Causes of Stomach Pain in Girls: 20 Possible Causes

Stomach pain in girls during puberty and adolescence is common but rarely serious. Causes range from urinary tract infections and menstrual cramps to constipation and digestive disorders.

Here are 20 potential causes of stomach pain and how to relieve it at home.

20 possible causes of stomach pain in girls

1. Urinary tract infection

This condition is common among teenagers, especially girls. Symptoms may include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Pain or burning during urination
• Foul-smelling urine
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine
• Fever
• Chills

2. Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

Painful cramps are common during menstruation and may be accompanied by:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain (pain radiating to the lower back and thighs)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache

3. Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz)

Ovulation pain can occur around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle and is linked to an increase in luteinizing hormone levels. It is typically felt on one side of the abdomen and can range from mild to severe. Mittelschmerz rarely causes severe pain.

4. Endometriosis

Endometriosis symptoms usually appear during adolescence and are caused by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Symptoms may include:

5. Ovarian torsion

Ovarian torsion is caused by ovarian tumors or cysts and can cause severe abdominal pain. It occurs due to twisting of the ovary around its supporting tissues. Pain is usually on one side, with right-sided pain being more common. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Presence of a palpable mass

6. Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, usually inside the fallopian tubes, and can be fatal. Ectopic pregnancy in sexually active teenagers can cause symptoms such as:

• Severe sharp lower abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)

7. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is the infection and inflammation of female reproductive organs. Multiple sexual partners and an increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases increase the risk of PID in adolescents. Symptoms include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Abnormal findings in pelvic examination (uterine tenderness/cervical motion tenderness)
• Abnormal vaginal discharge

8. Threatened abortion

The World Health Organization defines threatened abortion as a pregnancy-related bloody vaginal discharge or frank bleeding during the first half of the pregnancy without cervix dilation. Lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding are possible symptoms.

9. Appendicitis

Appendicitis inflammation is common in adolescents. Pain usually migrates from the midsection of the abdomen to the lower right section. Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal swelling
• Low-grade fever

10. Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)

Stomach flu is a common condition caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In addition to stomach pain, symptoms may include:

11. Constipation

Constipation occurs when there are hard stools or infrequent bowel movements. Pain due to constipation is usually generalized, and other symptoms may include:

• Pain and straining during bowel movements
• Bloating
• Blood in stools

12. Stress

Emotional distress can cause recurring abdominal pain in school-aged children. This type of stomach pain, also known as functional abdominal pain, has no known cause.

13. Food allergy or intolerance

Allergic reactions to certain foods can cause stomach pain. For example, lactose intolerant children may experience the following when they consume milk or dairy products:

14. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when stomach contents travel upward and irritate the esophagus. People with GERD may experience the following:

• Pain in the chest or upper abdomen
• Heartburn
• Bad breath
• Tooth decay
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing

15. Kidney stones

Kidney stones are a hard, solid mass of minerals or salts that accumulate in the kidneys. Kidney stone pain is severe and persistent, beginning suddenly in the back or sides. Other symptoms that may occur include nausea and vomiting.

16. Trauma or injury

Any abdominal trauma or injury can cause abdominal pain. Trauma can damage the gut or blood vessels, leading to bleeding or hematoma formation.

17. Gallbladder disease

Gallbladder stones or cholelithiasis is one of the most common gallbladder diseases. Symptoms include fever and jaundice, and pain is usually felt in the upper right part of the abdomen, usually after meals. The increasing prevalence of adolescent obesity has increased the risk of gallstone formation in children.

18. Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease)

Inflammatory bowel disease causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and can result in the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea with or without blood
• Constipation

19. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term condition that affects the large intestine or colon. Symptoms include:

• Chronic abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in bowel movements

20. Peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers are characterized by sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. The most common cause of these ulcers has been identified as an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn
• Vomiting

What are the different types of stomach pain?

The type of abdominal pain is determined by the intensity and location of the pain:

• Generalized pain: More than half of the abdominal area is affected. This type of pain could be related to:

• Indigestion
• Gas
• Viral infection
• Blockage or other serious problem in the intestines

What are treatment options for stomach pain?

The best way to determine whether stomach pain is serious and requires medical attention is to speak to your doctor and undergo further medical evaluation. Do not give your child over-the-counter medications without first consulting your doctor.

For mild abdominal pain, the following home remedies may help provide some relief:

• Sip water or other fluids slowly. Warm liquids may help with pain relief.
• Avoid solid or difficult to digest food for the first few hours.
• Eat bland foods such as rice or crackers.
• Avoid citrusy, greasy, or fatty foods if stomach pain is accompanied by heartburn or indigestion.
• Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages.

Treatment for stomach pain varies depending on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics in the case of an infection
• Anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressants to treat or manage inflammatory diseases
• Pain relievers or analgesics to relieve severe pain
• Stool softeners or laxatives for constipation
• Antacids or H2 blockers for acid reflux
• Counseling or psychological therapy for functional abdominal pain due to emotional distress
• Dietary changes to alleviate symptoms associated with food allergies or intolerance
• Surgery for cases such as appendicitis, ovarian or testicular torsion, abdominal trauma, or intestinal obstruction

While most cases of stomach pain can be managed at home, see a doctor if your child’s symptoms are severe.