Having Lower Left Abdominal Pain?

Lower left abdominal pain can come and go, but when it persists, it’s best to seek medical attention. Some men and women experience lower left abdominal pain as a result of muscle cramping or indigestion, but ongoing pain in the lower left abdominal region could also point to a sexually transmitted disease.

Lower Left Abdominal Pain: A Known Chlamydia Symptom

Chlamydia is the country’s most widespread STD, and the majority of people who get infected with it don’t ever find themselves faced with symptoms. Others who have the disease, however, may experience lower left abdominal pain in conjunction with other STD symptoms, including:

• genital discharge

• painful, burning urination

• pain during intercourse

When to Undergo STD Testing

Anyone who has unprotected intercourse is at risk for contracting chlamydia and a host of other STDs. These risks increase when multiple sexual partners are involved. When lower left abdominal pain becomes noticeable, chlamydia testing should be performed to confirm infection or rule it out as the culprit.

Other Causes of Lower Left Abdominal Pain

STDs aren’t always to blame for pain in the lower left abdominal region. Other conditions that can result in lower left abdominal pain include:

• appendicitis

• endometriosis

• ovarian cysts

• diverticulitis

• bladder infection

Self-diagnosing lower left abdominal pain is never a good idea. In some cases, lower left abdominal pain can be a sign of a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy or another serious condition. An official medical diagnosis is necessary to properly address the cause and physical discomfort associated with lower left abdominal pain.

Untreated Chlamydia and Lower Left Abdominal Pain

Chlamydia that goes undiagnosed can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition that can cause chronic pain in the lower left abdomen in women. Treating chlamydia, on the other hand, is quite simple once a proper diagnosis is made. All it takes is a course of antibiotics to cure the infection completely and alleviate any associated symptoms, including lower left abdominal pain. Chlamydia testing today can be done at home or in a lab using a urine sample, making the process more private and convenient than ever before.