Lower Abdominal Pain in Men: Causes and Natural Treatments

Lower abdominal pain in men can occur for many of the same reasons as pelvic or stomach pain in women. Pain from kidney infections, urinary tract infection, appendicitis, or digestive upset can cause sharp pain or dull aches in the lower part of the stomach. Male abdominal pain and discomfort can result from organs in the lower abdomen, or spread from the lumbar spine to the lower part of the stomach.

However, there are some causes of male lower abdominal pain that are specific to men. A twisted testicle, inflammation of the prostate, or an inguinal hernia can result in varying degrees of pain in the groin and pelvic area. As well as male lower abdominal pain, conditions affecting the male internal organs can result in frequent urination, persistent lower back pain, extremely sharp pain in the scrotum, or digestive problems.

Treating lower abdominal pain in men often requires addressing the underlying causes. Some home remedies can help to relieve sharp abdominal pain in men that are a result of indigestion, bladder infections, or kidney stones. Also, some natural pain relief remedies can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of abdominal pain in men below the belly button.

In this article, you will learn about the different causes of lower abdominal pain in men. In many cases, you will also discover helpful remedies you can use at home to resolve the lower stomach pain naturally.

Organs in the Male Lower Abdominal Area

The lower part of the abdomen is the area below your belly button and includes your groin and pelvic area. The male abdomen below the belly button contains part of the stomach, colon, appendix and rectum. Also, the testicles, prostate, and penis can also be sources of male lower abdominal pain or sharp pain between the scrotum and anus.

Symptoms of Lower Abdominal Pain in Men

Lower abdominal pain that can affect many men may cause pain or discomfort below the belly button and around the reproductive organs. However, recognizing the accompanying symptoms can help a doctor to identify the source of the pain.

Dr. Jay W. Marks, who is an expert in gastroenterology, says that digestive dysfunction can cause lower abdominal aches and pains, as well as symptoms like:¹

• Excess gas trapped in the digestive tract that causes flatulence or belching
• Constipation
• Pain that spreads to the chest and causes chest discomfort and burning chest pains
• Pelvic discomfort
• Lower abdominal pain with diarrhea (in cases of irritable bowel syndrome)
• Gnawing abdominal pain on the left side (if diverticulitis is responsible)

Pain in the lowermost area of the abdomen in the pelvis in males could originate from the bladder, rectum, and prostate gland. Inflammation caused by an infection in those organs can cause symptoms such as:

• Painful urination
• Fever caused by an infection in your urinary tract
• Pain that radiates to your back
• Intense aching near your rectum
• Chronic pain and spasms in the lower abdomen along with sexual dysfunction

Lower Abdominal Pain in Men: Male Specific Issues

First, let’s look in some detail at reasons for male lower abdominal pain that only affects men.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland and can cause aches and pain in the lower abdomen or pain in the upper thighs of men.

Doctors from the University of California say that very often, infection or inflammation in the prostate can cause sharp pains between the testicles and anus. Doctors aren’t sure what causes prostatitis, but being diabetic, having an enlarged prostate, or a weakened immune system could put a person a greater risk.²

Other symptoms of prostatitis can include:

• Abdominal pain after being sexually active
• Penile pain after ejaculation
• Frequently needing to pee, especially at night
• Dull aching in the groin, pelvis, or lower abdomen

The Indian Journal of Urology reported that about 90% of men with chronic pelvic pain suffer from prostatitis. Chronic pelvic pain describes pain in the lowermost area of the male abdomen that lasts for 3 months or longer.³

Testicular torsion (twisted testicle)

A twisted testicle can cause excruciating pain in the testicles and lower abdomen and can quickly become a medical emergency.

According to Dr. Timothy J. Rupp on Medscape, testicular torsion is a frequent cause of scrotal pain. Usually, the pain comes on suddenly and can cause the scrotum to swell. The pain can radiate from the groin to the lower abdominal area. It is possible that a fever can accompany the abdominal pain in sexually active males.⁴

Doctors advise that men who get severe, sudden testicle pain should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Inguinal hernia

Although an inguinal hernia can affect women, they are more common in males and can cause pain or discomfort in the lower abdominal area.

Researchers from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases report that the lower area of the abdomen is called the inguinal area. A hernia occurs when part of the small intestine bulges through the lower abdominal wall. This can result in a painful or tender lump on one or both sides of the groin.⁵

Other symptoms of an inguinal hernia can include:

• Pain in the lower abdomen when men sneeze
• A burning or aching sensation in the groin
• Swollen scrotum in men
• Difficulty having a bowel movement

Inguinal hernias can cause male lower abdominal pain that comes and goes. Lifting heavy items, coughing, sneezing, or exercising can make the pain worse. However, surgery is the only way to completely repair the hernia and stop it from causing abdominal pain in men.

