Stabbing Pain in the Lower Stomach: When to Seek Treatment

Stabbing pain in the lower stomach can be alarming. At Universal Urgent Care, we understand that this symptom can have many causes—some of which require immediate medical attention. Common sources include gastrointestinal issues like appendicitis, which often starts with pain near the belly button and shifts to the lower right abdomen, sometimes with fever or nausea. Other digestive problems, such as diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or constipation, can also cause sharp stomach pain.

For women, gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or ectopic pregnancy may present with stabbing pain in the lower abdomen. Additionally, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder infections, or kidney stones can cause sharp pain and may be accompanied by burning during urination, frequent urges, or blood in the urine.

Muscle strain or injury—especially after physical activity or trauma—can also lead to localized abdominal pain. In rare cases, more serious conditions like hernias, bowel obstruction, or abdominal aortic aneurysm may present with severe pain and need urgent care.

Because stabbing lower abdominal pain has many possible origins—some of them life-threatening—it’s important to pay attention to warning signs such as fever, vomiting, dizziness, severe tenderness, or an inability to pass stool or gas.

If you are experiencing sudden, severe, or persistent lower abdominal pain, or if you notice any of these accompanying symptoms, don’t wait—visit Universal Urgent Care right away. Our experienced medical team is here to provide a prompt evaluation and the appropriate treatment to help you feel better and ensure your health and safety.

Stabbing pain in your lower abdomen can be alarming, and it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. While occasional, brief discomfort may not always signal a serious issue, certain symptoms should never be ignored.

We recommend seeking prompt evaluation if your lower abdominal pain is severe, sudden, or persistent—especially if it interferes with your daily activities. You should come in right away if your pain is accompanied by:

● Fever
● Vomiting
● Fainting or dizziness
● Shortness of breath
● Rapid heartbeat
● Blood in your stool, urine, or vomit
● Unexplained vaginal bleeding

For women, additional warning signs include unusual vaginal discharge, missed periods, or severe pain during menstruation, which could indicate gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease. For men, symptoms like pain during urination or testicular pain may signal issues with the urinary or reproductive tract.

If you have a history of chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or kidney stones, and your current pain feels different from your usual symptoms, contact Universal Urgent Care as soon as possible.

Lower stomach pain can have various causes, some of which may require immediate medical attention. Here are some signs to help determine whether you should seek urgent or emergency care:

1. Severe Pain: If the pain is intense, sharp, or suddenly worsens, it could indicate a serious condition, such as appendicitis or an ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate attention.

2. Pain Accompanied by Fever: If the pain is coupled with a fever, it may indicate an infection, like an abdominal infection, appendicitis, or diverticulitis, that requires urgent care.

3. Nausea, Vomiting, or Vomiting Blood: These symptoms alongside stomach pain could point to a gastrointestinal issue like a blockage or ulcer that needs medical attention right away.

4. Changes in Bowel Movements: If the pain is accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or blood in your stool, it could indicate a condition like gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which may require prompt evaluation.

5. Difficulty Breathing or Dizziness: If you experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, or lightheadedness along with stomach pain, it could be a sign of something severe, such as a heart condition or blood loss, requiring immediate medical care.

6. Pain During Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant and experience lower stomach pain, especially in the early stages, it could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention.

If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider or visit an urgent care center. In any case of severe or persistent pain, particularly if accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Stabbing stomach pain can feel alarming, and while some causes are minor, it’s important to recognize warning signs that may indicate a serious medical problem. At Universal Urgent Care, our experienced medical team is equipped to quickly assess and treat urgent abdominal concerns.

If you suddenly experience severe stomach pain—especially if it’s the worst pain you’ve ever felt—it could signal a critical issue such as appendicitis, a perforated ulcer, or problems with your intestines or abdominal blood vessels. These require immediate medical attention.

Come to our Urgent Care right away if your stomach pain is accompanied by any of the following:

● Chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or fainting (which could indicate a heart attack or other life-threatening conditions)
● Vomiting blood or passing black or bloody stools
● Severe or persistent vomiting
● High fever
● Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
● Swelling or hardening of the abdomen
● Inability to pass stool or gas

You should also be extra cautious if you have a history of abdominal surgery, chronic health problems, or are pregnant and develop new or severe abdominal pain.

At Universal Urgent Care, your health and safety are our top priorities. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—visit our clinic for a prompt evaluation. Our team can determine the cause of your pain and provide the urgent care you need or direct you to emergency services if necessary.

Trust Universal Urgent Care for fast, expert care when it matters most.

At Universal Urgent Care, we understand that lower abdominal pain can be both uncomfortable and concerning. Whether it’s caused by a minor issue like gas or a more serious condition such as a urinary tract infection or appendicitis, our experienced healthcare professionals are here to provide fast, expert care. We offer comprehensive diagnostic services, including physical exams and lab tests, to help identify the cause of your discomfort. With prompt treatment options and a compassionate approach, we ensure you receive the care you need when it matters most, helping you feel better quickly and safely. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at Niles Street, Brimhall Road, and Ming Avenue in Bakersfield, CA, and Fresno, CA. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Fresno CA, Clovis CA, Mayfair CA, Kayandee CA, Arvin CA, Fairfax CA, Rosedale CA, and surrounding areas.