Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Left Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： 1. <br>If the varicose veins cannot explain your abdominal pain, you may consult a gastroenterologist to check for other issues. <br>2. <br>Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are more related to discomfort in the upper abdomen and epigastric area. <br>Changhua Hos

Dull pain in the left side of the abdomen?

Hello, I was recently diagnosed with a varicocele.
I occasionally feel pain in the right groin area and sometimes have a dull ache in the abdomen, but it's not severe.
I initially thought this was caused by the varicocele, but after visiting another urology clinic, the doctor performed an ultrasound on my testicles, along with blood and urine tests, all of which came back normal.
The kidney examination also showed no stones, only a slight varicocele that was not serious.

Now, I experience occasional pain above the right groin, usually after sitting for long periods at work.
Sometimes, I feel a tightness in the middle of my abdomen that extends to the right side near the testicles, resembling cramping.
Occasionally, I also have a dull ache in the upper left abdomen, which has been happening more frequently lately, but none of the pain is unbearable.

Should I see a gastroenterologist for further evaluation, or could this possibly be a neurological issue? I had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux from September to November last year, but I haven't experienced that again.
Could this be related?

q, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/03

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
If the varicose veins cannot explain your abdominal pain, you may consult a gastroenterologist to check for other issues.
2.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are more related to discomfort in the upper abdomen and epigastric area.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2017/04/03

More Info

Understanding left abdominal pain can be complex, as it can arise from various causes, and the symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing discomfort in the left upper abdomen, along with some associated symptoms in the right groin area and lower abdomen. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and when you should seek further medical help.

Potential Causes of Left Abdominal Pain
1. Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can lead to pain in the abdominal area. Given your history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it’s possible that gastrointestinal issues could be contributing to your discomfort.
2. Musculoskeletal Pain: Since you mentioned that the pain sometimes occurs after prolonged sitting, it could be related to muscle strain or tension in the abdominal or lower back muscles. Poor posture while sitting can lead to discomfort that mimics abdominal pain.

3. Urological Concerns: Although your recent ultrasound and tests showed no significant issues, conditions like varicocele (which you mentioned) can cause discomfort in the groin and lower abdomen. The pain you feel could also be referred pain from the testicular area.

4. Nerve-Related Issues: Nerve entrapment or irritation, particularly in the lower back, can lead to referred pain in the abdominal area. This is something to consider, especially if you have a history of back issues.

5. Reproductive System Issues: In males, conditions affecting the reproductive organs, such as epididymitis or testicular torsion, can present with abdominal pain. Although these are less likely given your normal test results, they should not be entirely ruled out.

When to Seek Help
You should consider seeking further medical evaluation if:
- The pain becomes severe or persistent.

- You experience additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, or blood in urine or stool.

- You notice any swelling or changes in the groin area.

- The pain interferes significantly with your daily activities or quality of life.

Recommended Next Steps
1. Follow-Up with a Gastroenterologist: Given your history of GERD and current symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult a gastroenterologist. They can perform further evaluations, such as an endoscopy, to rule out any underlying gastrointestinal issues that may not have been detected in previous tests.

2. Consider a Urologist Consultation: Since you have a history of varicocele, a follow-up with a urologist may provide additional insights. They can assess whether the varicocele is contributing to your symptoms or if there are other urological concerns.

3. Physical Therapy: If musculoskeletal issues are suspected, physical therapy could help address any muscle tension or postural problems contributing to your pain.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Pay attention to your posture while sitting, take regular breaks to move around, and consider dietary changes that may alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.

Conclusion
Left abdominal pain can stem from various sources, and understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective management. Given your symptoms and medical history, it is advisable to pursue further evaluations with specialists in gastroenterology and urology. Keeping a symptom diary may also help your healthcare providers identify patterns and triggers related to your discomfort. Always prioritize your health and seek medical attention when symptoms persist or worsen.

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