Pain under the ribs in the right upper abdomen in women can be associated with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders such as viral hepatitis, gallbladder stones and ulcerative colitis. Because the right upper abdomen contains organs such as the liver, gallbladder and colon, any of these organ lesions can cause pain. However, it is also important to note that in addition to gastrointestinal diseases, other respiratory or circulatory diseases such as tuberculosis, rheumatic heart disease, pleurisy, and localised muscle injuries can cause pain under the ribs. The exact cause of this pain should be determined by your doctor at the hospital.