Differential Diagnosis for Central Lower Abdominal Pain in Males
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Given the location of the pain, a UTI is a common cause, especially if accompanied by symptoms like dysuria, frequency, or urgency. The central lower abdominal area is where the bladder is located, making UTIs a plausible cause.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with pain that migrates to the right lower quadrant, it can initially cause central lower abdominal pain. It's a common cause of acute abdominal pain that requires prompt diagnosis.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause pain, usually in the left lower quadrant but can sometimes be more central, especially if the sigmoid colon is involved.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, including in the central lower area, along with changes in bowel habits and possibly weight loss.
- Kidney Stones: Nephrolithiasis can cause severe, colicky pain that may start in the flank and radiate to the lower abdomen, including the central area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Aneurysm: An abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause central abdominal pain and is a medical emergency. It's less common but critical to diagnose promptly due to the high risk of rupture.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although rare in males, it's theoretically impossible but included for completeness. However, in the context of this question, it's not applicable. Instead, consider Testicular Torsion as a do-not-miss diagnosis, which can cause lower abdominal pain radiating to the groin.
- Bowel Obstruction: This condition can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. It's a surgical emergency and must be identified quickly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery can mimic appendicitis but is less common. It often resolves on its own but can cause significant pain.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause abdominal pain, is more common in children but can occur in adults.
- Ovarian Torsion: Again, not applicable to males but mentioned for completeness. In males, a rare condition like Spermatic Cord Torsion could be considered, though it's extremely uncommon.