Possible Causes of Mild Pain on the Left Side of the Navel

Mild pain around the left side of the navel can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, some of which require prompt attention. Common causes include sigmoid volvulus, left ureteral stones, diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, and in women, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cyst torsion, or even corpus luteum rupture.

One possible cause is sigmoid volvulus, which is more commonly seen in elderly men with a history of chronic constipation. This condition involves a twisting of the sigmoid colon, leading to blockage and potentially severe pain in the lower left abdomen.

Another potential issue is a left ureteral stone, which often affects younger and middle-aged men. This condition typically presents as sudden, severe flank pain on one side, often accompanied by visible blood in the urine. Some patients may experience mild or no symptoms at all and only discover the stone during routine checkups. However, more serious cases may involve pain radiating to the genital area, along with nausea, vomiting, pallor, and sweating.

Diverticulitis, an inflammation of diverticula in the colon, can also lead to pain in the lower left abdomen. Patients may also experience fever and elevated white blood cell counts, indicating infection or inflammation.

For women, acute or chronic pelvic inflammatory disease can cause pain in the lower left abdomen. In more severe cases, symptoms such as chills, high fever, and headache may occur, signaling a more serious infection that requires immediate medical care.

Additionally, ovarian cyst torsion or corpus luteum rupture can result in sudden, sharp pain in the lower abdomen. Ovarian torsion may cause pain localized to the left lower quadrant, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Corpus luteum rupture typically occurs during the menstrual cycle and can cause sudden, intense pain that quickly becomes a persistent ache.

Due to the wide range of possible causes, it's essential to visit a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis through imaging studies and laboratory tests. Only after identifying the underlying issue can appropriate treatment be administered. If you experience persistent or severe pain, seek medical attention promptly.