Every Thing You Need to Know About Abdominal Pain in Male
Overview
Stomach cramps or abdominal pain most commonly occurs in adults and children. But in males, abdominal pain addresses several causes depending on the severity and accompanying symptoms. The stomach is an essential organ and home to your digestive organs. It includes:
- appendix
- intestines
- gallbladder
- liver
- pancreas
- rectum
Sometimes, stomach cramps may come from somewhere else in your gastrointestinal tract. The abdominal is often described as an uncomfortable pain between the ribs and pelvic region. The duration and area of abdominal pain may help determine the cause and treatment. Most cases of abdominal pain in men tend to be mild and resolve on their own within a few days or less.
Whereas recurring, ongoing, or more severe abdominal pain must need medical attention or a trip to the emergency room. To cope with abdominal pain, you must know the cause of mild to severe abdominal pain. Down here, we share the most common causes of abdominal in men, some guidance on when you need to see a doctor, and treatments.
What are the causes of mild stomach cramps in men?
Stomach cramps occur more commonly, and they are to be mild. These are temporary (acute) and may come and go without any treatment. The pain and discomfort aren't as severe. The causes of mild stomach cramps may include:
Indigestion
You may experience stomach cramps after eating with heartburn and bloating. Antacids or eating slower may help you with this pain.
OverEating
When you eat large meals or overeat, you may experience stomach cramps. Your digestive system has to work hard to process all the food you consume. It could worsen at night when you eat a large meal before going to bed.
Irregular bowel movements:
You may experience abdominal pain due to diarrhea and constipation. Drinking water, eating enough fiber, and exercising may relieve these symptoms.
Gas and bloating
You may experience Abdominal pain with gas and bloat. These symptoms are signs of constipation and diarrhea. Eating slower may help.
Stress or anxiety
Occasional or prolonged stress and anxiety may create abdominal pain. Relaxation techniques can also help, but seek professional help if your mental health does not improve.
Do exercise with a full stomach
When you eat large meals before your workout, it may cause abdominal pain. Small portions of meals at least an hour before exercising can help prevent abdominal discomfort.
Muscle strains
You can feel abdominal pain after a core workout. Muscle strains can cause your abdominal and back muscles to be sore for several hours later. Drink water and stretch after your workout when your muscles are warm to prevent this.
What are the severe causes of abdominal pain in men?
Most mild cases of abdominal pain tend to resolve on their own at home without needing to see a doctor. The chronic stomach cramps start suddenly with shooting pain and last long for hours or days. Below we discuss severe causes of abdominal pain, including:
Appendicitis
You may experience abdominal pain due to appendicitis is a painful condition caused by an inflamed appendix. The appendix is an organ located on the lower right side of the abdomen. This medical condition has the following symptoms:
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- fever
A surgical removal (appendectomy) is required before the appendix ruptures, leading to potentially life-threatening problems.
Bowel obstruction
You may experience abdominal pain due to bowel obstruction when portions of your intestines become closed off. It can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. Bowel obstruction may cause due to underlying medical conditions such as hernias, inflammatory bowel diseases, and tumors. You may also experience the following symptoms:
- bloating
- dehydration
- lack of appetite
- inability to pass stools
It is a chronic condition and needs emergency medical attention. The doctor will perform surgery to correct the obstructed bowels.
Gallstones
The gallstones may cause colicky and severe abdominal pain in the right side of your stomach. You may feel pain extend to your back and right shoulder. The doctor performs surgery to remove the gallbladder considered the best way to treat this condition.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones also cause colicky and severe pain last for hours. You may feel pain extend to your groin. The stomach cramps accompany other symptoms like painful urination and nausea.
It may be a medical emergency treated with medications to help pass small kidney stones or a surgical procedure for larger ones.
