Should I go to the ER with lower left sided abdominal pain

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have lower left mid abdominal pain that has been going on a week and half. I was told by my doc office to take Miralax and see if it would help. It has not. I have pain when I urinate, have a bowel movement and it is also in my lower back. I am nauseous without a fever. Should I go to the ER for an ultrasound?

Dear Chelsea: There are many causes of pain abdomen and in your case the history that the pain has continued for a week warrants for a physical examination and diagnostic tests. The most common causes of left sided abdominal pain are due to gastritis, pancreatitis, urinary tract infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, twisted or ruptured ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy and constipation.

Since you have mentioned that you have pain when you urinate, this is more suggestive of a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone. It is advisable to visit the ER for an ultrasound, abdominal x-ray or IVP to diagnose the cause of pain.