Causes of lower abdominal heaviness in women

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Extract from the article: Heaviness in the lower abdomen is quite common in women. It can be caused by conditions related to the urinary, genital and large intestine systems. What are the symptoms? When should I seek help?

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Heaviness in the lower abdomen is quite common in women. It can be caused by conditions related to the urinary, genital and large intestine systems. What are the symptoms? When should I seek help?

Heaviness in the lower abdomen in women refers to an uncomfortable sensation in the lower abdomen, which can have many causes. Various symptoms can be added to this, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, bloating or difficulty in urinating.

Causes

There can be many causes, the most common of which are: urinary tract infection, which leads to discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, low urine volume, difficulty in passing urine and pain during urination, and even blood in the urine. Intestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhoea, gas, irritable bowel syndrome can cause heaviness in the lower abdomen.

The Gyneco-Obstétricienne, Dr Bénédicta Dédé Amewoui also indicates that heaviness in the lower abdomen in women can be caused by gynaecological disorders. Uterine heaviness should be interpreted as a menstrual disorder. This can occur, for example, after « a pregnancy, a procedure in the uterus such as an abortion, a curettage, the insertion of an IUD or after childbirth. In the ovaries, a large cyst can be painful, for example fibroids », says Dr Améwoui.

Who and when to consult?

« If this sensation persists for more than 24 hours, if it is accompanied by pain, if there is a fever, blood in the stools, blood in the urine, or pain when urinating, the midwife or gynaecologist should be consulted quickly », adds the obstetrician-gynaecologist.

Treatment

Initially, taking a painkiller can help to calm the feeling of heaviness. In all cases, the cause of the pain must be determined according to the associated symptoms. A blood test, a pregnancy test, a urine analysis or an ultrasound of the lower abdomen may also be prescribed.

Raymond DZAKPATA