Pain in Lower Right Abdomen: Top Possible Causes

Abdominal pain is considered one of the most frequently occurring issues, irrespective of age. Even though pain may occur anywhere in the abdomen, pain in the lower right abdomen often raises significant concerns, as this region contains several vital organs from different systems. The digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems all intersect in this area, making diagnosis complex without proper evaluation.

Some people experience a dull pain in lower right abdomen that comes and goes, as opposed to aching all day long. This can sometimes be puzzling, as it can range from a nagging ache to a more noticeable condition.

This article explores the underlying causes of right lower abdominal pain to determine when to seek medical attention.

Lower Right Abdominal Region 

lower right abdomen that comes and goes

The lower right abdomen has structures that include:

  • Digestive organs: Parts of the intestines and ascending colon
  • Appendix: A pouch connected to the colon
  • Kidneys: Right ureter and part of the bladder

Since multiple systems overlap in this region, pain may arise from different causes that share similar symptoms.

What Does “Pain That Comes and Goes” Mean?

Painful sensations that are recurring are also known as “intermittent pain,” as opposed to constant discomfort, indicating that the pain fluctuates rather than being continuous. It is often described as dull, aching, cramp-like, or pressure-like. Right-sided pain that comes and goes may worsen temporarily and then ease on its own.

This kind of pain is often associated with muscle contractions, bowel activity, hormonal changes, or shifting pressure within organs. 

While intermittent discomfort is sometimes linked to non-serious causes, it still needs to be monitored, especially if the pattern changes or new symptoms appear.

Causes for Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen

Causes for Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen

Gastrointestinal Causes

  • Appendicitis

Appendicitis begins with general pain in the belly button region before the pain changes to the right side of the abdomen. 

In the early phases of the infection, the pain may be intermittent and dull before becoming severe. Fever, vomiting, nausea, and lack of appetite are the warning signs of the infection.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS

In IBS, abdominal pain that is crampy and comes and goes is often associated with stress and certain foods. It is commonly associated with bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation that is relieved by passing a bowel motion.

  • Constipation

Stool can cause the colon wall to become hardened due to pressure. Symptoms result in pain in the anal area that varies in intensity but alleviates after defecation.

  • Gas And Indigestion 

The trapped air may cause fluctuating pains that appear suddenly and clear up on their own. 

The associated symptoms may include bloating. 

Urological Conditions 

kidney stones bring on intermittent pain
  • Kidney Stones 

These kidney stones bring on intermittent pain when moving through the urinary tract. Sometimes the pain can radiate towards the lower abdomen, groin, and back.

  • Urinary Tract Infection 

UTIs can also lead to discomfort in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, burning sensations, and a dull ache that may affect one side more than the other.

Female-Specific Causes

Ovulation Pain

Some women experience ovulation-related pain mid-cycle. There might be sharp and dull pain in the lower part of the right side of the abdomen, depending on the ovary that produces the egg.

Ovarian cysts

Small ovarian cysts may give rise to no symptoms, whereas larger cysts may lead to intermittent pain or discomfort due to movement.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID may also present as lower pelvic pain that is dull and aching in nature, as well as fever, irregular discharge, or pain during sexual intercourse. This also needs urgent medical attention.

These conditions point out the reasons why the intermittent dull aching in the lower right abdomen of females always needs a closer evaluation.

Musculoskeletal Cause

Overuse or strain of abdominal or hip muscles

Muscle Strains

Overuse or strain of abdominal or hip muscles can cause localised pain that worsens with movement, exercise, or posture changes and improves with rest.

When to Be Concerned?

Prompt medical attention is necessary if there is pain in any of the following conditions:

  • Severe or worsening discomfort
  • Fever or chills
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Blood in stool or urine
  • Pain that localises with the progression of time

Diagnostic Tests Doctors Use

Doctors may prescribe the following:

  • Physical Examination
  • Blood tests
  • Urine analysis
  • Ultrasound or CT Scan

These tests help confirm the cause and rule out emergencies.

Home Care vs. When to See a Doctor

Home Care vs. When to See a Doctor

Home care (if mild pain in the absence of red flags):

  • Warm Compress
  • Adequate hydration
  • Gentle walking
  • Pain relief approved by doctors

Consult a doctor if:

  • Pain lasts more than a few hours

  • Pain worsens or changes

  • Red flag symptoms appear

Book an online appointment with Dr. Chandrakala Manta Patil for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

What sets Cloudnine apart?

When it comes to assessing dull pain in lower right abdomen that comes and goes in females, Cloudnine offers a comprehensive, patient-centric approach backed by experienced gynecologists, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment plans tailored to each woman’s unique health needs.

With experienced obstetricians, gynecologists, fetal medicine specialists, and diagnostics experts, Cloudnine hospitals ensure they address each woman with care tailored to individual needs. With state-of-the-art imaging, timely intervention, and pain relief, Cloudnine ranks high as a care provider for women’s health.

Conclusion 

Lower right abdominal pains may be quite mild and only temporary in nature; however, they may be serious and require immediate attention. If a person has a dull pain on the lower right side of their abdomen that recurs on a random basis, it is commonly associated with digestive, urinary, and female problems, but it is primarily the patterns and associated symptoms that would point towards a diagnosis of the condition. While some simple remedies would be sufficient for some individuals, others would require immediate medical attention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes right-sided pain to come and go?

Intermittent pain can be caused by gas, constipation, IBS, ovulation, and kidney stones.

2. When to worry about pain on the right side?

Worry if pain worsens, becomes constant, or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or bleeding.

3. How to know if right abdominal pain is serious?

Pain that intensifies, localises, or comes with systemic symptoms often requires urgent evaluation.

4. What organ can cause pain on your right side?

The appendix, colon, ovary, ureter, and abdominal muscles are possible causes of pain on the right side of the abdomen.

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