Ovaries are the glands responsible for making eggs and producing hormones that are necessary for your body. They are located on either side of your pelvis. Often, pain in the ovaries can result in pain in other parts of your body like the back, thighs, abdomen, etc. It is vital for you not to disregard the pain as it could be a sign of some underlying condition.
How do you know that the pain is something serious and not just caused by gas and indigestion? Well, the answer lies in the type of pain your experiencing, the region it is generating from, the trimester you are in, and the frequency at which it is appearing. To understand it better, let's look at the most common causes of pain in the ovaries.
Ovulation
It may sound out of the ordinary that your ovaries continue producing eggs while you are already pregnant. However, it does happen and can cause pain. This can result in a double pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This occurs when the fertilised eggs implant themselves anywhere other than the uterus lining. Most times, the eggs get lodged in the fallopian tube due to a blockage. When ectopic pregnancy takes place, it is common to severe pain, nausea, light-headedness, etc.
Ovarian Cysts
Cysts are pockets filled with fluid that can form on the surface of the ovary. While they go unnoticed most of the time, some may experience pain because of the twisting of the cysts. In such cases, surgery might be required to remove them altogether.
Appendicitis
The appendix is a vestigial organ that can cause shooting pain in the pelvic region and ovaries. Laser surgery might be required to remove the appendix and prevent it from rupturing.
Gallbladder Stones
The gallbladder is an organ located right under the liver. When stones are formed inside the gallbladder, it can cause shooting pain in the abdomen area. It is easy to mistake this pain for normal pregnancy pain. Simple laser surgery is done to remove the gall stones.
Round Ligament Pain
Many pregnant women experience this type of pain which radiates from the pelvis to the back. It is caused by the stretching of the ligaments, and there is no definite cure for it. Usually, doctors ask you to take good care of yourself, avoid standing or sitting in one place for too long, avoid lifting heavy objects, exercise, stay hydrated, and rest as much as you can.
Placental Abruption
During the third trimester, there is a possibility of the placenta prematurely detaching from the uterine wall. This can lead to ovary pain and bleeding. The doctor will perform an ultrasound scan to detect this problem, and if it has occurred, you may be at risk of premature labour.
Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs are common in pregnant women due to the excessive pressure of the growing baby on the bladder. In case of a UTI, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and give you tips on improving vaginal hygiene.
Miscarriage
Pain in the ovaries can also be a result of a miscarriage. This is more common in the first trimester. Your doctor will guide you on the best way to treat the miscarriage.
If the pain is persistent and hampers your day-to-day life, then do consult your doctor immediately. With proper tests and treatments, you will be able to root out the problem and continue on your journey to motherhood.
Author Bio: Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. She has contributed to several online research papers. However, she passionately develops content on pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, baby cord blood preservation, umbilical cord lining and more.
