Belly button pain can be caused by a variety of issues. The belly button, also known as the umbilicus or navel, is the small scar in the center of the abdomen from where the umbilical cord was attached during pregnancy. While the belly button itself has no pain receptors, the skin and tissue around it does. Belly button pain can therefore signal an issue with the underlying abdominal organs or structures.
Common causes of belly button pain in females
Some common causes of belly button pain in females include:
- Infections
- Hernias
- Cysts
- Endometriosis
- Abdominal adhesions
- Menstrual cramps
- Pregnancy
- Abdominal surgery
Infections
Infections around the belly button are a common cause of pain. The belly button is prone to collecting bacteria, dead skin cells, and sweat. This can lead to inflammation and infection of the skin and tissue around the navel. Common belly button infections include:
- Belly button yeast infection (candidiasis) – Caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring Candida yeast in the navel area. Common symptoms are redness, itching, irritation, and discharge.
- Bacterial infection – Caused by bacteria such as streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. Symptoms may include pain, redness, swelling, pus drainage, fever, and abdominal cramping.
Hernias
A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak spot or hole in the muscle or tissue that surrounds it. Belly button hernias specifically involve the small intestine protruding through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the navel.
There are different types of belly button hernias:
- Umbilical hernia – Part of the small intestine bulges through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
- Paraumbilical hernia – Intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel.
Hernias usually cause pain and discomfort in the navel area that increases with prolonged standing or heavy lifting. A visible bulge may be present. Risk factors for developing a belly button hernia include obesity, multiple pregnancies, chronic coughing or constipation, prior abdominal surgery, and ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation).
Cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the skin and tissue around the navel. Types of cysts that may cause belly button pain include:
- Epidermal inclusion cyst – Develops from skin cells that get trapped beneath the surface and multiply, forming a lump.
- Urachal cyst – Forms from remnants of the urachus, which connected the bladder to the umbilical cord.
- Omphalomesenteric duct cyst – Develops from remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct that connected the umbilical cord to the small intestine.
Cysts typically cause a tender, movable lump in or near the navel. They may become red, inflamed and painful if infected.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside of the uterus. Belly button endometriosis can occur if endometrial cells are present in the skin and scar tissue of the umbilicus.
Symptoms of belly button endometriosis may include:
- Severe pain in or around the navel during menstruation
- Spotting or bleeding from the belly button
- A painful nodule in the belly button
Endometriosis is more common in women who have had abdominal surgery, likely due to endometrial cells seeding in surgical scars.
Abdominal adhesions
Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between organs and tissues inside the abdomen. They can develop after infections, surgeries, or radiation treatment. If adhesions form near the belly button, they may cause chronic pain by pulling on the tissue when organs shift or move.
Menstrual cramps
Some women experience periumbilical pain during their menstrual periods. Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus contracts to shed its lining. The contractions are triggered by prostaglandins and other chemicals.
Mild belly button discomfort may radiate from the cramping uterus during periods. Severe cramping can also cause nausea and vomiting which can strain the belly button area.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the growing uterus expands upward and outward, putting pressure on the surrounding abdominal tissue. The connective tissue stretching around the belly button may cause mild pain or sensitivity.
More serious causes of belly button pain during pregnancy include:
- Hernia – increased abdominal pressure can cause herniation.
- Preeclampsia – a condition causing high blood pressure.
- Ectopic pregnancy – embryo implants outside the uterus.
Severe belly button pain during pregnancy should be evaluated promptly by a doctor.
Abdominal surgery
Abdominal surgery done through the navel, such as laparoscopic surgery, can cause post-operative belly button pain. This may be due to:
- Inflammation from surgical manipulation.
- Bruising under the incision.
- Infection of the wound.
- Development of scar tissue and adhesions.
Improper closure or poor healing of the umbilical incision can also contribute to ongoing pain after belly button surgery.
Less common causes of belly button pain
While less common, other possible causes of belly button pain include:
- Diabetes – Poor blood sugar control can cause infection and nerve pain.
- Malignancy – Cancer in organs like the pancreas, ovaries, colon, stomach, and uterus may cause referred pain around the navel.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm – Ballooning of the major abdominal artery.
- Fibrous remnant syndrome – Chronic inflammatory condition causing scarring under the navel.
- Foreign body – Objects like jewelry trapped in the belly button.
- Liver disease – Enlarged liver causing pressure near the navel.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, mild belly button discomfort resolves on its own. However, prompt medical evaluation is recommended if you have:
- Moderate to severe pain
- Pain that persists for more than a few days
- Additional symptoms like fever, chills, vomiting, or abnormal discharge
- Visible swelling, redness, or bleeding
- Lump in your navel
- Pain accompanied by sudden weight loss
- Belly button pain along with abdominal bloating or constipation
- Sharp belly button pain that comes and goes
Pregnant women should be evaluated urgently for belly button pain. Seek emergency care if the pain is severe or you have symptoms like bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge.
