Causes of right flank pain in a woman

Pain below the ribs and toward the back can occur with a kidney infection or kidney stone. Burning urination, frequent urination, cloudy urine, fever, or chills point toward a urinary cause. Severe cramping that comes in waves, sometimes spreading toward the groin, can occur with a stone. A pulled back or abdominal muscle may hurt more when you twist, cough, or press the area. Gallbladder or bowel problems can also cause pain on the right side. In someone who could be pregnant, pelvic causes and pregnancy-related emergencies need separate assessment; a missed period, vaginal bleeding, faintness, or shoulder-tip pain should not be ignored.

Note when the pain began, whether it is constant or comes in waves, and what changes it. Record urinary symptoms, bowel changes, fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and the first day of your last menstrual period. Sip fluids if you can keep them down, rest, and avoid strenuous lifting. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back, test urine, and choose pregnancy testing or imaging based on your symptoms. Do not take leftover antibiotics, and check before using anti-inflammatory pain medicine if you may be pregnant, have kidney disease, or are dehydrated.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fainting, confusion, repeated vomiting, a rigid abdomen, heavy vaginal bleeding, or pain with a possible pregnancy. Get prompt medical assessment for fever with flank pain, blood in the urine, trouble passing urine, or pain that does not settle. A kidney infection can become serious without treatment. Explore more about [Kidney Infection], [Kidney Stones], [Urinary Tract Infection], and [Flank Pain].

Could this pattern fit a urinary, digestive, muscular, or pelvic cause? Do I need a urine test, pregnancy test, blood tests, or imaging? Which pain medicines are suitable for me, and what symptoms should prompt urgent review?