When someone has ovarian pain, the most common causes are typically related toovulationandmenstruation.
you’re free to feel ovarian pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back.
Getting an accurate diagnosis of what’s causing the pain is important, as this determines treatment.
Illustration by Alexandra Gordon, Verywell
If you have ovary pain, call your healthcare provider for an exam.
Some may warrant a visit to your healthcare provider, while others may resolve quickly without treatment.
What does ovarian pain feel like?
Ovarian pain is typically felt in the lower abdomen, below the belly button.
It can also be felt in the pelvis or lower back.
Depending on the cause, it can be felt on both sides or just one side.
It can be sharp or mild, a persistent ache, or intermittent bursts of pain.
It can be acute, meaning it appears suddenly, or chronic, meaning it is longer-lasting.
Ovarian cysts are common and can develop at different points during the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosisoften causes severe cyclical or episodic uterine or ovarian cramping pain and intermittent bleeding.
A sexually transmitted infection often causes this serious condition.
Besides pain, someone with PID may experience the following symptoms:
7.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroidsare benign growths that arise from the lining of the uterus.
Rare Causes
There are a few uncommon conditions that may cause ovarian pain.
Ovarian Cancer
Although ovarian cancercancause lower abdominal pain, it is not common.
Even so, it’s important not to ignore ovary pain and to be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
9.
Symptoms can also include:
10.
This condition can cause severe and sudden pain due toischemia(lack of blood flow) in these areas.
This is believed to be the result of persistent sensory nerve stimulation.
(The ovaries are located in the same general area as many other organs.)
2020;17(4):1191. doi:10.3390/ijerph17041191
UW Medicine.Mittelschmerz: The ovulation pain you probably have.
Goh J, Croft S.Chronic pelvic pain.Examination Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Farghaly SA.Current diagnosis and management of ovarian cysts.Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol.
2014;41(6):609-612.
2021;18(5S):S119-S125.
2020;10(3):134.
2020;101(10):599-606
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Ectopic pregnancy.
Curry A, Williams T, Penny ML.Pelvic inflammatory disease: Diagnosis, management, and prevention.Am Fam Physician.
2019;100(6):357-364.
El-Gharib MN.Ovarian remnant syndrome.Online J Gynecol Obstet Matern Care.
2016;17(11):4981-4984. doi:10.22034/APJCP.2016.17.11.4981
Yale Medicine.Ovarian torsion.
2016;93(11):937-944.
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Frequently asked questions: dysmenorrhea.
Kruska PS, Kruszka SJ.Evaluation of acute pelvic pain in women.Am Fam Physician.
2010;82(2):141-47.
