What Causes Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Men?
Lower left abdominal pain in men is most commonly caused by digestive issues like constipation or diverticulitis, urinary problems such as kidney stones or UTIs, or musculoskeletal strain. The lower left quadrant of the abdominal cavity contains several organs, making diagnosis complex. However, persistent, worsening, or severe pain can signal a serious medical condition and should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Understanding what’s normal, what’s not, and who to see can help you take action early—and avoid complications. Pain on the left hand side (left side) of the abdomen can be due to issues with any of these organs. Some causes of abdominal pain are serious and some aren’t, making it hard to tell from the way you feel.
Why Lower Left Abdominal Pain Happens in Men
Pain in the lower left abdomen (also called the left lower quadrant) is challenging to diagnose because multiple organ systems overlap in this area. The abdominal cavity houses several organs, including parts of the digestive tract, large intestines, and abdominal muscles. For men ages 18–49, this pain often intersects with lifestyle factors like exercise, work-related lifting, diet, and stress.
Organs and structures in the lower left abdomen include: the descending colon, small and large intestines, sigmoid colon, left ureter, left kidney (lower pole), abdominal wall, abdominal muscles, and, in rare cases, referred pain from the testicles or spine.
The abdominal cavity contains the majority of the body’s vital organs closely, making any problem with these organs potentially serious.
Organs Located in the Lower Left Abdomen
- Descending and sigmoid colon (part of the large intestines and digestive tract)
- Small and large intestines (key components of the digestive tract)
- Descending colon (where gas can accumulate and cause discomfort)
- Abdominal muscles (including areas where hernias may develop)
- Left ureter and kidney
- Abdominal wall muscles
- Nearby reproductive and pelvic structures
Because these systems work closely together, symptoms can overlap—making it easy to dismiss pain that deserves attention.
Common Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Men
1. Gastrointestinal Causes (Most Common)
Digestive conditions are the leading cause of lower left abdominal pain in men. Men may experience pain as a dull ache or crampy pain, which can be associated with various gastrointestinal issues. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be linked to inflammation, infection, or muscular strain in the abdomen.
Constipation & Gas
- Causes dull, crampy, or pressure-like pain, often described as a dull ache or crampy pain when gas accumulates in the descending colon
- Often linked to low fiber intake, dehydration, or sedentary habits
- Pain may improve after bowel movement
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis
- Small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall due to weaknesses in the intestinal walls.
- People can develop diverticulitis when these pouches become inflamed or infected.
- Diverticulitis is more common in older individuals as the number of diverticula increases with age.
- Risk factors for diverticulitis include age, low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, dehydration, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
- It is important to diagnose diverticulitis using imaging tests such as CT scans or colonoscopies to confirm the cause of lower left abdominal pain in men.
- Symptoms include:
- Sharp or persistent left-sided pain
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Changes in bowel habits
Diverticulitis requires immediate medical attention if accompanied by sharp pain and fever.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, diverticulitis is one of the most common causes of left lower quadrant pain in adults.
IBS vs. IBD (IBS, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis)
| Condition | Key Features |
|---|---|
| IBS | Pain with bowel changes, stress-related, no inflammation |
| Ulcerative colitis | Bloody stools, cramping, fatigue, crampy pain due to inflammation from immune system dysfunction |
| Crohn’s disease | Deep inflammation, weight loss, severe crampy pain, immune system involvement |
Note: IBD (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) is related to immune system dysfunction and often causes crampy pain. When diagnosing these conditions, it is important to consider other signs in addition to symptoms for accurate identification and management.
Persistent digestive pain should never be self-diagnosed.
2. Urinary Causes
Urinary conditions often cause pain that radiates or comes in waves. Urinary tract infections and acute urinary retention are common causes of lower left abdominal pain in men. Kidney stones can cause pain in the lower left abdomen as they pass from the kidney through the ureter; symptoms may include sharp pain, blood in the urine, and pain that radiates to the groin area. Acute urinary retention can cause significant discomfort in the lower abdomen and is more common in men than in women. Kidney infection symptoms include flank pain, fever, and frequent or painful urination.
Kidney Stones
- Sudden, sharp pain in the lower left abdomen that may radiate to the groin area as kidney stones pass from the kidney through the ureter
- Blood in urine
- Symptoms of kidney stones may include sharp pain in the lower left abdomen and blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Burning with urination
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Urinary tract infection is a common cause of lower abdominal pain in men and may present with urinary symptoms such as burning, urgency, and blood in the urine.
- Acute urinary retention can cause significant discomfort in the lower abdomen and is more common in men than in women.
While UTIs are less common in men, they are more likely to indicate an underlying issue and require prompt treatment.
3. Reproductive & Pelvic Causes in Men
Testicular Torsion (Emergency)
- Sudden, severe pain
- Can radiate into lower abdomen
- Requires immediate surgery
Prostatitis
- Deep pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
- Pain with sitting or urination
- Can be chronic and underdiagnosed
Inguinal Hernia
- Pain worsens with lifting, coughing, or exercise; lifting heavy objects or coughing can trigger discomfort or sharp pain from an inguinal hernia
- Inguinal hernias occur when tissue pushes through weak spots in the abdominal muscles
- May feel like a pulling or burning sensation
- Common in physically active men
4. Musculoskeletal Causes (Often Overlooked)
Not all abdominal pain comes from organs.
