Ovary Pain – Healthnile.com

Many things can cause ovary pain, from natural processes like the menstrual cycle and ovulation to issues such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or pelvic infections. Sometimes, discomfort comes from less common problems like ovarian tumors or pain from nearby organs.

Most people feel this pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, right below the belly button. Symptoms and severity can change depending on the cause. Learning about what triggers ovary pain helps people know when to monitor symptoms at home and when to see a doctor.

Definition of Symptom

Ovary pain is discomfort or aching felt where the ovaries are located, in the lower abdomen or pelvis. The pain may happen on one or both sides. People might describe the sensation as sharp, dull, cramping, or throbbing.

It often feels similar to other forms of lower abdominal pain and can sometimes be hard to tell apart from pain coming from the uterus or fallopian tubes. Common areas where ovary pain can be felt:

Location	Description
Lower abdomen	Below the belly button
Pelvis	Between hip bones
Lower back (less common)	Radiating from pelvis

Symptoms can happen at any age but are most often reported during the reproductive years. Ovary pain sometimes connects with the menstrual cycle, such as during ovulation (“mittelschmerz”) or with menstrual cramps.

Other signs that may come with ovarian pain include bloating, unusual vaginal bleeding, or severe pelvic pain. In some cases, the pain can be mild and last a short time. In others, it may be more intense or ongoing.

Possible Causes/Diseases Condition

Many different health problems can cause ovary pain. Some are more common than others. In many cases, the pain relates to changes in the menstrual cycle or infections. Common causes include:

Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs like follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts can grow on the ovary. These are usually harmless but can cause pain, especially if they burst.
Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz): Some people feel pain in the middle of their cycle when the ovary releases an egg.
Endometriosis: Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus can grow outside the uterus and cause pain around the ovaries.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infections, often from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause inflammation and pain in the ovaries and other reproductive organs.
Ovarian Torsion: The ovary can twist, cutting off its blood supply. This needs emergency care.
Ovarian Cancer: Rare but serious, ovarian cancer can cause bloating or pain.

Some less common causes are:

Ectopic Pregnancy: Pregnancy growing outside the uterus, sometimes in the ovary or fallopian tube.
Appendicitis: Pain from an inflamed appendix can be felt near the ovaries.
Kidney Stones or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): These can cause pain that feels like it is in the ovaries.
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome (ORS): This can happen after surgery if ovarian tissue remains.

Table of Possible Causes

Cause	Example or Related Terms
Ovarian cysts	Follicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst, ruptured cyst
Ovulation pain	Mittelschmerz
Infections	PID, STI, chlamydia, gonorrhea, UTI
Endometriosis	—
Ovarian torsion	Torsion
Ovarian cancer	—
Other	Appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, kidney stones, ORS

If pain is sudden, severe, or does not go away, talk to a healthcare provider.

Other Non-Disease Causes

Not all ovary pain comes from a disease or medical condition. Sometimes, normal body processes or harmless situations cause temporary discomfort. Ovulation often causes brief ovary pain. This pain, called mittelschmerz, may last just a few hours and often switches sides each month. Some women notice mild cramping or a sharp twinge during the middle of their cycle.

Menstruation can also cause pelvic pain that feels like it comes from the ovaries. This pain is often part of regular monthly cramps. Pregnancy can sometimes cause pelvic or lower abdominal pain as the body adjusts. Mild, short-term pain is common in early pregnancy, but any severe or sudden pain needs medical attention.

Menopause may bring aches or pressure in the pelvic area due to hormone changes. Some women notice more discomfort during certain times or activities. Everyday things like constipation can also lead to pain near the ovaries. When the bowels are blocked, pressure builds up and causes discomfort.

Frequent urination or bladder fullness might press on areas near the ovaries, also creating pain. Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, or vaginal bleeding, sometimes occur with ovary pain but may not always point to a disease.

Non-Disease Cause	Possible Symptoms
Ovulation	Mild, short pain mid-cycle
Menstruation	Cramping, pelvic ache
Pregnancy	Mild abdominal pain, breast tenderness
Menopause	Pelvic discomfort, irregular bleeding
Constipation	Dull ache, bloating, pressure
Bladder Issues	Pressure, frequent urination, discomfort

How It Causes the Symptom

Ovary pain often happens when something affects the normal function or structure of the ovaries. Swelling, blockage, or changes in hormone levels can trigger discomfort.

Common Causes and How They Trigger Pain

Ovarian Cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can make the ovary swell or stretch, leading to pressure or sharp pain.
Endometriosis: Tissue growing outside the uterus can stick to the ovaries, causing irritation and pain, especially during periods.
Ovulation: Sometimes the release of an egg causes mild, short-term pain.

Sometimes, pain in the ovaries doesn’t actually start there. For example, kidney stones or bowel problems can send pain signals to the pelvic area, making it seem like the ovaries are hurting. Sexual activity can also trigger pain.

Some people notice pain during sex, which can be linked to ovarian cysts, infections, or endometriosis. Other symptoms can include pain during daily activities or sudden, severe pain if a cyst bursts. Treatments that might help:

Treatment	How It Helps
Ibuprofen	Eases pain and reduces swelling
Pain medications	Manages more severe discomfort
Birth control pills	Regulate hormones, prevent some cysts, ease pain
Hormonal birth control	Controls hormone levels to reduce symptoms
Antibiotics	Used if pain is from a bacterial infection
Chemotherapy	May be needed for treatment of ovarian cancer

Possible Complications

Ovary pain can sometimes lead to serious problems if the underlying cause is not treated. Infertility can happen when conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease damage the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Scar tissue may form around the ovaries. This is called adhesions. Scar tissue can make organs stick together and may lead to ongoing pain or bowel problems. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Doctors might remove an ovary (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy) if other treatments do not work or if they find a serious condition.

If left untreated, certain causes of ovary pain, such as ovarian torsion, can lead to loss of the ovary or severe infection. Although rare, ongoing ovary pain can be a sign of ovarian cancer. Symptoms may include bloating, changes in appetite, or unusual bleeding.

Table: Possible Complications

Complication	Type	Possible Results
Infertility	Reproductive	Trouble getting pregnant
Scar tissue	Physical damage	Chronic pain, adhesions
Oophorectomy	Surgical removal	Early menopause, infertility
Hysterectomy	Surgical removal	Loss of fertility
Ovarian cancer	Cancer	Serious health risks

When to Seek Medical Attention

See a doctor right away if ovary pain is sudden or severe. If pain wakes you up at night, gets worse, or comes with fever, vomiting, or heavy bleeding, get help quickly. Warning signs to look for:

Sudden, sharp pain that does not go away.
Pain with fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Dizziness or feeling faint.
Pain with heavy vaginal bleeding.
Pain with a tender, swollen belly.

A healthcare provider usually starts with a pelvic exam to check for swelling or tenderness. The doctor may order tests to find the cause of the pain. Some common tests include:

Test	Purpose
Pelvic ultrasound	Looks for cysts, growths, or fluid.
CT scan	Checks for problems in the abdomen.
MRI	Gives detailed images of organs.
PET scan	Finds abnormal tissue (rarely needed).
Laparoscopy	Directly looks at ovaries and pelvis.

If pain continues, does not improve, or keeps coming back, do not ignore it. Ongoing pain may point to a condition like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or infection. A healthcare provider can help you decide what to do next.