Ovarian pain

Christopher Hobbs:

“Ovarian pain can be experienced during the release of an egg. Infection and the presence of cysts can also be contributing factors.”

Etiologic and Other Factors for Ovarian Pain

1. Gynecological Causes:
   • Ovulation pain (Mittelschmerz): Mild pain during ovulation, often felt mid-cycle.
   • Ovarian cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can rupture or cause discomfort.
   • Endometriosis: Growth of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus, causing pain.
   • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infection of the reproductive organs.
   • Ovarian torsion: Twisting of the ovary, causing sudden and severe pain (a medical emergency).
   • Ectopic pregnancy: Fertilized egg implanting outside the uterus (a serious condition).
2. Non-Gynecological Causes:
   • Urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones.
   • Appendicitis: Pain near the ovary region could signal this.
   • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): May mimic ovarian pain.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe, or sharp pelvic pain.
• Pain accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
• Persistent or worsening pain.
• Irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or unusual discharge.
• Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy (e.g., positive pregnancy test with severe pain).
• Difficulty urinating or defecating, or significant bloating.

These signs could indicate a serious condition like ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, or infection.