Stomach pains

I have been experiencing this nagging pain in my left lower stomach for the past week.   It's located down below my belly button. It seems to be fairly constant and makes it difficult for me to concentrate on my work or anything else.  It has even interfered with my sleep.  I have never had a pain that lasted this long before.  I am 42 years old male but I don't believe I am constipated because I go to the bathroom at least once a day, usually in the morning after coffee.  But I took some milk of magnesia anyway, hoping it would help.  It didn't.  I don't think I pulled a muscle in stomach.  I have to admit that against my wife's advice I took 3 Advil tablets this morning and it did help some.  What do you think this is?

[J.M. Keyes, MD]

Hi there,
The fact that Advil helped makes it possible that it is a muscular pull (especially if it started after some strenuous activity), which can be quite painful.  Pain that wakes you from sleep is a bit worrisome though, so if it is still hanging on, I would have it looked at by your physician.  There are a lot of things in the abdomen that could be causing it, from bowel issues, to hernia, to radiating testicular problems or urinary tract problems.  Review any other symptoms you may be having with your physician so that they will know which investigations are appropriate, if any.

Good luck,
JMK MD