Why ovaries hurt and what to do about it

What are ovaries and why are they needed

The ovaries are paired glands located on either side of the uterus. It is they who produce female sex hormones, on which the monthly cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics depend. And also - eggs, "preparation" of the future baby (if, of course, the egg is fertilized).

Given the rather weighty load, the ovaries can sometimes acheOvarian Pain, this is a natural process. However, in some cases, pulling pain in the right or left lower abdomen is a symptom of serious illness. And it's important not to overlook this difference.

Why ovaries hurt

Life hacker has collected six main reasons.

1. Ovulation

Some women experience ovarian pain when they release a mature egg into the fallopian tube (a process called ovulation). This usually happens around the middle of the monthly cycle.

The pain can be different. For some, it lasts just a few minutes. Someone stretches for hours.

With the causes of painful ovulation (aka mittelschmerzOvarian Pain

, from the German mittelschmerz - "middle pain"), the doctors have not figured it out yet. Discomfort is thought to be due to a woman's sensitivity to tearing follicle - the sac that contains the egg and which it breaks to break out freedom.

Another theory suggests that mittelschmerz occurs due to a sharp increase in the size of the egg in the ovary just before ovulation.

What to do

In general, nothing. Mittelschmerz passes on its own and rarely lasts longer than a day. At the same time, the sensations are usually tolerable, and to alleviate the discomfort, it is enough to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, for example, based on ibuprofen.

You can try to get rid of the mittelschmer altogether. To do this, contact your gynecologist and tell about the problem. The doctor will write you a suitable contraceptive a remedy that simply does not allow the egg to ripen and cause you pain.

2. Ovarian cyst

Sometimes it happens that the egg is not released from the ovaries during ovulation, but remains inside its own membrane - the follicle. Such an unopened follicle is called cyst.

Cysts are usually asymptomatic and will dissolve on their own over time.

But if the cyst is large, it can cause a dull aching pain in the area of ​​the affected ovary. Or, even worse, burst at some point. The rupture is accompanied by sudden acute pain and bleeding into the abdominal cavity, which can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences - up to peritonitis and death.

What to do

Analyze ovarian pain. You are likely to have a cyst if, in addition to discomfort in the right or left lower abdomen, you also complain about:

• irregular periods;
• painful sensations during intercourse or defecation;
• regular nausea or vomiting;
• fast saturation, that is, literally a couple of spoons of food are enough for you to feel how your stomach is bursting.

Such symptoms are an unambiguous indication for a visit to a gynecologist. The doctor will examine you in the gynecological chair. The cyst, as a rule, is detected already at this stage. But in some cases, an ultrasound scan may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Depending on the results of the examination and the size of the detected cyst, the physician will develop a treatment plan.

If the cyst is small, you will most likely be asked to wait for it to resolve on its own. To observe this process, you will come to gynecological examinations with the frequency indicated by the doctor. Large cysts with a high risk of rupture are removed surgically.

3. Ovarian neoplasms

Not only large cysts, but also tumors can lead to painful sensations. It's not necessarily about cancer: Neoplasms in the ovaries are also benign. It is possible to assume that some foreign object has appeared in the ovaries by the following symptoms:

• a bursting sensation often appears in the lower abdomen;
• you have an increased urge to urinate;
• diarrhea or constipation occurs regularly and seems to be for no reason;
• you have lost your appetite or feel full after eating just a couple of bites;
• you are losing weight, although you have not changed your diet or exercise.

What to do

Go to the gynecologist. He will analyze your symptoms, order additional tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, which are used to detect tumors.

You may also need a blood test for specific proteins that indicate possible oncological processes. Depending on the test results, you will be given the most effective treatment.

4. Endometriosis

About endometriosis they say when the tissue lining the walls of the uterus (endometrium), for some reason, begins to spread beyond this very uterus. It sometimes affects the ovaries.

The problem is that the endometrium is a hormone-sensitive tissue.

When the period comes, it is rejected. And at the same time it causes inflammation and swelling of the organ on which it has grown. In our case, the ovaries.

It is possible to assume ovarian endometriosis if, in addition to aching pain in the ovarian region, you observe the following signs:

• prolonged and painful periods;
• pain during intercourse and during bowel movements.

What to do

Again, go to the gynecologist. Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis, but a qualified doctor will tell you how to cope with painful sensations. For example, she will recommend effective pain relievers or hormone therapy. In some cases (if the pain is too severe), surgery may be required.

5. Ovarian inflammation

Perhaps they got an infection. Most often this happens with diseases transmitted by sexually. But the causes of inflammation can be different - for example, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disruptions, or hypothermia.

Sometimes ovarian inflammation is almost asymptomatic - except for the pulling pains. But, as a rule, other signs are still present:

• painful sensations during sex;
• vaginal discharge, often with an unpleasant odor;
• fever;
• weakness;
• painful urination.

What to do

Again, go the beaten path to the gynecologist. Depending on the results of the examination, the doctor will suggest you undergo additional examinations (blood and urine tests, ultrasound) and prescribe treatment.

6. Reflected pain

The question is: are you sure that it is the ovaries that hurt? Many other organs are located next to them. Perhaps the soreness comes from them? Here are some common conditionsOvarian Painsymptoms of which can be confused with ovarian pain:

• constipation;
• the onset of pregnancy;
• urinary tract infections;
• stones in the kidneys;
• developing appendicitis.

What to do

If pain in the ovaries continues for a couple of days or longer and you cannot associate it with ovulation, make an appointment with your gynecologist or therapist. It is important.

When to urgently seek help

Call an ambulance or see a gynecologist as soon as possible if there is pain in the ovary area (it doesn't matter, right, left, or both):

• sudden and violent;
• accompanied by nausea or vomiting;
• seems to you directly related to the temperature rise to 38 ° C and more.

All three symptoms are unambiguous indications for immediate examination and, possibly, surgery. It is especially necessary to act quickly if, along with these signs, weakness, dizziness and clammy cold sweat appear.

But even in the event that there are no signs that threaten health and life, you still need to listen to yourself. At the very least, this can save you from potential problems in the future.