Causes and Treatment Options for Lower Right Pelvic Pain
Organs of the Lower Right Abdomen
Bowel cancer, endometriosis and constipation can affect both the upper and lower right pelvic region. To fully understand the causes of lower right pelvic pain, it is important to know which organs and structures are located in the lower right abdomen. These are:
1. Appendix
2. Caecum
3. Ascending colon (first part of large bowel)
4. Lower part of the right kidney
5. Right ovary and fallopian tube
6. Right part of womb
7. Lower part of liver
8. Small intestines
9. Blood vessels, nerves, muscles, skin and bone
Any disorders or illnesses which are linked to these organs or structures usually result in pain in the lower right abdomen. The most common cause of pain in this location is appendicitis. If you feel an acute or chronic pain in the left region of the abdomen, it’s probably an infection of the transverse colon located on that side, resulting in colitis. In examining the causes of pain, note that the pain is not always confined within its area, as it may spread over slightly to the left or backwards like most pain does. Let us examine some of the most common causes and their treatment, bearing in mind that the right form of treatment depends on the individual.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is severe inflammation of the appendix, which is the tiniest part of the bowel. It is worm shaped and pouches out at the junction of the small and large intestine. Some causes can be traced to:
- Blockade by small pieces of hard feces
- Parasitic worms
- Infection spread to the appendix by a gut infection
- A benign tumor of the appendix
Diagnosis is usually done through blood tests, and ultrasound and CT scans. Treatment is usually surgery to remove the diseased appendix, but in some cases the patient is treated with antibiotics before a decision as to if surgery is necessary. The best option however is surgery.
Hernia
A right sided hernia can cause lower right pelvic pain if it becomes obstructed or caught up in the abdomen. This presents itself as a swelling in the groin or right upper thigh accompanied by pain. There may be bloating, abdominal distention and complete bowel obstruction. There is a risk of intestinal strangulation if the hernia is not treated. Hernia repair surgery is the most effective treatment. This is usually a laparoscopic procedure in which a fiber optic viewing tube and special instruments are used to make small incisions in the navel and on either side of the abdomen, just above the waistline.
Kidney Stones
Severe lower right abdominal pain can be caused by the presence of stones in the kidney or ureters, which are the tubes which drain the kidneys. Men are usually about four times more likely to get kidney stones than women. The pain may radiate to the loin or side of the back, and even to the scrotum in men. Whole some stones may be treated with medication, others may require surgical intervention. Your physician will decide which procedure should be taken.
Pelvic inflammatory Disease
If a woman’s womb is tilted to the right, pelvic infection could cause lower right abdominal pain; otherwise the pain is usually centrally located in the abdomen. The pain may be associated with vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse and mild fever. Men can also get this disease by inflammation of the prostrate. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can be sexually transmitted. Treatment may include antibiotics which are used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Sex partners of PID patients should be examined and treated promptly. Follow-up exams are recommended 48 to 72 hrs after treatment to make sure the medicine is working; and on completion of treatment to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated.
References
1. Causes of Lower Right Abdominal Pain
https://www.abdopain.com/lower-right-abdominal-pain.html
2. Lower Left and Right Abdominal Pain - Causes and Treatment
https://www.allhealthsite.com/lower-left-and-right-abdominal-pain-causes-and-treatment.html
