Ovarian Pain

Causes of Ovarian Pain

Ovarian pain can be caused by various factors, including:

Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs found on one or both ovaries. Most types of ovarian cysts are benign and likely to resolve on their own, but may cause symptoms such as pain. Cysts may rupture, leading to increased abdominal and pelvic pain.

Mittelschmerz Pain: Benign pain associated with ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary during a normal menstrual cycle. This pain is typically limited to one side and occurs 14 days prior to the start of menses.

Dysmenorrhea / Menstrual Pain: A cramping pain that may occur during or prior to menstruation as the uterine lining is shed.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Certain infections, including sexually transmitted infections, may ascend from the external genitalia to involve structures in the abdomen, including the ovaries, causing pain. If left untreated, this can lead to long-term complications, such as infertility or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. This pregnancy is not viable and is a medical emergency, as rupture and complications may occur.

Ovarian Torsion: An ovary may twist around the ligaments that hold it in place, causing decreased blood flow to the ovary and severe pain. This pain is typically sudden in onset, severe, and unilateral. This is a medical emergency and surgical intervention is required to restore blood flow to the ovary.

Ovarian Mass: Tumors can originate in the ovary and cause ovarian pain. 

Symptoms of Ovarian Pain

The symptoms of ovarian pain may vary based on the underlying cause. Lower abdominal or pelvic pain may be sharp, dull, or cramping, may be unilateral or bilateral, and may wax and wane or be constant. Other symptoms may include:

• Bloating
• Fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as following intercourse or between menstrual cycles
• Pain during intercourse
• Fever
• Weight loss

Impact of Ovarian Pain

Certain conditions causing ovarian pain may progress, worsen, or lead to complications.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: If left untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease can result in significant scarring in the abdominal area and around the reproductive organs, leading to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. The infection may also worsen and lead to the formation of an abscess or a bloodstream infection.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: If unmanaged, an ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, leading to internal bleeding, risk for infection, and impaired future fertility.
• Ovarian Torsion: If unmanaged, ovarian torsion results in loss of blood flow to the ovary, causing tissue death and loss of the ovary and fallopian tube. This can lead to infection and impaired future fertility.