Lower Abdominal Pain in London – When You Need Blood or Urine Tests

Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Results within 24 – 42 hours. Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Lower abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical testing in London. The discomfort may be sharp, cramping, dull, bloating, or constant. It can appear after eating, during the day, at night, or suddenly without warning. Lower abdominal pain has many causes, including infections, urinary issues, bowel problems, inflammation, muscle strain or gynaecological conditions.

Clinically, we see many London patients who develop lower abdominal pain during stressful weeks, after eating certain foods, or when feeling run down. Blood and urine tests are often the fastest way to identify the cause, rule out serious problems, and guide treatment. This guide explains the main causes and the precise tests offered at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre to support diagnosis.

Why Does Lower Abdominal Pain Happen?

Lower abdominal pain varies depending on the structure involved.
Common causes include:

Urinary causes

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Kidney irritation
• Dehydration
• Bladder inflammation

Digestive causes

• Constipation
• Irritable bowel irritation
• Food sensitivities
• Gas or bloating

Infectious causes

• STIs (especially chlamydia or gonorrhoea)
• Pelvic infection
• Viral inflammation

Gynaecological causes (female patients)

• Ovulation pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

This is why targeted testing is essential.

Common Symptoms That Come with Lower Abdominal Pain

People often report:

• Burning when urinating
• Increased frequency
• Pressure in the pelvis
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Lower back pain
• Fever or chills
• Vaginal discharge (female)
• Penile discharge or testicular pain (male)
• Pain during sex
• Stomach discomfort after certain foods

Blood and urine tests help distinguish between these causes.

When Is Lower Abdominal Pain Serious?

Seek urgent medical assessment if you have:

• Pain increasing over hours
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Blood in urine
• Severe pain after sex
• Fainting or dizziness
• Persistent right- or left-sided pain
• Severe pelvic pain
• Pain with swelling of the testicles
• Vaginal bleeding outside your period

These symptoms may require immediate attention.

Risk Factors for Lower Abdominal Pain

You may be more likely to experience lower abdominal pain if you:

• Drink little water
• Have a history of UTIs
• Have IBS or bowel sensitivities
• Have unprotected sex
• Recently changed diet
• Experience high stress
• Have poor sleep
• Exercise intensely
• Recently travelled
• Have low vitamin levels

These factors often overlap in busy London lifestyles.

Key Tests for Lower Abdominal Pain

At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, several tests help identify the cause.

Urine Analysis & Urine Culture

This is the most important initial test.

Detects:

• UTI
• Kidney irritation
• Blood in urine
• Protein loss
• Bacterial infection

Symptoms matched:

• Burning
• Frequency
• Cloudy urine
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic pressure

MDC offers same-day urine testing.

Full STI Testing (Advanced SH1 Panel)

Lower abdominal pain is a common STI symptom.

Detects:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Mycoplasma
• Ureaplasma
• Trichomonas
• HIV (optional)
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis panel (optional)

Symptoms matched:

• Pelvic discomfort
• Pain after sex
• Vaginal discharge
• Penile discharge
• Testicular pain

This panel is highly recommended for sexually active patients.

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Checks for:

• Infection
• Anaemia
• Inflammation
• High white cell count

Useful when pain is sharp or paired with fever.

CRP (Inflammation Marker)

Shows whether the body is fighting infection or inflammation.

Kidney Function

Important when lower abdominal pain radiates to the back.

Symptoms matched:

• Pain on one side
• Severe lower back pain
• Pain after dehydration
• Nausea

Liver Function

Occasionally used when symptoms include nausea or digestive discomfort.

HbA1c (Blood Sugar Stability)

Blood sugar swings can lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Vitamin & Mineral Profile

Low vitamins can contribute to:

• Cramping
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Slow digestion

MDC Profiles Recommended for Lower Abdominal Pain

Urine Analysis & Culture

First-line test when symptoms involve urination or pelvic discomfort.

Advanced SH1 Sexual Health Panel

Important when pain is linked to sex, discharge, or STI risk.

Wellness Profile

Comprehensive profile covering blood count, infection markers, vitamins, minerals and organ function.

Kidney Function Test

Recommended when pain radiates to the back or is severe on one side.

Vitamin & Mineral Profile

Useful when symptoms include bloating or cramping.

Table: Symptoms and Matching Tests

Clinical Insight

Lower abdominal pain is common in London, especially when hydration, stress and sexual health factors overlap. Blood and urine tests are often the most effective way to identify the cause quickly.
– Dr Lauren Holland

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Book Your Lower Abdominal Pain Tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00

Fast, private and confidential testing with results in 24–42 hours.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Quick Links

• Advanced Sexual Health Panel
• STI Testing London
• Cardiac Profile
• HbA1c Test
• Full Lipid Panel
• Fatigue and Energy Profile
• Kidney Function Test
• Electrolytes Test
• Liver Function Test
• Thyroid Function Test
• Magnesium Test
• Full Blood Count
• Urinalysis & Culture
• Book an Appointment
• ECG Testing
• Wellness Profile
• Pancreatic Profile

Read More

• NHS – Abdominal Pain Overview
• NHS – Urinary Tract Infection
• NHS – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH)
• NHS – STI Symptoms and Testing