Diagnosing the cause of belly button pain
To diagnose the underlying cause of belly button pain, the doctor will begin with a review of your health history and symptoms. Important questions they may ask include:
- Where exactly is the pain located?
- When did the pain start and how has it progressed?
- How would you describe the pain (sharp, dull, cramping, constant, intermittent, etc.)?
- Does anything make the pain better or worse?
- What other symptoms are you experiencing?
- Have you had any recent injury or surgery involving your abdomen or navel?
- Could you be pregnant?
The physical exam will focus on the abdomen and umbilicus. Your doctor will look for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, bleeding, bulges, or masses.
Imaging tests may include:
- Ultrasound – to look for cysts or hernias.
- CT scan – to identify masses, tumors, infections, or abdominal abnormalities.
- MRI – for a detailed view of soft tissues.
Other possible tests include:
- Blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation.
- Pregnancy test in women of childbearing age.
- Skin culture of draining fluid to identify infectious organisms.
- Biopsy of tissue samples for analysis.
Once the underlying problem is identified, appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Treatments for belly button pain
Treatment will depend on the diagnosed cause of the belly button pain. Some general treatment approaches may include:
- Antibiotics – For bacterial infections of the skin, tissue, or abdomen.
- Antifungals – To clear up stubborn yeast or fungal infections.
- Steroid creams – To reduce inflammation from rashes, eczema, or contact irritation.
- Surgical repair – For hernias, cysts, endometriosis lesions, or tumors.
- Drainage of abscesses – Accumulated pus may need to be drained.
- Adhesiolysis – Cutting abdominal adhesions via laparoscopy.
- Umbilicoplasty – Reshaping a protruding or scarred belly button.
For mild cases caused by folliculitis, yeast, or irritation, over-the-counter medicated creams and proper navel hygiene may be sufficient.
Prescription medication may be required for moderate to severe infections. Analgesics can help relieve discomfort from menstrual cramps. If a problematic cyst, abscess, or mass is present, referral to a surgeon for excision may be warranted.
Home remedies for belly button pain
Some simple home remedies may help soothe mild belly button discomfort or irritation:
- Wash hands before touching the navel area to prevent bacteria transfer.
- Gently clean inside the belly button daily using a damp washcloth. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
- Apply a warm compress to the navel to promote drainage and healing.
- Use an antimicrobial ointment inside the belly button to clear minor infection.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritation and friction.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen to ease discomfort.
- Avoid tight clothing and belts that may aggravate belly button pain.
Practice good navel hygiene to prevent common infections. See a doctor promptly if symptoms persist or worsen despite home treatments.
Prevention of belly button pain
Preventing belly button infections helps reduce associated pain and complications:
- Clean the navel daily using mild soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels or clothing that may spread bacteria.
- Do not pick at scabs or crusts. Allow them to fall out naturally.
- Wear loose, cotton clothing and avoid excessive sweating.
- Keep the navel dry after swimming or bathing.
- Disinfect piercings and jewelry regularly.
- Practice safe piercing and tattooing using sterile technique.
Promptly treating any infections, managing diseases like diabetes, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent recurrent belly button problems.
When to see a doctor
Consult a doctor for belly button pain that:
- Lasts more than a few days
- Is accompanied by discharge, bleeding, or fever
- Is severe or progressively worsening
- Persists after trying home remedies
- Occurs along with other concerning symptoms
Pregnant women should be evaluated immediately for belly button pain. Seek emergency medical care for trauma to the abdomen resulting in navel pain or injury.
Key points
- Common causes of belly button pain in females include infections, cysts, hernias, endometriosis, adhesions, menstrual cramps, pregnancy, and post-surgical pain.
- Severe, persistent, or worsening navel pain should be evaluated promptly by a doctor.
- Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms, performing a physical exam of the abdomen, and may require imaging or lab tests.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, antifungals, pain medication, surgical repair, drainage, or excision.
- Practicing good navel hygiene helps prevent many belly button infections and irritation.
Conclusion
Belly button pain has many possible causes, ranging from mild irritation to serious conditions requiring surgery. Infections are a prime culprit, but cysts, hernias, endometriosis, pregnancy-related causes, abdominal adhesions, tumors, and trauma can also be responsible.
Diagnosing the exact cause of umbilical pain based on symptoms and medical testing is key to getting proper treatment. While home remedies can help soothe mild cases, severe or persistent navel pain should be evaluated by a doctor.
Practicing careful belly button hygiene, managing any underlying medical conditions, and promptly treating infections can help reduce the risk of troubling navel pain.