The lower left abdominal area is a common site of pain, especially among women and elderly people. This area includes structures located to the left of an imaginary line that runs vertically across the level of the belly button, and an imaginary horizontal line below the left lower ribs. The organs and structures that may cause pain in this area include parts of the large intestine, the sigmoid colon and descending colon, parts of the small bowel, the left ovary and the fallopian tube, and the left ureter.

Symptoms of lower left abdominal pain may be experienced as an acute or chronic type of pain. Pain may be described as a dull aching pain or a sharp, stabbing or burning pain. The pain may be intermittent, spontaneous, or persistent. In addition, left lower abdominal pains may be accompanied by other symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tenderness, fever, heaviness or fullness, and more. Some causes may be harmless, while others may require immediate medical attention. To learn about some of the possible underlying causes of lower left abdominal pain, read on.

Diverticulitis
Among older people diverticulitis is the most common cause of pain in the left side of the abdomen. It occurs when a bulge develops in the wall of the left bowel, forming finger-like projections and causes nagging pains in the lower abdomen. The pain is often sudden and severe, but less commonly starts out mild and worsens over time, potentially fluctuating in intensity. Accompanying symptoms include changes in bowel habits, Diarrhea or Constipation, abdominal tenderness, nausea and vomiting, fever, bloating and less commonly, bleeding from the rectum. Mild cases may be treated with rest, diet changes, and antibiotics. However, more serious cases may require surgery.