What Causes Lower Abdominal Pain in Females?
Lower abdominal pain in females can arise from various issues, which may range from mild and temporary to severe and requiring immediate attention. Common causes include menstrual cramps, ovulation pain, and gastrointestinal problems. Dr. Joseph Alessi, MD, at Quick Family Urgent Care can effectively address common conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and provide initial treatment for more serious issues. This allows patients to receive timely care without the long wait times typically associated with emergency room visits. For more information, please contact us or walk in. We are conveniently located at 4301 S Flamingo Rd Ste 102 Davie, FL 33330.


Table of Contents:
Is lower abdominal pain in females linked to urinary infections?
How is lower abdominal pain in females diagnosed by doctors?
Can ovulation cause lower abdominal pain in females?
What should women bring when visiting urgent care for lower abdominal pain?
Female patients with lower abdominal pain are a symptom that can have a variety of causes. One common reason is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system, affecting the bladder, urethra, or even the kidneys. Typical UTI symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and discomfort or pain just above the pubic bone.
However, it’s important to remember that lower abdominal pain is not always due to a UTI. Other potential causes include gynecological conditions such as menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease, as well as gastrointestinal issues like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
Because the symptoms of a UTI can overlap with other conditions, it’s important to seek prompt evaluation at Quick Family Urgent Care if you experience persistent or severe lower abdominal pain. Our experienced providers can perform a thorough assessment, which may include a urine test and other diagnostic services, to accurately identify the cause and recommend the most effective treatment.
Lower abdominal pain is a common concern among women and can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from mild to serious. At Quick Family Urgent Care, we understand that this type of pain can be distressing and disruptive to your daily life. Our experienced medical team is here to provide prompt, thorough evaluation and compassionate care when you need it most.
Our Approach to Diagnosing Lower Abdominal Pain
When you visit Quick Family Urgent Care for lower abdominal pain, our providers begin by taking a detailed medical history. We’ll ask about the onset, duration, location, and nature of your pain, as well as any other symptoms you may be experiencing—such as fever, nausea, vomiting, changes in your menstrual cycle, urinary issues, or unusual vaginal discharge. Understanding your personal and family health history, recent illnesses, sexual activity, and any past medical or surgical procedures helps us tailor your care.
Next, our clinicians perform a focused physical examination. This may include gentle palpation of the abdomen and, when appropriate. We also monitor your vital signs to quickly identify any signs of serious illness.
On-Site Testing for Fast Answers
Depending on your symptoms and exam findings, we can perform a variety of laboratory tests right in our clinic. These may include:
• Urine analysis to check for urinary tract infections
• Pregnancy testing
• Blood tests to detect infection or anemia
• Vaginal or cervical swabs if a sexually transmitted infection or pelvic inflammatory disease is suspected
• Advanced Imaging When Needed
If further evaluation is needed, we can coordinate advanced imaging such as pelvic ultrasounds, which are valuable for identifying issues like ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or other pelvic organ conditions. We also work closely with local imaging centers for CT scans or MRIs if required.
Our Commitment to Your Health
Our main priority is to rule out urgent or life-threatening conditions such as ectopic pregnancy or appendicitis, while also considering more common causes like ovarian cysts, urinary tract infections, or gastrointestinal problems. Our combination of expert history-taking, physical examination, on-site testing, and access to advanced imaging ensures you receive a timely and accurate diagnosis.
Yes, ovulation can cause lower abdominal pain in females. This type of discomfort, known as “mittelschmerz” (German for “middle pain”), usually occurs about halfway through your menstrual cycle—approximately 14 days before your next period. During ovulation, your body releases an egg from one of the ovaries, which may irritate the abdominal lining or cause mild bleeding or fluid release. As a result, you might experience a dull cramp, sharp twinge, or aching sensation on one side of your lower abdomen. This pain can last from just a few minutes up to a couple of days, and while it is usually mild, it can sometimes be more noticeable.
At Quick Family Urgent Care, we understand that abdominal pain can be concerning. While ovulation-related pain is generally harmless, if you experience severe or persistent pain, or if your symptoms are accompanied by fever, heavy bleeding, or nausea, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. These could be signs of more serious conditions, such as ovarian cysts, infections, or other reproductive health concerns.
If you’re a woman coming to Quick Family Urgent Care for lower abdominal pain, bringing a few key items and details can help our team provide you with the best and most efficient care possible:
1. Identification and Insurance:
Please bring a valid photo ID and your insurance card (if you have one). This will help us quickly register you and handle billing, so you can focus on feeling better.
2. Medication List:
Have a list of all the medications you currently take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and any supplements. This helps our providers review your medical background and avoid possible drug interactions.
3. Menstrual and Gynecological History:
Jot down the date of your last menstrual period, how regular your cycles are, and any recent changes you’ve noticed. If you have a history of gynecological issues, prior surgeries, or relevant diagnoses, please bring any notes or records you have. This information helps our urgent care team quickly assess potential causes of your pain.
4. Recent Medical Records:
If you have chronic health conditions or recent test results related to abdominal or pelvic health, bring copies or summaries of those records. These can help our providers at Quick Family Urgent Care make more informed decisions about your care.
5. Symptom Details:
Consider writing down when your pain started, its severity, exact location, and any other symptoms (like fever, nausea, vomiting, changes in urination, or unusual discharge). This ensures you remember to mention all important details during your visit.
6. Contact Information for Your Doctors:
If possible, have the contact information for your primary care provider or any specialists you see. This allows our medical team to coordinate your care or send records as needed.
Quick Family Urgent Care allows patients to receive timely care without the long wait times. For more information, please contact us or walk in. We are conveniently located at 4301 S Flamingo Rd Ste 102 Davie, FL 33330. We serve patients from Davie FL, Pembroke Pines FL, Miramar FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Plantation FL, Sunrise FL, and surrounding areas.
