Ovary Pain During Menstruation

 

The ovum is actually enclosed within a cyst on the ovary.  The egg bursts from the cyst to travel the fallopian tubes; the bursting often causes a feeling of soreness for a few hours before it recedes.  Called mittelschmerz, it is usually felt in the middle of the menstrual cycle.  No treatment is necessary, but a mild pain reliever can alleviate the discomfort.

Pain that comes on suddenly can be indicative of an infection.  Any number of bacteria can disrupt the body’s normal operation, and is cause for pain if it develops an infection near the ovaries.  Treatment, once diagnosed, could include antibiotics and a mild pain reliever.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) that was acquired in youth and caused scarring could bring on chronic pelvic pain. 

Ovarian cysts can be problematic and painful.  Functional cysts are common, and generally go away on their own.  Cystadenomas are cysts developing on the exterior of the ovary; pain may be felt as the cyst fills with fluid and grows to a large size.  Dermoid cysts are unusual; human like traits can develop in tissue form from cells within the ovary.  Polycystic ovarian cysts develop when eggs do not burst from the ovarian follicles and grow on top of each other. 

Endometriosis can be a very painful condition in some women.  The most common treatment is pregnancy or birth control pills, as stopping the natural menstrual process is desirable.  In severe cases, surgery may be required. 

Ovary Pain during Menopause

Menopause is a time of a woman’s life when all thoughts and worries involving menstruation and its associated problems should be left behind.  When the ovaries remain intact, however, cysts can still occur even though no more eggs are being produced.  At this stage of life, doctors are more concerned with the presence of a cyst on an ovary.  Many of the cysts that form after menopause are benign; however, with advancing age, the risk of ovarian cancer increases.  A sonogram is generally ordered and performed to determine the status of the cyst, and a blood test called the CA-125 is almost always done.  Although in premenopausal women, the blood test is ineffective, it is a highly accurate test for postmenopausal women.  When the sonogram indicates the cyst is benign and the CA-125 test is normal, chances are excellent that the cyst is indeed benign. 

 

 

A common occurrence in many women, including those who are menopausal, is intestinal spasms or as it is known by the most familiar name, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  This condition can develop at any stage of life and can be associated with the development of lactose intolerance.  Swelling and enlargement of the intestine as a result of the condition can very closely mimic menstrual cramps and ovary pain.  

Ovarian Cancer

The worst case scenario, but usually the first thought that leaps to the minds of those suffering from ovarian pain is the presence of ovarian cancer.  Unfortunately, early symptoms of ovarian cancer are usually non existent.  Pelvic pain is a symptom of ovarian cancer in more advanced stages, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, urgency in urination, back pain, pain during sex, changes in bowel movements, menstrual cycles, and weight loss or gain.  To diagnose ovarian cancer, a sonogram and CA-125 test are generally performed. 

Ovarian cancer can occur at any age.  Certain steps can be taken that are believed to lower the risk of developing the disease:

Taking birth control for 5 or more years

Childbearing and breastfeeding prior to age 25

Surgery to remove the ovaries

Scheduling regular annual pelvic exams between ages 18 to 35 and annual rectovaginal exams thereafter can help to detect the disease earlier.

Experiencing ovary pain is always a frightening occurrence.  Regardless of what stage of life a woman may be having the pain, it is important always to immediately contact a doctor to schedule an exam.  Noting any other symptoms, such as fever, bleeding and nausea is extremely helpful to help narrow down the possible causes of the pain.  Being attuned to one’s own body and recognizing abnormal pain is the best course of action to remain a healthy, vibrant woman.