Left-sided flank pain in females: what to know

Flank pain is felt between the ribs and the hip, often toward the back. A kidney infection may present with flank discomfort plus fever, chills, nausea, or painful urination. Kidney stones can cause severe waves of pain that travel toward the lower abdomen or groin, sometimes with blood in the urine. A urinary tract infection may cause burning, urgency, or frequent urination, although flank pain with fever needs prompt attention. Muscle strain often changes with movement or pressing the area. Menstrual or ovarian problems and bowel conditions can also be felt on the left, so location alone cannot identify the cause.

Note when the pain began, whether it is constant or comes in waves, and whether movement, meals, urination, or your menstrual cycle affects it. Drink normally unless a clinician has advised fluid restriction, and avoid strenuous lifting while the cause is unclear. Arrange a clinical assessment if pain persists, returns, or comes with urinary, bowel, pelvic, or pregnancy-related symptoms. A clinician may examine your abdomen and back and test urine; pregnancy status can change which tests and medicines are suitable.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever with flank pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, inability to pass urine, or visible blood in the urine. If pregnancy is possible, urgent assessment is needed for one-sided pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or shoulder-tip pain. Sudden severe pelvic pain also warrants prompt evaluation.

Could this be urinary, muscular, bowel, or pelvic pain? Do I need a urine test or pregnancy test? Which pain reliever is suitable for my health conditions and current medicines? What changes should prompt urgent review?