Pain in the Lower Abdomen
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The reproductive
organs are in
a woman’s
lower abdomen,
along with other
internal organs.
This area
is called
the lower
abdomen
Most women have pain in the lower belly or abdomen at
some time in their lives. Often women are taught that this pain
is normal for them, and that they should endure such pain in
silence. Some people think that a woman’s pain is not serious
until she cannot stand, walk or talk. But when a woman waits
that long to seek care for pain, the result could be serious
infection, infertility, loss of a pregnancy, and even death.
This chapter describes different kinds of pain in the lower
abdomen (below the navel ), and what might be causing the pain.
Some pain in the lower abdomen spreads above the navel and
could have other causes. Some problems of the lower abdomen
will also cause pain in the low back. If the pain seems different
from what is described in this chapter, see a health worker
trained to give an abdominal exam.
➤ Pain should not be
a normal part of a
woman’s life—it is a
sign that something
is wrong. Seek care
before you are so
ill that you cannot
stand, walk, or talk.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012