Ovarian pain

In the modern world, women are exposed to stress that is not natural to them – psychological and physical. The reproductive system of the body suffers from this first of all – which can be signaled by pain in the ovaries. There are many reasons for the occurrence of pain in the lower abdomen in women. Some do not pose a particular threat and their cause lies in the physiology of the woman. But, pain in the ovary can also be a symptom of dangerous changes due to diseases or benign and malignant neoplasms.

Read also: Ovarian pain during pregnancy

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Causes of pain in the ovaries

Modern medicine is developing by leaps and bounds. Every day, scientists invent new diagnostic devices and medications for treatment. That is why today it is not difficult to make a correct diagnosis when symptoms of pain in the ovaries arise. The causes of such painful sensations can be the following diseases:

1. Adnexitis is the medical term for inflammation of the ovaries. It can occur as a result of infection in the woman's genitourinary system (chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, candida). This is the most common cause of inflammatory processes in the ovaries. Sometimes adnexitis occurs due to hypothermia of the pelvic organs. There are acute and chronic forms of the disease. They are often tolerated without an increase in body temperature, but sometimes a slight increase is possible, which lasts for many days. Pain in the ovaries with adnexitis can radiate to the lower back or spread throughout the lower abdomen. The danger of this disease is that the advanced course of the chronic form often leads to infertility.
2. Oophoritis is an inflammation localized in the ovarian appendages. The nature of pain in the ovaries is very similar to that of adnexitis. Most often, they appear and then disappear. But there are cases when such pain does not go away. Oophoritis leads to disturbances in the functioning of the woman's nervous system. Signs such as sleep disturbance, weakness, drowsiness, irritability appear. Hypothermia, decreased immunity and excessive physical activity can provoke an increase in pain.
3. A cyst formed on the ovary can cause severe pain at the time of its occurrence, growth, twisting or rupture. Twisting leads to complications of blood circulation in the ovaries, which can contribute to the development of necrosis. Also, due to twisting of the cyst stalk, ruptures of the capsule itself often occur, and fluid from it spills into the abdominal cavity. This is a dangerous phenomenon, as it can cause peritonitis - infection and inflammation of the abdominal cavity, which in itself poses a clear threat to the life of a woman.
4. Ovarian apoplexy is a hemorrhage into the abdominal cavity caused by hemorrhage into the ovarian parenchyma and disruption of its integrity. The pain occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Symptoms that can indicate ovarian apoplexy also include nausea, vomiting, and fainting.
5. An ovarian tumor that reaches large sizes can cause pain, as it can press on adjacent organs and nerve endings. Such tumors are most often determined by palpation of the patient or by ultrasound diagnostics. An ovarian tumor detected at an early stage can be easily treated.

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Other ways pain may appear

In addition to the above-mentioned common diseases, pain in the ovaries can occur as a symptom of complications after previous diseases (adhesions) or during ovulation. Bloody discharge during ovulation does not always indicate any abnormalities in the woman's body. But there are often cases when the ovary itself bursts during ovulation, which leads to hemorrhage. Then the painful sensations in the lower abdomen and especially in the area of the affected ovary become very strong, unbearable. In such a case, mandatory medical intervention is necessary so that the process of inflammation of the abdominal cavity does not develop. A ruptured ovary is often stitched, which allows it to continue to function. Among other things, the feeling of pain in the lower abdomen can be caused by psychoneurological factors (depression, hypochondria, hysteria).

What to do if you have pain in your ovaries?

Ovarian pain is a rather insidious symptom. The fact is that, contrary to the opinion of most women, the terrible diseases that cause it are often easily treated. But ordinary inflammations, which many simply ignore, can lead to really serious consequences. Therefore, a visit to a gynecologist is simply necessary if such pain occurs. Ideally, a gynecologist should be visited for preventive purposes once every six months.