354 Pain in the Lower Abdomen
Sudden,
Severe
Pain in the
Abdomen
Some lower abdominal pain is an emergency. If you have
any of the following danger signs, go to the nearest hospital.
A trained health worker will need to do an examination of
your abdomen, a pelvic exam, and perhaps special tests. For
information about how to do an abdominal exam and a
pelvic exam, see page 534.
Danger signs:
• sudden, severe pain in the abdomen
• high fever
• nausea and vomiting
• swollen abdomen, which is
hard like a piece of wood
• silent abdomen (no noises)
Kinds of
Pain in
the Lower
Abdomen
Pain in the lower abdomen can have many causes.
It can be difficult to find the cause because so many
organs in the abdomen are close together.
Kind of pain
May be caused by
Severe, unusual
pain during monthly
bleeding or after a
monthly bleeding
was missed
Ongoing pain
during monthly
bleeding
pregnancy in
the tube
Cramps during
monthly bleeding
fibroids
normal squeezing of the womb. Some
kinds of intra-uterine devices (IUDs) may
make the pain worse.
What to do
See
page
URGENT! Go to a
hospital right away.
73
See ‘pain with
monthly bleeding’,
and ‘problems of
the womb’.
Use a mild pain
medicine.
50
380
482
See ‘pain with
monthly bleeding’.
50
If the monthly
bleeding is late
miscarriage
If pain becomes
severe, go to a
hospital.
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Where Women Have No Doctor 2012