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What are the causes of abdominal pain below the belly button?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am currently suffering abdominal pain below the belly button and between the kidneys. More is that my menstrual cycle began five days earlier, and when my period started, I faced a huge amount of pain. Now kindly tell me what I should do. I have been suffering from this pain for the last ten days.

Please give me some advice.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your lower abdominal pain (below the belly button and between the kidneys), along with an early and painful period, could be caused by several conditions. Since it has been ten days, it is important to figure out the cause.

Possible causes of your pain:

  1. Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), some months, periods can be more painful than usual due to strong uterine contractions.
  2. If the pain is felt more toward the back or between the kidneys, it could sometimes indicate a urinary infection. This is more likely if you also notice burning during urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine.
  3. Sometimes, cysts on the ovaries can cause prolonged pain, especially if they rupture or grow.
  4. If there is an infection in the reproductive organs, it can lead to ongoing pelvic pain and sometimes irregular or painful periods. It is also known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  5. Endometriosis or fibroids can also cause pain. These conditions can cause heavy, painful, and irregular periods.
  6. Sometimes, digestive problems can mimic menstrual pain.

While identifying the exact cause is important, there are a few simple steps that may help relieve the discomfort in the meantime.

  1. Apply a warm compress. Heat on the lower abdomen can relax muscles and reduce cramping.
  2. Stay hydrated and eat light meals, try to avoid spicy or highly processed foods for now.
  3. Take over-the-counter pain relief, like Ibuprofen (if you are not allergic).
  4. Check for UTI symptoms; if you have burning when urinating, frequent urination, or cloudy urine, see a doctor.
  5. If the pain continues or worsens, you need a pelvic ultrasound or urine test to rule out cysts, infections, or other issues.

Please seek medical attention promptly if you notice any of the following:

  1. Pain worsens or does not improve.
  2. Fever, chills, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
  3. Very heavy periods with large clots.
  4. Severe nausea or vomiting.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 1, 2025
Reviewed At May 12, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Georges Hany Kozah is an experienced Lebanese Gynecologist with an MD from The Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences (2016) and a Fellowship completed in 2022. Specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy, he combines expertise with a patient-centered approach. Passionate about women’s health, Dr. Kozah strives for excellence and optimal outcomes in collaborative, innovative care.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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