Abdominal and pelvic pain is caused by many medical conditions. Hernia A hernia occurs when an organ or part of an organ pushes through a weakness in the muscle wall that usually holds it in place. This type of abdominal pain is most common in men and older adults. A hernia may cause discomfort when you cough, sneeze, lift something heavy, or exercise. Diverticulitis When tiny sacs (diverticula) develop on the intestine lining, the intestinal contents bulge into surrounding tissues. Most diverticula are harmless, but some develop complications resulting in abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, or constipation (difficulty passing stool). Diverticulitis occurs when those tiny sacs become inflamed. Appendicitis The appendix is a finger-sized tube that attaches to the large intestine. When the appendix is inflamed (appendicitis), it is the most common cause of abdominal pain in adults. Other causes of abdominal or pelvic pain include: Constipation. Having a bowel movement can cause pain if there is a hard stool (fecal impaction) inside the rectum and you try to pass it. Nausea and vomiting often accompany this type of blockage. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause abdominal and pelvic pain. With IBD, your immune system attacks your intestines, which could cause severe stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. Exercise-induced abdominal pain results from a muscle injury or a hernia. Issues related to the pelvis, such as: - Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are also causes of abdominal and pelvic pain. The location, nature, and cause of the pain are critical in determining the appropriate treatment.