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Pain on the left side of the abdomen may indicate a disease of the bladder. The inflammation of the bladder (acute cystitis) is the most common cause in this context. An inflammation of the bladder is an infection of the urinary tract.

In most cases, bacterial pathogens that reach the bladder via the urethra are responsible for the inflammatory processes. The inflammation of the bladder, which can lead to pain on the left side of the abdomen, is clinically divided into two forms: the uncomplicated and the complicated inflammation of the bladder. Uncomplicated bladder inflammation can be found in those individuals who basically have no risk factors for the development of such an infection.

A complicated cystitis is always referred to as a complicated cystitis when there are risk factors, for example a pronounced immune deficiency or flow disorders of the urinary tract. An inflammation of the bladder must be treated promptly and urgently. In case of bacterial genesis, the initiation of antibiotic therapy is recommended.

If suitable treatment is not given, the causative pathogens can continue to rise via the urinary tract and, under certain circumstances, cause a so-called “ascending kidney inflammation”. In addition, pain on the left side of the abdomen can be caused by stones in the bladder. Bladder stones are urinary stones that are stuck in the bladder and can block the urinary tract.

Since stones in the bladder do not cause discomfort in every patient, the treatment depends mainly on the size of the stones and the discomfort felt by the person affected. If a stone in the bladder causes severe pain on the left side of the abdomen, appropriate treatment should be initiated as soon as possible. A small stone in the bladder can be flushed out under certain circumstances with the help of medication and a sufficient supply of fluid.

Larger stones that block the draining urinary tract usually require more extensive therapy. In principle, these stones in the bladder can be reduced in size chemically or mechanically and then also flushed out. Women who suffer from pain in the left abdomen should always consult a gynecologist if in doubt.

Although the causes of these complaints may theoretically require clarification, in many cases the pain follows a cyclical pattern. If pain occurs on the left and/or right side of the abdomen around the 12th to 14th day of the cycle, this can be an indication of imminent or already completed ovulation. Complaints that occur during ovulation usually do not need to be clarified by a physician.

In addition, there is no need for treatment for pain on the left side of the abdomen caused by ovulation. It is therefore a completely harmless phenomenon that can be observed in many women. Depending on the individual length of the cycle (which can be longer or shorter than 28 days), pain on the right or left side of the abdomen caused by ovulation can also occur at a different time.

In addition, many women report having suffered from pain on the right and/or left side of the abdomen, especially in the first weeks of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, these complaints may be related to the implantation of the egg. In addition, the stretching of the so-called “mother’s ligaments” during the first weeks of pregnancy can lead to pulling pain on the right and/or left side of the abdomen.