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What Causes Sharp Pain In Lower Left Abdomen Relieved By Defecation?
Question: Hi, I'm experiencing discomfort & sometimes a sharp pain on lower left abdomen above the pubic area. I have IBS & have had kidney stones previously. This does not feel kidney related. I am able to urinate & defecate normally. The pain is somewhat relieved by defecation but soon returns. Mostly the pain is only a 2 or 3 out of ten, more of a discomfort with occasional sharp pains. This has been happening for 36 hours. I do not have nausea, vomiting or a fever. I'm thinking it may be IBS as it came on after a meal which contained grains & legumes I don't normally eat. I am in a rural area and unable to attend a doctor at present. Your opinion would be appreciated.
Brief Answer:
IBS is the first possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
As you describe,this fits more toward IBS.
The typical presentation of IBS is lower abdominal discomfort/cramping that is relieved by defecation,and associated with a change in frequency or consistency of stools.This may be associated with straining/urgency/feeling of incomplete evacuation.There can be minor variations from this typical picture.
Other possibilities include urinary tract infection(UTI) / ureteric calculus.
As you have no fever/nausea/increases frequency of urination/dysurea,UTI is less likely.But,with the given past history of calculus,we have to consider recurrent calculus related symptoms also,though this usually will cause severe colicky pain with some nausea/vomiting.
If I were your treating doctor,after having an abdominal examination,I will ask for a urine microscopy to rule out UTI / calculus,and treat accordingly.
Anyhow,if you are not able to reach out your doctor right now,you can take this as IBS related,and watch for 2-3 days with avoidance of gas producing and diarrhea producing food items and increased fiber intake(if you have more or less tight stools).If it does not come down or worsens,or other symptoms(fever/dysurea/nausea) gets added up,avoid delay in seeking medical help.
Also note that psychological stress like anxiety/sleep deprivation etc can worsen IBS symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Wishing for a faster cure,Thank you.
IBS is the first possibility
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
As you describe,this fits more toward IBS.
The typical presentation of IBS is lower abdominal discomfort/cramping that is relieved by defecation,and associated with a change in frequency or consistency of stools.This may be associated with straining/urgency/feeling of incomplete evacuation.There can be minor variations from this typical picture.
Other possibilities include urinary tract infection(UTI) / ureteric calculus.
As you have no fever/nausea/increases frequency of urination/dysurea,UTI is less likely.But,with the given past history of calculus,we have to consider recurrent calculus related symptoms also,though this usually will cause severe colicky pain with some nausea/vomiting.
If I were your treating doctor,after having an abdominal examination,I will ask for a urine microscopy to rule out UTI / calculus,and treat accordingly.
Anyhow,if you are not able to reach out your doctor right now,you can take this as IBS related,and watch for 2-3 days with avoidance of gas producing and diarrhea producing food items and increased fiber intake(if you have more or less tight stools).If it does not come down or worsens,or other symptoms(fever/dysurea/nausea) gets added up,avoid delay in seeking medical help.
Also note that psychological stress like anxiety/sleep deprivation etc can worsen IBS symptoms.
Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Wishing for a faster cure,Thank you.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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