What is the bump on my lower belly?

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, many abdominal lumps are benign, but a noticeable or changing bump warrants attention. The question, What is the bump on my lower belly?, is a common concern that can have several explanations, ranging from benign to more serious conditions.

Quick Summary

A bump on your lower belly could be a hernia, a fatty lipoma, an ovarian cyst, or other growths, with the cause determining its characteristics and treatment. While many are benign, a changing or painful lump should be evaluated by a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Key Points

Causes Vary: A bump can stem from a variety of sources, including hernias, harmless lipomas, and, in women, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts.
Evaluate Symptoms: Accompanying symptoms like pain, fever, or nausea can indicate a more serious condition, like a strangulated hernia, which requires immediate medical attention.
Professional Diagnosis is Key: Do not self-diagnose; a healthcare provider can determine the exact cause through a physical exam and imaging tests.
Hernias Require Action: Unlike many benign lumps that can be monitored, hernias often require surgical repair to prevent complications.
Watch for Changes: Any noticeable changes in the bump's size, shape, color, or tenderness should prompt a medical evaluation.
Common vs. Rare: While many abdominal bumps are common and harmless (like lipomas), rarer but more serious causes, such as tumors or abscesses, must be ruled out by a professional.

Common Causes of a Lower Abdominal Bump

There are several reasons why a person might develop a bump on their lower belly, with some causes being more common and less concerning than others. Understanding these potential origins can help you know what to look for and when to seek medical advice.

Hernias

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or fascia. This often results in a visible bulge that can become more prominent with straining, such as when coughing or lifting heavy objects. Inguinal and umbilical hernias are two types that can manifest in the lower abdomen.

Inguinal Hernia: More common in men, this type appears as a bulge in the groin area and can sometimes extend into the scrotum. It occurs when the intestines push through a weakened abdominal wall.
Umbilical Hernia: This occurs around the belly button and is most common in infants, though it can also affect adults. It happens when the muscle around the navel doesn't close completely.
Incisional Hernia: If you have had previous abdominal surgery, an incisional hernia can form along the scar where the abdominal wall has been weakened.

Benign Growths: Lipomas and Cysts

Not all lumps are related to internal organs. Many are simply growths within the skin or fatty tissues.

Lipoma: A lipoma is a fatty lump that develops just under the skin. It feels soft and doughy, is typically movable, and grows slowly over time. While they can appear anywhere on the body, including the lower belly, they are almost always benign and usually do not require treatment unless they become painful or bothersome.
Ovarian Cyst: For women, an ovarian cyst can sometimes cause a smooth, rounded mass in the lower abdomen above the pelvis. Most cysts are harmless and resolve on their own, but some may cause pain and require medical evaluation.

Female-Specific Conditions: Fibroids and Adenomyosis

Certain conditions affecting the female reproductive system can lead to bumps or masses in the lower abdominal area.

Uterine Fibroids: These are non-cancerous growths that develop in the wall of the uterus and are quite common during a woman's childbearing years. Large fibroids can sometimes be felt as a hard, lumpy mass in the lower abdomen.
Adenomyosis: This condition involves uterine tissue growing into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing it to enlarge. A symptom can be a swollen or tender lower abdomen.

Other Potential Causes

Beyond the most common culprits, other possibilities for a lower abdominal bump include:

Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin, often following an injury. It can cause a bulge along with bruising and discoloration. Hematomas typically heal on their own over time.
Enlarged Spleen: An enlarged spleen, or splenomegaly, can sometimes be felt as a mass in the left-upper quadrant of the abdomen, though its size can sometimes make it more prominent in the lower area.
Abscess: A pus-filled pocket resulting from an infection. Abdominal abscesses sometimes occur after surgery and require prompt medical treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While some bumps may be benign, certain signs warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. You should contact a doctor if the bump:

Grows larger or changes shape.
Is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or vomiting.
Becomes discolored, red, or tender.
Causes symptoms like bloating or changes in bowel movements.

These symptoms, particularly if associated with a hernia, could indicate a more serious complication, such as a strangulated hernia, which requires immediate medical care.

Understanding Different Types of Abdominal Bumps

The characteristics of an abdominal bump can provide clues about its nature. Its texture, location, and accompanying symptoms can help a doctor narrow down the potential causes.


Feature	Hernia	Lipoma	Ovarian Cyst (Women)	Fibroid (Women)
Feeling	Soft, bulgey, may protrude with straining	Soft, rubbery, easily moved under skin	Smooth, rounded, rubbery	Firm, lumpy, can be felt in lower abdomen
Location	Varies (groin, navel, incision site)	Can be anywhere on the abdomen	Lower abdomen, above the pelvis	Lower abdomen, above the pelvis
Accompanying Symptoms	Aching, pressure, discomfort, pain when coughing or lifting	Usually painless unless pressing on nerves	Bloating, pelvic pain, irregular periods	Pelvic pressure/pain, heavy bleeding
Growth Rate	Can appear suddenly or grow over time with straining	Typically slow-growing	Can grow, but may also resolve on their own	Can grow over time, affected by hormones

Diagnostic Process and Treatment

To determine the cause of a lower abdominal bump, a doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. They may also order further diagnostic tests, which can include:

Imaging Tests: An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can provide detailed images of the abdominal area to identify the source of the bump.
Biopsy: If a tumor is suspected, a small tissue sample may be collected and analyzed for cancerous cells.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Many benign conditions, like small lipomas or cysts, may not require treatment and can be monitored. However, conditions like hernias often require surgical repair to prevent complications. For other issues, medication or lifestyle changes may be recommended.

Conclusion: Prioritize Professional Evaluation

While discovering a bump on your lower belly can be concerning, it's important to remember that many potential causes are not life-threatening. However, self-diagnosis is not recommended, as some underlying conditions can be serious if left untreated. The most crucial step is to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate course of action. Being vigilant about any changes in the bump's size, shape, or associated symptoms can help guide the diagnosis and ensure proper care. For more information on general health and wellness, visit NIH MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

A hernia often feels like a soft bulge or a lump that might become more prominent when you strain, cough, or stand up. It might recede when you lie down. People with a hernia often report a dull ache, pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the area.

Yes, for women, certain bumps or masses can be related to the menstrual cycle. Conditions like ovarian cysts often develop during the childbearing years and can fluctuate in size, sometimes causing bloating and pelvic pain. Uterine fibroids can also cause noticeable abdominal swelling.

Most lipomas are benign and pose no health risk. However, any new or growing lump should be evaluated by a doctor to confirm its identity. A professional can ensure it is indeed a lipoma and not a different, potentially more serious, type of growth.

You should seek immediate medical attention if a bump on your lower belly is accompanied by severe pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, or if it becomes hard and tender to the touch. These could be signs of a strangulated hernia, which is a medical emergency.

In some cases, yes. Excessive straining during heavy weightlifting or intense core exercises can put stress on the abdominal wall and potentially cause or worsen a hernia. However, a bump appearing after exercise could also be an injury like a hematoma, so a doctor should evaluate it.

Doctors typically start with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and medical history. They may then order imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the lump and surrounding tissue. In some cases, a biopsy might be needed to analyze a tissue sample.

While some hernias have genetic factors, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, eating a high-fiber diet to prevent straining from constipation, and using proper form when lifting heavy objects.