Lower Abdominal Pain in Females: Causes and Symptoms

Certain symptoms of lower abdominal pain in females may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing severe, sudden-onset pain, it could be a surgical emergency such as appendicitis, ovarian torsion, or a ruptured ovarian cyst—all of which require rapid assessment and intervention. Additionally, pain accompanied by fever, chills, or persistent vomiting may signal an infection like pelvic inflammatory disease or a urinary tract infection that has spread to the kidneys.

Unusual vaginal bleeding—especially if it is heavy, contains clots, or occurs outside your normal menstrual cycle—can be a sign of miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy often presents with lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, and sometimes dizziness or fainting due to internal bleeding. This is a life-threatening emergency, and immediate evaluation is crucial.

Other concerning symptoms include painful or difficult urination, blood in the urine, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which may indicate infections of the urinary or reproductive tract. Persistent pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medications, or pain that worsens over time, could indicate conditions like endometriosis, large ovarian cysts, or tumors and also warrants prompt medical evaluation.

If you notice lower abdominal pain along with shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency care immediately—these may be signs of shock or severe infection.

Lower abdominal pain in females—especially when accompanied by fever and chills—can be alarming and often signals an underlying infection or inflammation that requires prompt medical attention.
 
Common Causes

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This infection of the female reproductive organs is frequently caused by sexually transmitted bacteria such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): When UTIs progress to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), symptoms can include lower abdominal pain, fever, and chills.
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Conditions like gastroenteritis and appendicitis can cause localized pain and systemic symptoms.
• Gynecological Conditions: Ovarian or tubo-ovarian abscesses and complications from endometriosis may also present with lower abdominal pain and fever.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: Though less common, this serious condition can cause lower abdominal pain and requires immediate evaluation. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding along with your symptoms, please visit urgent care or call 911 if you are in severe pain or feel faint.

Don’t Wait—Get Evaluated Today

The combination of lower abdominal pain, fever, and chills often points toward an active infection or inflammation that can become serious if left untreated. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, visit urgent care as soon as possible. The team will promptly evaluate your condition, provide necessary testing, and start appropriate treatment to help you recover quickly and safely.

If you are experiencing lower abdominal pain, it’s important to recognize symptoms that may require prompt medical evaluation.
 
Some key signs that could indicate a gynecological cause include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding between periods, very heavy periods, or bleeding after menopause)
• Unusual vaginal discharge (changes in color, consistency, or odor)
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pain or burning with urination (may suggest a urinary tract or gynecological infection)
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting along with abdominal pain (could indicate a more serious infection or complication)
• Bloating or a sensation of fullness (especially if it occurs without eating much)

In more severe cases, if your pain is sudden, very intense, or accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, fainting, shoulder pain, or heavy vaginal bleeding, this could signal a medical emergency such as an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian torsion.

When sudden and severe lower abdominal pain occurs in women, visiting an urgent care clinic can be an important first step for timely evaluation. Urgent care providers are trained to assess symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order tests such as blood work, urine analysis, or imaging when necessary. These steps help determine whether the pain may be related to gynecological conditions, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal issues, or other underlying concerns. Because sudden and intense pain can sometimes signal more serious problems, such as appendicitis or ovarian complications, urgent care can help quickly identify whether further emergency care or specialist referral is needed. While urgent care centers are equipped to handle many cases, women experiencing extreme discomfort, fever, dizziness, or additional alarming symptoms may be directed to the emergency room for advanced treatment. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, and urgent care offers an accessible option for women needing immediate evaluation when experiencing severe abdominal pain.
 
Reddy Urgent Care is committed to providing you with prompt, professional care for sudden lower abdominal pain. If you are unsure about the severity of your symptoms, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention. We are here to support your health and well-being. Contact us today for all your urgent care needs or simply walk in. No appointments necessary. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, and Paramount CA, Lakewood CA, Rossmoor CA, Carson CA, Bellflower CA, Lynwood CA, Norwalk CA, and surrounding areas.