Viral and bacterial infections
Sometimes a bacterial and viral infection can cause severe stomach pain. Usually, bacterial and viral infections are caused by food poisoning and Rotaviruses. You may have stomach cramps along with severe diarrhea and vomiting. Drink plenty of water, and eating saltine crackers can also help. These infections may go on their own in a day or two, but you must see your doctor if you feel no better.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic condition characterized by a group of disorders that cause chronic inflammation (pain and swelling) in the intestines. IBD exists in two forms Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both can damage the intestinal tract and may cause the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain
- bloody stools
- chronic diarrhea
The doctor prescribes you medications to alleviate symptoms and gastrointestinal damage.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD may characterize as a chronic form of Acid reflux that may lead to esophagus damage when left untreated. You may experience:
- heartburn
- bad breath
- upper abdominal pain
- swallowing problems
The treatment of GERD includes at-home changes and medications that reduce acid production.
Stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers are also called peptic ulcers. The symptoms of stomach ulcers include pain and burning sensations you feel from your lower abdomen to your breastbone.
You may experience pain coming in waves and may last for up to several hours, at a time, especially at night. Bacterial infections and nonsteroidal overdose of the anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) are the primary cause of ulcers.
The doctor may prescribe medications to treat these infections that cause an ulcer.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS is characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain that is more chronic. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. You may experience these symptoms that come and goes with time and can last for days, weeks, or months.
It is usually a lifelong problem and only can manage by self-care measures. It does not have the same underlying inflammation and gastrointestinal damage as IBD.
Functional dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is a term for recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion and has no apparent underlying cause. You may also experience feelings of fullness, bloating, and belching. Functional dyspepsia is long-lasting and not controlled by lifestyle changes that may require treatment. The treatment depends on your signs and symptoms. Keep tracking your symptoms and share them with a doctor.
Inguinal hernia
The most common type of hernia typically occurs in males. Inguinal hernias occur when fatty tissue or a part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. You may experience abdominal pain due to a small lump developed on your thigh. This condition can cause life-threatening complications. Your doctor recommends surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that is painful or enlarging.
Testicular torsion
It occurs when the spermatic cords attached to the testicles can become twisted and restrict blood flow. You may experience abdominal pain with these symptoms:
- nausea
- vomiting
- pain when urinating
- swelling in the scrotum
Many males may suffer from this condition between 12 and 18, but it can occur at any age, even before birth. Testicular torsion is correct by the surgery.
When Should You Call the Doctor About Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain is widespread and mild and may go without treatment. For example, if you are experiencing abdominal discomfort because of gas or bloating, it may simply go with time.
Call the doctor if you have severe abdominal pain caused by trauma (from an accident or injury) or feel pressure or pain in your chest. Seek immediate medical attention if you may experience the following symptoms:
- blood in stools
- high fever (greater than 101°F or 38.33°C)
- blood comes in vomiting (called hematemesis)
- persistent vomiting or nausea
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- swelling or severe tenderness of the abdomen
- difficulty in breathing
- pain in your arm, neck, and jaw (especially on the left side)
If you experience the above symptoms with severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours
In case of mild or moderate abdominal pain, you should call your doctor if you experience:
- abdominal pain lasts more than 24 hours
- prolonged constipation
- a burning sensation when you urinate
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
Abdominal Pain Diagnosis
The doctor may diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain through an honest conversation about what you are experiencing or a series of tests. The doctor will do a physical examination before ordering tests. The procedure includes gently pressing on different areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling.
You have to answer these questions:
- Where do you exactly feel the pain?
- Is the pain always present in this location, or does it move?
- How severe is the pain?
- Is the pain persists or come and go?
- Is the pain so intense that it disturbs your job?
- When the pain began, what were you doing?
- At which time of day the pain becomes worst?
- When did you last time pass the stool?
- Do you have regular bowel movements?
- Are there any changes in your urine you noticed? Have you made any significant changes to your diet?
- Do you take any herbal supplements or medications?
- Do you feel pain after eating certain foods or drinking alcohol?
- How long have you been hurting?
- Does the pain move into your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks?
- Does eating or lying on one side may ease the pain?
- Does any activity or position make the pain worse?
- Were you injured recently?
Your doctor will recommend you some tests after reviewing this information.
