Upper left abdominal pain under ribs can have a variety of causes. Here are a few of the most common, but be sure to get an official diagnosis from your doctor.

When you experience sharp lower left abdominal pain, it's most likely a digestive system problem. But it may also be the reproductive, urinary or circulatory system.

Typically caused by hemorrhoids, an anal fissure, diverticulitis, irritable bowel disease, ulcers or colon cancer, rectal bleeding is first noticeable as red blood on your toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, normally after you have a bowel movement. If you notice this symptom, consult your physician.

While there is not much you can do about the way your body digests foods, you are able to improve the speed and even quality of your digestive process. Faster digestion means you will feel lighter sooner, be less sluggish and lower your chances of suffering from heartburn and indigestion.

Women can begin experiencing the symptoms of pregnancy within a few weeks of conception. Some of these symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed, but others can be quite obvious.

Having high levels of uric acid is typically associated with gout, a form of arthritis. A high uric acid level puts you at risk for both gestational hypertension and diabetes.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a long-term, rapidly reversible and highly effective form of contraception. The T-shaped IUD device is placed inside the uterus by a medical professional. Two types of IUDs are available in the United States.

Your gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats. If you have gallbladder problems, you should avoid foods with high fat so your gallbladder does not have to work as hard.

Most packages of food include a sell-by or use-by date that helps stores and consumers know how long each item is safe for consumption. Eating foods that have expired might increase your risk for certain illnesses or conditions.

Heart bypass surgery, also called coronary bypass surgery, is performed to restore blood flow to your heart when a section of an artery in your heart is blocked. If you have heart disease, bypass surgery is one of multiple potential treatment options.

Many conditions can cause right jaw and ear pain. According to Family Doctor.org, a website produced by the American Academy of Family Physicians, ear pain is sometimes associated with jaw conditions. Because of their proximity, the ear and jaw may be affected by the same condition, disease or injury.

More than 10.4 million visits were made to U.S. emergency rooms for abdominal pain in 2010, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The causes of abdominal pain are many and range from self-limited to life-threatening.