Infections That Cause Male Lower Abdominal Pain

Pain in the lower right abdomen or lower left abdominal area in males could also be due to infections of internal organs. Let’s look in more detail at some of the most common reasons for abdominal pain in men.

Kidney infection

Bacteria that get into the kidney and cause an infection can be a reason for intense stomach pain below the belly button.

Your kidneys are located in your back on either side of your spine. Usually, a kidney infection causes them to become inflamed and that can cause flank pain and pain that spreads to your lower back or abdomen. Doctors from the National Health Service say that pain around your genitals is common in kidney infections.⁵

Other associated uncomfortable symptoms that kidney infections cause can be:

• A fever
• General feelings of fatigue and tiredness
• Digestive upset and nausea
• Diarrhea

To prevent kidney infections and complications with your kidneys, it’s important to look after the health of your kidneys. One way to do this is to drink plenty of fluids to flush out toxins from your kidneys.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones can cause extreme stomach pain and lower abdominal pain when they move through your urinary tract. Kidney stones are small buildups of mineral deposits that can form in your kidneys.

Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler on MedicineNet says that kidney stones can cause excruciating pain in the lower abdomen, groin, side or lower back. Usually, the abdominal pain comes and goes, and the pain may be so severe that it causes nausea and vomiting. Male lower abdominal pain due to kidney stones can also cause testicular pain.⁶

Uncomfortable symptoms associated with kidney stones can include:

• Pain and discomfort when urinating
• Cloudy urine with an unpleasant smell
• Frequent need to urinate
• Pain that radiates to the groin and lower abdomen

One of the ways to treat kidney stones naturally is to drink diluted apple cider vinegar. Kidney stones dissolve in apple cider vinegar due to its acidic nature. To help get rid of kidney stones quicker, mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink frequently throughout the day.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection in men can cause lower left abdominal pain or lower abdominal pain on the right side. Male urinary infections can be caused by kidney problems, an enlarged prostate, or having a catheter fitted.

Dr. Mary Harding on Patient.info says that UTIs commonly cause pain in the lower abdomen in men. The pain can become worse when urinating and may also cause nausea and vomiting. In some cases, the urinary infection can travel up your urinary tract and affect your kidneys.⁷

Usually, a severe UTI requires antibiotics to clear up the infection and prevent serious complications. However, there are some natural remedies to effectively treat mild cases of urinary infections. For example, increasing your water intake can help to flush your urinary system. You could also try drinking baking soda and water to help neutralize the acidic content of your urine.

Bladder inflammation

Although bladder infections and urinary infections affect more women than men, males can also suffer from pain below the belly button due to bladder inflammation.

According to the journal Translational Andrology and Urology, bladder pain syndrome in men is often mistaken for prostatitis. Doctors recommend that men who complain of lower abdominal pain are checked for both an enlarged prostate and bladder problems.⁸

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that symptoms of a bladder infection in men can include:⁹

• Persistent need to urinate frequently
• Burning sensation after peeing
• Passing cloudy urine or noticing traces of blood in urine
• Urine that comes out slowly or dribbles when urinating

Lower Left Abdominal Pain in Men

There are some causes of one-sided abdominal pain that can affect men.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis describes a condition where small pockets in your intestine (diverticula) become infected and inflamed. This results in cramping aches and pain in the lower left abdomen of males and females.

Doctors from the National Health Service report that inflamed diverticula usually causes pain on the left side of the lower belly. This can also result in bloating, increased abdominal pain after a bowel movement, or passing greasy stool.¹⁰

In more severe cases of diverticulitis, symptoms can include:

• Passing stools with streaks of blood
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Persistent abdominal pain that affects one side of your belly or both sides

Increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, getting adequate exercise, and drinking aloe vera juice, are all natural ways to treat the causes of diverticulitis naturally.

Kidney stones

You will suffer from left-sided abdominal pain if kidney stones develop in your left kidney and travel to your groin.

Lower Right Abdominal Pain in Men

Severe pain in the lower right abdomen of males can be a sign of a serious infection of internal organs.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis in men and women usually starts off as a gnawing pain behind the belly button. The pain then intensifies as it spreads to the right lower abdomen as the appendix becomes inflamed.

Your appendix is found on the right side of your lower abdomen. According to the journal BMJ, emergencies from cases of appendicitis affect more males than females. The most common symptom of appendicitis in males and females is unbearable abdominal pain. The lower abdominal pain generally starts in the middle of the belly before spreading to the right-hand side.¹¹

Appendicitis can also cause any of the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Inability to pass trapped gas
• Dull pain in the lower abdomen that spreads to the back
• Severe cramping in the lower abdomen

Appendicitis can quickly become a medical emergency. If you notice signs of an inflamed appendix, you should call your doctor immediately.

