Ovary Pain (Ovulation Pain)

Many women experience ovary pain at some points in their lives. This discomfort makes them worry about their health. The ovary pain might strike suddenly and disappear quickly (acute pain) or last several months (chronic pain). This sensation affects numerous women during their lifetime and naturally raises concerns.

The discomfort often relates to regular monthly ovulation—a condition doctors call mittelschmerz. The pain happens on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle when the ovary releases an egg. Women might feel steady pain or intermittent discomfort that becomes more intense during physical activities like exercise. The body's normal functions can cause painful ovaries, though some cases might signal more serious conditions.

This article explores ovary pain's various aspects, including its location, accompanying symptoms and reasons behind period-related discomfort or pain on both sides. Knowledge about potential causes helps women decide the right time to ask for medical help, whether they experience mild twinges or sharp aches.

What is Ovary Pain?

Many women experience ovary pain. The pain shows up in your lower abdomen below the belly button, pelvis, or lower back. You might feel this discomfort in one or both ovaries. The pain varies from mild to severe and can be chronic (lasting several months) or acute (appearing suddenly).

Types of Ovary Pain

Women experience two main types - dull, consistent aches or sharp, sudden bursts of pain. Some women notice pain that comes and goes, while others deal with constant discomfort that gets worse with activities like exercise.

Ovary Pain Symptoms 

Women might experience:

• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
• Fullness or heaviness sensation
• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Difficulty urinating

Causes of Ovary Pain 

Ovary pain doesn't stem from a single condition. The most common cause is ovulation pain that happens during egg release from the ovary. Notwithstanding that, several other conditions could be responsible:

• Ovarian cysts - Fluid-filled sacs that develop on ovaries
• Endometriosis - Uterine tissue growing outside the womb
• Pelvic inflammatory disease - Infection in reproductive organs
• Ovarian torsion - Twisting of an ovary
• Ovarian tumours - Benign or malignant ovarian cancers
• Ovarian remnant syndrome - A small ovarian tissue left behind after removing ovaries

Risk Factors of Ovary Pain 

The following factors can increase the risk of ovary pain:

• Age (especially when you have gone through menopause)
• Inherited gene mutations
• Starting menstrual cycle before age 12
• Starting menopause after age 52
• No history of pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Infertility treatments

Complications of Ovary Pain 

Unattended ovary pain can cause several complications. These are:

• Rupture of ovarian cysts
• Internal bleeding
• Infection
• Ovarian tissue death from torsion
• Scarring in the pelvis
• Fertility issues
• Chronic pelvic pain

Diagnosis for Ovary Pain

Finding the reason behind ovary pain needs proper medical evaluation. Doctors use several methods to identify what's happening inside your body:

• Medical history & physical examination that includes a pelvic exam to check for inflammation or tenderness
• Questions about the pain's start time, intensity, and its effect on daily activities
• A pelvic ultrasound shows cysts, masses, or other abnormalities
• Blood tests check for infection or cancer markers like CA125
• Pregnancy test rules out pregnancy-related conditions
• Advanced imaging like CT scans or MRI helps with complex cases
• Laparoscopy provides a definitive diagnosis in certain conditions

Treatments for Ovary Pain 

• Careful monitoring works for conditions like functional cysts that resolve naturally.
• Over-the-counter pain medications help with mild discomfort
• Hormonal birth control pills prevent ovulation and reduce cyst formation
• Antibiotics treat infection that causes pain
• The heating pad application gives temporary relief
• Laparoscopic surgery removes cysts or endometriosis tissue
• Traditional surgery (laparotomy) helps with larger cysts or suspected cancer

When to See a Doctor 

Immediately contact your doctor if you feel:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain with fever, nausea or vomiting
• Shock symptoms including clammy skin, rapid breathing or lightheadedness
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding between periods
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Symptoms that affect daily activities
• Pain that lasts longer than a normal menstrual cycle

Conclusion

Every woman needs to understand ovary pain to maintain good health. Our bodies communicate through pain signals, and women who recognise these messages can take the right steps. Most reasons aren't major health concerns. They are regular body processes.

Many women experience mittelschmerz, a type of pain that occurs during ovulation and usually goes away on its own. But ongoing pain could point to conditions like ovarian cysts or endometriosis that need a doctor's attention.

Women must pay attention to their symptoms. They should seek immediate medical care if they experience sudden, severe pain with fever or vomiting. A doctor's visit becomes necessary when the pain disrupts daily life.

The right treatment depends on what's causing the pain. Mild cases often improve with over-the-counter pain medication, while complex cases might require hormone therapy or surgery. Women should trust what their bodies tell them.

Knowing about the causes of pain in the ovary helps women distinguish normal discomfort from serious symptoms. This knowledge helps them communicate with doctors and make thoughtful decisions about their reproductive health. A proper diagnosis guides the right treatment path and most ovarian conditions improve with quick medical care.

FAQs

1. What is the main cause of ovary pain?

Ovary pain doesn't stem from a single condition. These include:

• Ovulation 
• Ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovarian torsion
• Ovarian tumours (benign or cancerous)
• Ovarian remnant syndrome

2. How long is ovary pain normal?

Regular ovulation pain typically lasts between a few hours and 48 hours. Pain beyond this timeframe might signal an underlying problem. 

3. Should I ignore ovary pain?

Medical attention becomes necessary for persistent or severe pain. Without proper treatment, your condition might worsen. A doctor's consultation becomes important even with mild pain that doesn't match your normal cycle patterns.

4. When to worry about ovaries?

Medical help becomes crucial if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Nausea or vomiting with pain
• Cold or clammy skin
• Rapid breathing
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Pain during urination

Dr. Neha V Bhargava

MS, DNB (obgyn), MNAMS, Fellow (Gynae Oncology)
Ganga CARE Hospital Limited, Nagpur

To Book an Appointment, call:

+91 40-68106529