[Gynecological aspects of pain in the lower abdomen].

Lower abdominal pain in women may be a manifestation of disorders of various organ systems. In addition to surgical, urological, orthopedic, neurological, and psychogenic problems, gynecological causes have a major role to play. In the absence of other confirmed causes, women with acute or chronic lower-abdominal pain must therefore be submitted to a gynecological investigation. Important components of such an investigation are clinical gynecological examination and transvaginal ultrasonography. In women of childbearing age, a pregnancy test should always be performed. For both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, laparoscopy is constantly gaining in importance.