Lower Abdominal Pain Treatment Clinic in Bakersfield and Fresno, CA

At Universal Urgent Care, we frequently evaluate patients with lower abdominal pain, a common complaint with many possible causes. Our experienced medical team understands that abdominal pain can range from mild and self-limiting to serious conditions requiring immediate attention. Some of the most common causes we see include gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and gastroenteritis, which can cause cramping, bloating, and discomfort. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are another frequent cause, especially in women, often presenting with lower abdominal pain and a burning sensation during urination.
 
For women, gynecological conditions are an important consideration. We regularly diagnose and treat menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease—all of which can contribute to lower abdominal discomfort. In men, conditions such as prostatitis or testicular problems may also present as lower abdominal pain.

Other possible causes include hernias—where part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall—and appendicitis, which often starts as pain near the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen. Less commonly, lower abdominal pain can result from vascular issues like an abdominal aortic aneurysm or may be referred from other organs. Because the causes of lower abdominal pain are so diverse, it’s important to pay attention to accompanying symptoms such as fever, changes in bowel habits, urinary difficulties, or severe and sudden pain.

Lower abdominal pain can have many causes, ranging from mild and self-limiting issues to serious conditions that require urgent medical attention. At Universal Urgent Care, we understand that it can be difficult to know when to seek help. Our experienced medical team is here to assess and treat a wide range of abdominal pain concerns for both adults and children. Reasons why you should seek medical help include:

• Severe, persistent, or worsening over time
• Accompanied by a fever, vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down
• Associated with signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urination)
• Involving blood in your stool or urine
• Linked to unexplained weight loss or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Or if your abdomen feels hard, swollen, or especially tender when touched
 
Special Considerations:

• Women should seek prompt evaluation if lower abdominal pain is associated with missed periods, heavy vaginal bleeding, or a possible pregnancy.
• Anyone experiencing pain after an injury, or if the pain is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion, should seek immediate care.
 
If you are ever unsure about the severity or cause of your abdominal pain, don’t hesitate to walk into our urgent care clinics. Our compassionate healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing timely evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to help you feel better as quickly as possible.

At Universal Urgent Care, we understand that lower abdominal pain can be distressing and disruptive to your daily life. Our experienced healthcare providers are equipped to quickly and accurately diagnose the cause of your discomfort, ensuring you receive prompt and effective treatment. When you visit us with lower abdominal pain, our providers begin with a detailed medical history. We’ll ask about:

• When your pain started and how long it has lasted
• Where the pain is located and how it feels (sharp, dull, cramping, etc.)
• Associated symptoms, such as fever, nausea, changes in bowel or urinary habits
• Any recent injuries, surgeries, or changes in your health
• For women, details about menstrual cycles and gynecological history
• For men, questions about testicular symptoms or prior hernias
 
Our clinical team will perform a careful physical examination, gently palpating your abdomen to check for areas of tenderness, swelling, or masses. Depending on your symptoms, we may:

• Check for signs of serious conditions, such as peritonitis
• Perform a pelvic exam for women to assess for gynecological causes
• Conduct a testicular exam for men to rule out causes like testicular torsion or hernia
 
Universal Urgent Care offers a variety of diagnostic tests to help pinpoint the cause of your lower abdominal pain:

• Laboratory testing: Blood tests to identify infection or inflammation, urine tests for urinary tract infections or kidney stones, and stool tests if gastrointestinal issues are suspected
• Imaging: We offer on-site ultrasound for rapid evaluation of issues. If needed, we can facilitate advanced imaging (CT, X-ray, MRI) through our network of local partners.

Yes, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause lower abdominal pain. UTIs occur when bacteria infect any part of your urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Most commonly, UTIs affect the bladder—a condition known as cystitis. One of the hallmark symptoms of a bladder infection is discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
This pain can vary from a mild ache to a sharp or cramping sensation.
 
Additional symptoms often include a burning feeling during urination, frequent and urgent need to urinate, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Some people may also notice blood in their urine. While lower abdominal pain is a common symptom, not everyone with a UTI will experience it, and the severity can differ from person to person.
 
If you suspect you might have a UTI and are experiencing lower abdominal pain, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. At Universal Urgent Care, our experienced providers can diagnose your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and start you on the right treatment—typically a course of antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent complications. Left untreated, a UTI can spread to your kidneys and cause more severe illness. We also recommend coming in if you’re experiencing any of the following, as they may be signs of a more serious infection:

• Fever
• Back pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in your urine
 
Our team at Universal Urgent Care is here to provide fast, compassionate care for UTIs and other urgent medical needs. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we strive to get you feeling better as quickly as possible. 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, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Panama CA, Arvin CA, Fairfax CA, Rosedale CA, and surrounding areas.