Heaviness in the lower abdomen: causes and treatment

Heaviness in the lower abdomen is a subjective feeling and requires immediate diagnosis. The abdominal cavity contains vital organs that are located too close to each other, which makes it difficult to determine the cause of discomfort with accuracy and in a short time. In addition, the situation is exacerbated by the fact that it is important for a person to describe his or her own feelings. It is almost impossible to immediately answer the question of where exactly the pain is localized and what kind of pain it is. In fact, the feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen has several sources. It all depends on what symptomatic picture accompanies the discomfort that preceded it. To make a definitive diagnosis and help the patient get rid of the discomfort, doctors take a complete medical history and perform a number of diagnostic tests.

Symptoms of abdominal diseases: heaviness in the lower abdomen from the point of view of gynecology

Almost all gynecological diseases are accompanied by pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen. Most often, such symptoms indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the pelvic area, namely

-endometritis

-salpingitis

-pararitis

-adnexitis.

All of the above pathologies are the result of an ascending infection. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs are accompanied by pain radiating to the lower back. Sometimes the situation is more complicated, and the patient complains of discomfort in the lower extremities. In some cases, heaviness in the lower abdomen in terms of gynecology is accompanied by a fever.

Diseases that can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen also include inflammation, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. Heaviness will be a symptom of ectopic pregnancy. 

But not all diagnoses made to patients with complaints of heaviness in the lower abdomen are negative. Short-term manifestations are part of the normal functioning of the body and accompany such natural processes as ovulation, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. 

How pregnancy affects heaviness in the lower abdomen and how to reduce it

Lower abdominal discomfort is very rarely avoidable during pregnancy. Heaviness in the lower abdomen during pregnancy can occur both at rest and after physical activity. Such sensations most often occur for quite natural reasons. During pregnancy, the uterus grows in size, muscles and ligaments become taut. In addition, the pelvic organs are displaced. All this together leads to the fact that unpleasant sensations appear in the lower abdomen, which create some discomfort.

In the early stages of pregnancy, complex processes and hormonal surges occur in a woman's body that cannot go unnoticed. The general condition of each pregnant woman is monitored by a gynecologist who can determine the cause and take certain measures if a threat is detected. If pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen during pregnancy begin to become aggressive, accompanied by bloody discharge, fever, and poor general health, you should seek emergency medical attention. Such phenomena can be a symptom of infectious diseases, a harbinger of miscarriage and other threatening pregnancy pathologies.

Why abdominal heaviness in men can be a sign of serious illness

Heaviness in the abdomen in men indicates serious diseases of the internal organs. Unlike women, men have virtually no natural causes for such discomfort. Therefore, in cases when pain and heaviness constrain a man's abdomen, you should immediately seek medical attention, because most likely, pathological processes are occurring in the body that need to be eliminated as soon as possible. 

By the nature of the sensations, heaviness can be described in the following words:

-dull pain

-sharp pain

-aching pain.

There are cases when the pain radiates to the groin, right or left side. Exacerbation of sensations can occur during urination or defecation, at rest, or during physical activity. The heaviness is localized in the lower abdomen in such cases:

-inflammation of the urinary tract, organs

-urolithiasis, renal colic

-benign or malignant tumors

-inflammation of the epididymis or the testicle itself

-acute delay in urine outflow

-intestinal obstruction.

In any case, heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen in men requires immediate examination and diagnosis. Inflammatory processes progress, causing complications that will have to be dealt with over a long period of time.

How feeling heavy in the lower abdomen is related to gastrointestinal problems

Heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen are symptoms of abdominal diseases that can signal problems with the gastrointestinal tract. You cannot diagnose the causes and exact location of the pain on your own. To do this, you need to see a doctor and undergo a whole range of diagnostic measures. The diagnosis can result in

-ulcerative colitis

-enteritis

-dysbiosis

-pancreatitis

-gastritis.

Most often, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by bloating, indigestion, nausea, and general weakness. Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases is performed by a gastroenterologist. It is almost impossible to make a diagnosis based only on the symptoms described by the patient.

How heaviness in the lower abdomen can indicate diseases of the urinary system and how to diagnose them

Cramps in the lower abdomen can also indicate problems with the urinary system. Namely:

-cystitis - an infectious inflammation of the bladder mucosa. Cutting pain that intensifies almost every hour, complemented by heaviness, pain, and stiffness of movements

-urolithiasis - the appearance of hard formations in the organs of the urinary system. At the moment when the neoplasms are pushed through the urinary tract, severe pain occurs, and blood may appear

-pyelonephritis is a nonspecific inflammation of the kidneys that causes gradual or simultaneous kidney damage. The inflammation can be chronic, unilateral or bilateral.

Any diseases related to the urinary system are treated by a urologist. Diagnostics, tests and examination of the patient help to determine the full clinical picture and prescribe treatment.

Other possible causes of heaviness in the lower abdomen and how to identify them

It is very rare, but there are cases when the causes of heaviness in the lower abdomen are musculoskeletal disorders. Patients complain of abdominal discomfort during the course of diseases such as osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis, pelvic varicose veins (hemorrhoids, as the most striking example), protrusions and intervertebral hernias. In each case, the symptoms may be complemented by numbness in the limbs, general weakness, and pain in the groin area. 

How to treat heaviness in the lower abdomen, cramps in the lower abdomen and pulling pain in the lower abdomen in women

If you experience heaviness in the lower abdomen, accompanied by pain, you should use the following tips:

-take painkillers, in case of fever - reduce it with antipyretic drugs

-visit a doctor - women's pain will be the responsibility of a gynecologist, but depending on what caused the pain and discomfort, you may need to consult a gastroenterologist or urologist.

Before prescribing treatment, the doctor conducts diagnostics: Ultrasound, blood tests, urine tests, examination and gynecological tests. After all the necessary data is collected, the doctor will be able to prescribe medications and certain procedures. Self-medication is not a good idea, especially when it comes to lower abdominal pain in women.

FAQ 

Q: What organs are located in the lower abdomen and what diseases can affect them?

A: The stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are concentrated in the lower abdomen, 

duodenum, small and large intestine, bladder, and genitals. Diseases that cause pain and heaviness in the lower abdomen: cystitis, intestinal ulcer, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, constipation, hernia, cholecystitis, kidney inflammation, ovarian inflammation, etc. 

Q: What symptoms accompany heaviness in the lower abdomen and when should I see a doctor?

A: Heaviness in the lower abdomen may be accompanied by nausea, general weakness, bloody discharge during urination or defecation. Also, pain in the legs, groin, numbness in the extremities, bloating, and flatulence are quite common complaints among patients.  

Q: What diagnostic and treatment methods are used for heaviness in the lower abdomen?

A: The following tests are used to diagnose heaviness in the lower abdomen:

-complete blood count and biochemical analysis

-urine analysis

-fecal analysis.

Diagnostic measures will include ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, pelvic organs, gynecological examination. In some cases, gastroscopy is prescribed.