Ovaries can be sore or painful for several reasons, often related to the menstrual cycle or underlying health conditions. The most common causes include ovulation (Mittelschmerz), ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian torsion, or less commonly, ovarian cancer.
Common Causes of Ovarian Soreness
- Ovulation (Mittelschmerz): Pain occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle when an egg is released from the ovary. This pain can be sharp or dull and typically lasts minutes to hours. It’s a normal process and usually not a cause for concern.
- Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that can cause discomfort or sharp pain, especially if they grow, rupture, or twist. Cysts are common and often harmless but sometimes require medical attention if pain is severe.
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, including on ovaries, causing chronic pain often worse during menstruation, along with other symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain during intercourse.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause dull, aching pain in the ovaries, often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, unusual discharge, and pain during urination or sex.
- Ovarian Torsion: A rare but serious condition where an ovary twists around its blood supply, causing severe pain and requiring emergency treatment to prevent tissue damage.
Other causes can include referred pain from other organs such as kidneys or digestive system issues, uterine fibroids, or pelvic floor muscle tension.
Recommendation
If ovarian soreness is mild, occurs predictably with ovulation or menstruation, and resolves quickly, it is usually not concerning. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, associated with other symptoms (fever, abnormal bleeding, nausea, vomiting), or unexplained, it is important to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare provider can perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or lab tests to diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
In summary, sore ovaries can be caused by normal cycle processes like ovulation or by medical conditions ranging from cysts to infections. Monitoring symptoms and consulting a doctor for severe or persistent pain is advised.