Diagnostic Tests
If your doctor suspects a medical health condition, will advise any of the following tests. They are used to help diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain:
- Blood, urine, or stool tests
- X-ray of the abdomen
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen
- MRI scans
- Barium enema
- Endoscopic procedures (inserting a flexible tube with a tiny camera through your mouth or rectum to view areas inside your digestive tract)
If you are experiencing lower right abdomen pain, the doctor suggests seeing a specialist. For example:
- a gastroenterologist if you have pain related to the digestive system
- a urologist if you experience pain as the result of bladder or kidney problems
Treatment and Medication Options for Abdominal Pain In Male
The treatment for abdominal pain typically depends on its cause. The best treatment for mild to moderate abdominal pain may involve self-care measures, over-the-counter or prescription medications. As for severe abdominal pain, procedures may include drug injections or surgery.
Self-care measures
Mild abdominal pain can treat without any medication and take self-care steps. They are as follows:
What You Should Know About Abdominal Pain
- Mild abdominal pain can cause by something simple. It could be from gas pains or overeating.
- Sometimes, abdominal pain indicates the start of a viral infection. It shows symptoms like vomiting or loose stools.
- Watching your symptoms for 2 hours will help you know the cause of the pain.
- Here we share some guidance that enables you to cope with pain.
Lie Down
- You must lie down and rest until feeling better.
Clear Fluids
- Sip only clear fluids for more than 2 hours until the pain is gone.
- Drink clear fluids like water, flat soft drinks, half-strength Gatorade, broth, and water mixed with fruit juice. Then slowly return to a regular diet.
Diet
- Avoiding solid foods for a few hours
- Avoid dairy products, citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
- Eat soft foods, like crackers, rice, bananas, or applesauce.
Be ready for vomiting
- Keep a vomiting pan near you.
- Stomach pain may accompany nausea.
Pass a Stool
- Sit on the toilet; do not strain and try to pass a stool.
- It can help with pain caused by diarrhea or constipation.
- Move a warm wet cotton ball to the anus to treat constipation.
Avoid Medicines
- Any drug (like Asprin and ibuprofen) can upset the stomach lining, worsening the pain.
- Do not take any pain medicines or laxatives for stomach cramps.
- For fever over 102° F (39° C), you may take acetaminophen (Tylenol).
What to Expect
- The pain may go or better in 2 hours with harmless causes.
- You may experience cramps before each vomiting or diarrhea in stomach flu. These cramps may come and go for a few days.
- With serious causes such as appendicitis, the pain worsens and becomes constant.
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies
The doctor may prescribe OTC remedies for abdominal pain, depending on the underlying cause. You may be able to use these include:
- fiber for constipation
- antacids for heartburn
- gas-relieving remedies
- antidiarrheal medications
- acetaminophen, for muscle strains
Before taking OTC medications for abdominal pain, you must ask your doctor, especially if you have any underlying conditions.
Surgery
Surgery is a last-resort treatment and is required to prevent certain conditions from causing more damage to your digestive tract. It may be necessary for some people with severe abdominal pain.
Lifestyle changes
Few lifestyle changes and dietary choices will help prevent abdominal pain. They also manage abdominal pain effectively. Because of some foods and activities triggers abdominal pain. The following steps may help prevent abdominal pain:
Drink plenty of water: Splurge on water and other fluids to help you prevent constipation.
Develop regular bowel habits: Try to develop regular bowel movements to avoid constipation.
Eat more fiber: Add fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, to your diet. It can help support healthy digestion and can treat constipation.
Eat slow and smaller meals: Chew more and eat smaller meals instead of a full meal. It prevents you from the pain that occurs due to overeating or eating on an empty stomach.
Be physically active: Try to exercise regularly to prevent constipation. It also strengthens your abdominal muscles, which may help in straining prevention.
Avoid trigger foods: It may help reduce heartburn, indigestion, and IBS symptoms.
Manage your mental health: Stress and anxiety may cause abdominal pain. Relaxation methods can help alleviate these conditions if these are regularly contributing to your abdominal pain.
Wear a seatbelt properly: Wearing a seatbelt prevent abdominal injury from a car accident.