Digestive Issues that Cause Lower Abdominal Pain in Men

Some of the most common reasons why men have stomach cramps or pains in their lower stomach are due to digestive issues.

Trapped gas

A buildup of gas in the intestines can cause painful abdominal cramping in men. Fiber and carbohydrate-rich foods are some of the main culprits for gassy pains in the lower belly.

Thankfully, having too much gas is rarely a major cause for concern. However, gas can cause embarrassment if you make yourself fart loudly or pass wind that smells of rotten eggs.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical say that abdominal pain and discomfort in males is quite common. Trapped gas on the left side of the colon can cause sharp lower left stomach pain or even severe left-sided chest pains. Having a buildup of gas in your right colon can even cause such extreme stomach pain that it feels like appendicitis.¹²

Grating 1-inch piece of ginger in a cup of boiling water and letting it infuse for a few minutes before drinking can help to get rid of too much gas in your guts.

Constipation

Constipation is one reason why your digestive system doesn’t work properly and it can cause cramping lower abdominal pain and great discomfort.

Doctors describe constipation as having difficulty passing hard stools or having infrequent bowel movements. Dr. Jerry R. Balentine on eMedicineHealth says that constipation often results in pain in the lower abdominal area. The pain in your lower belly may become worse as you strain to make a bowel movement.¹³

There are many natural ways to help improve the health of your digestive system and keep yourself regular. For example, fiber can help food pass quicker through your intestines and act as a natural laxative for constipation. Also, drinking prune juice, getting plenty of fiber and fluids, and taking castor oil can all help to naturally relieve the symptoms of constipation.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Men often suffer from really bad stomach pain because of irritable bowel syndrome. For some men, the pain is only dull stomach pains that happen occasionally. However, other males regularly get sharp abdominal pains after eating.

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic report that usually, having a bowel movement is enough to relieve abdominal pain caused by IBS. Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in men can include:

• Changes in your bowel habits – this can be frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation
• Excessive gas
• Abdominal bloating
• Feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowels after passing stool
• Passing stool with mucus

Making positive lifestyle changes, dealing with stress better, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help to reduce the frequency of your IBS symptoms.

Indigestion

Mild stomach cramps in your lower abdomen could be a result of indigestion. Indigestion can be caused by digestive issues like acid reflux, heartburn, or stomach ulcers. The result is persistent pain or discomfort in the abdomen. However, most doctors say that indigestion causes painful symptoms in the upper abdomen above the belly button.¹⁴

Muscular and Joint Issues Causing Male Lower Abdominal Pain

It may surprise you to know, but many reasons for male pain in the lower abdomen are connected with issues relating to the pelvic bone or lower back.

Sciatica

You may sometimes experience lower abdominal pain if your sciatic nerve is pinched or trapped. Your sciatic nerve runs from your buttocks down each leg. Although sciatica usually causes back pain or tingling in your legs, some men get abdominal, groin, or pelvic pain.

According to a chiropractic clinic, sometimes abdominal pain can be due to problems with the sciatic nerve.¹⁵

Sciatica usually causes mild to severe back pain. However, there are many natural ways that you can release the sciatic nerve and ease debilitating back pain. One very easy way is to use a tennis ball to massage your lower back.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Your sacroiliac joint is between your sacrum and ilium bones that form part of the pelvis. Inflammation or excessive movement in the joint can cause lower back pain as well as pain in your abdominal region.

The Journal of Nippon Medical School reported on a case where sacroiliac joint dysfunction was to blame for groin tenderness and lower abdominal pain.¹⁶

To find out how to relieve lower back pain and ease the discomfort of lower abdominal pain, please read my article on how to stop sacrum pain.

Pelvic bone pain

Your pelvic bone is made up of many bones including the pubic bone, ilium, and sacrum. Injury, dysfunction, or issues with your pubic bone may cause pain to radiate to your lower abdomen and groin.

For more causes of pelvic bone pain and what you can do to get rid of the pain without medication, please check out my article about what to do about pelvic bone pain.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, lower abdominal pain in males goes away after a few days. Home remedies can also help to quickly alleviate your symptoms and relieve pain in your lower belly. However, sometimes, you may need to see a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic advise that men should see a doctor for pain in their lower abdomen in the following circumstances:

• You experience severe pain that won’t go away.
• Along with the pain, you have a fever and feelings of nausea.
• Your abdominal area is very tender to touch.
• You have intense pain in the lower right abdomen along with other symptoms of appendicitis.
• You have bloody bowel movements.
• Along with abdominal pain, you also get chest pains or have intense pressure in your chest.

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