Abdominal Wall & Core Muscle Strain
- Pain increases with movement or exercise
- Often mistaken for internal pain
- Common in:
- Weightlifters
- Runners
- Manual laborers
This is where physical therapy plays a critical role.
Less Common but Serious Causes
- Bowel obstruction
- Ruptured spleen
- Kidney infection
- Pneumonia (referred pain)
- Cardiac-related pain (must be ruled out; chest pain should be differentiated from abdominal pain, as chest pain may indicate a heart attack)
Red flag symptoms include:
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in stool or urine
- Severe or worsening pain
- Inability to pass gas or stool (symptoms of bowel obstruction include severe pain, inability to pass gas or stool, and vomiting)
Seek emergency care immediately if these occur.
Complications of Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Men
Lower left abdominal pain in men should never be ignored, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated or misdiagnosed. While some causes of lower left abdominal pain are mild and resolve on their own, others can quickly escalate and threaten your health if not addressed promptly.
Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause severe pain, changes in bowel movement patterns, and a range of associated symptoms. Without proper management, IBD can result in complications such as bowel obstruction, fistulas, or even malnutrition due to poor absorption of nutrients. IBS, while not life-threatening, can significantly disrupt daily life and lead to chronic discomfort and changes in bowel habits.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones are other potential culprits behind left abdominal pain. If a kidney stone becomes lodged in the left kidney, it can cause intense pain, groin pain, and sometimes vomiting abdominal pain. Left untreated, kidney stones can lead to kidney damage or infection, both of which require urgent medical attention.
Inguinal hernias
Inguinal hernias are another risk, especially for men who frequently lift heavy objects. If a hernia becomes strangulated, it can cut off blood supply to part of the intestine, leading to tissue death—a life-threatening emergency. Similarly, testicular torsion can cause sudden, severe pain in the lower left abdomen and requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage to the testicle.
Digestive disorders such as diverticulitis or ulcerative colitis can also result in serious complications. If diverticulitis is not treated, it can lead to bowel perforation, abscesses, or peritonitis, all of which are medical emergencies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms like severe pain, vomiting, or abdominal tenderness should prompt you to seek medical attention immediately.
Other complications can arise from abdominal wall strains or chronic digestive issues, leading to persistent pain, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits. Men with a history of abdominal surgery or underlying medical conditions should be especially vigilant, as they may be at higher risk for complications.
To prevent these outcomes, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or worsening lower left abdominal pain, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, difficulty urinating, or blood in your stool or urine. Your provider will take a thorough medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order imaging tests to accurately diagnose the underlying cause.
Early and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing complications. Don’t wait for the pain to become severe or for other symptoms to develop—timely medical care can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term health.
How Doctors Diagnose Lower Left Abdominal Pain
A proper diagnosis often involves:
- Detailed medical history
- Physical exam
- Imaging (CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray) — Imaging tests such as CT scans or colonoscopy are often used to diagnose diverticulitis.
- Lab work (blood, urine)
- Colonoscopy or endoscopy (if needed)
Early evaluation prevents unnecessary suffering and complications.
If your abdominal pain is severe or getting worse, or if it persists with other symptoms like fever or swelling, consult a doctor immediately.
Treatment Options: What Actually Helps?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause, but may include:
Medical Treatments
- Antibiotics (UTIs, diverticulitis)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Surgical intervention (hernia, torsion)
Pain Management Approaches
- Heat therapy
- Gentle movement
- Targeted exercise
- Stress reduction
Physical Therapy: A Missing Piece for Many Men
Physical therapy is often overlooked—yet extremely effective for:
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Hernias (pre/post surgery)
- Core muscle injuries
A trained physical therapist can:
- Identify muscular vs. internal pain
- Restore proper core mechanics
- Reduce nerve sensitivity
- Prevent recurrence
Experts to Consult for Lower Left Abdominal Pain
Depending on symptoms, consider seeing:
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Gastroenterologist
- Urologist
- Surgeon
- Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
A multidisciplinary approach often delivers the best results.
Pelvis NYC: Specialized Care for Left Abdominal Pain in Men
At Pelvis NYC, we specialize in treating male pelvic and abdominal pain that doesn’t resolve with medication alone.
Why Patients Choose Pelvis NYC
- Advanced training in male pelvic health
- Evidence-based physical therapy
- Individualized treatment plans
- Experience treating chronic and unexplained abdominal pain
👉 Book a FREE 15-minute teleconsultation to see if physical therapy is right for you.
Related read: Lower Abdominal Pain In Men Left Side: True Story Of Alleviating Pain
FAQs: Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Men
What is the most common cause of lower left abdominal pain in men?
Left sided abdominal pain on the left side is most often due to digestive issues such as constipation, gas, or diverticulitis.
When should I worry about left lower abdominal pain?
Seek urgent care if pain is severe, sudden, persistent, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in stool or urine. See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms to prevent complications.
Can exercise cause lower left abdominal pain?
Yes. Core muscle strain, hernias, or pelvic floor dysfunction are common exercise-related causes.
Is lower left abdominal pain always serious?
No—but persistent or worsening pain should never be ignored.
Can physical therapy help with abdominal pain?
Yes. Physical therapy is highly effective for musculoskeletal and pelvic-related abdominal pain in men.
Final Takeaway
Lower left abdominal pain in men isn’t something to “push through.” While many causes are benign, others require prompt attention—and some respond best to specialized care like physical therapy.
If pain is lingering, recurring, or limiting your life, get answers early and work with professionals who understand male abdominal and pelvic health.