have been feeling a vague discomfort in my lower left abdomen for the past few months. There was one occasion when I was lying in bed and felt a dull pain. When I pressed on the right side and the upper area, the pain was still in the...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, a 22-year-old female is experiencing frequent diarrhea, left lower abdominal pain, and negative fecal occult blood tests. Considering her age, the most common causes are likely to be enteritis and irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to pay attention to dietary habits...

Understanding Left Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing a dull pain in my lower left abdomen for several consecutive days, approximately near the waist area on the left side. I also had a pain in my upper left abdomen once. The pain is not severe and does not persist; it comes and goes suddenly. ...

Dr. Li Jian reply Internal Medicine
Local heat application can be used to control symptoms and dietary adjustments should be made. If necessary, medical treatment with medication may be required.