Ovarian pain – what could be causing it?
A number of conditions can cause ovarian pain, here the Help at Hand nurses take a look at 2 of the most common
“I’ve been feeling run down and tired for a few months now and have constant pressure in my right ovary along with pain that comes and goes. I have recently been treated for a UTI (urinary tract infection) which has cleared up and have had blood tests for liver, kidney and thyroid function which have all been clear. The pain is increasingly worrying and I can’t get an appointment with my doctor anytime soon. What do you think it could be and should I go straight to A&E?”
The pain and pressure you are feeling in your ovary could be due to several underlying medical conditions. The most usual of which are ovarian cysts or PID.
Symptoms of ovarian cysts
Many women have ovarian cysts at some point in their lives and most do not cause any symptoms. However if the cyst is large or there are multiple cysts then symptoms may include:
- A feeling of fullness or heaviness
- Pressure on the rectum or bladder
- Pelvic pain that can be a constant dull ache or sudden sharp pain, especially during sexual intercourse
- Feeling tired
- Needing to urinate more frequently
- A urinary tract infection may also occur
Treatment for an ovarian cyst
Most ovarian cysts are fluid filled and disappear on their own without treatment. Others may contain tissue or can be endemetrioid-like. Most cysts are non-cancerous. Treatment for an ovarian cyst will be determined by size, appearance and whether you are postmenopausal. If symptoms are worrying you then it is a good idea to seek medical advice.
In very rare cases an ovarian cyst can rupture – this would then require urgent medical attention.
PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease)
Pelvic inflammatory disease affects the reproductive organs. PID is often as a result of an STI (sexually transmitted infection) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea although it can develop after giving birth, after a pregnancy termination, miscarriage or after having had a contraceptive coil fitted.
Treatment for PID
Antibiotics are the usual treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease. These can either be administered through a single injection or in more severe cases may even require to be taken intravenously in hospital.
Other conditions
Pelvic pain can also be a result of other conditions such as appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, kidney stones, constipation, or early pregnancy. So if the pain continues then you should seek medical advice.
What to do next
If it is difficult to get an appointment with your GP then you can request a telephone consultation which may be easier and quicker to obtain. It may be a good idea in your case to ask for a gynaecological examination.
Your GP may also suggest an ultrasound scan of your pelvis which will clearly show your ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.
Your GP will be able to advise the best course of action for you but if your pain becomes worse in the meantime or you are sick then it may be wise to visit A&E.
Answered by the Health at Hand nurses
Ovarian cysts – NHS Factsheet
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – NHS Factsheet
Ultrasound scan – NHS Choices
Pelvic pain – NHS Factsheet
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Melina - Assistant Editor
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