What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females?

If you are a woman experiencing lower abdominal pain, Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions is here to provide prompt evaluation and treatment. Sudden, severe, or worsening abdominal pain should never be ignored, especially if it is accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea or constipation, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. These may be signs of infection or other serious conditions that require immediate attention.

If you are pregnant and have lower abdominal pain—particularly with symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or shoulder pain—it could indicate an emergency such as an ectopic pregnancy. Similarly, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or pain radiating to your back may suggest a urinary tract infection or kidney stone, both of which are conditions that need urgent care.

Yes, the experienced medical providers at an urgent care are equipped to evaluate and diagnose many common causes of lower abdominal pain in women. When you visit with lower abdominal discomfort, they will conduct a thorough history and physical examination, asking about the pain’s location, duration, severity, and any associated symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, or urinary issues.
 
Urgent care centers are able to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, early pregnancy complications (such as miscarriage), ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. They offer rapid urine tests, pregnancy tests, and basic blood work on-site to help quickly identify infections or rule out pregnancy-related causes.
 
At Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions, we can diagnose and manage most mild to moderate causes of lower abdominal pain in women. However, if you experience severe pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, or signs of shock, please seek emergency care immediately.

When a woman visits urgent care for lower abdominal pain, the goal is to quickly identify or rule out common and serious causes. The doctor will likely start with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms.

Common diagnostic tests often include:

Urinalysis and Urine Culture: This is a crucial first step to check for a urinary tract infection (UTI) or signs of kidney stones, which can both cause significant lower abdominal pain.

Pregnancy Test: For women of reproductive age, a urine pregnancy test is standard procedure. This is essential to rule out pregnancy-related complications, such as a dangerous ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate treatment.

Blood Work: A blood sample may be taken for a complete blood count (CBC) to look for signs of infection or inflammation. They might also check your kidney function or look for enzymes that could indicate issues with other organs.

Depending on these initial findings and your specific symptoms, the doctor may recommend further testing, like an ultrasound, which is a common way to visualize reproductive organs and check for issues like ovarian cysts or fibroids.

Urgent care centers are equipped to evaluate and treat lower abdominal pain in women who are experiencing mild symptoms. These clinics offer convenient, prompt care for non-life-threatening conditions that still require timely attention. If you are experiencing mild cramping, intermittent pain, or mild bloating in your lower abdomen, the experienced medical team at an urgent care can perform a thorough physical examination, review your medical history, and order basic diagnostic tests such as urine analysis or pregnancy tests.
 
Many common causes of mild lower abdominal pain, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), mild gastrointestinal issues, and some gynecological conditions are routinely diagnosed and managed at an urgent care.
 
However, if your pain is severe or persistent, or if you are experiencing additional symptoms such as heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, vomiting, fainting, or other concerning signs, seeking immediate emergency care is recommended.
 
While Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions can address many urgent, non-emergency conditions, we are not equipped to handle surgical emergencies or provide advanced imaging such as CT scans. For mild lower abdominal pain without worrisome symptoms, Memorial Health Urgent Care and Infusions offers a convenient and effective option for evaluation and treatment—helping you get the care you need, when you need it. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 26077 Nelson Way, Unit 104, Katy, TX 77494. We serve patients from Katy TX, Brookshire TX, Park Row TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Fulshear TX, Pecan Grove TX, and surrounding areas.