Ovarian pain is one serious health concern to many due to
the different natures of severity and frequency for many women. Varied
conditions responsible for ovarian pain go all the way from benign to serious
and chronic disorders. Success in managing ovarian pain will lie in
understanding the various causes, diagnoses, and treatments involved. This
comprehensive primer will, therefore, try to explain them in detail, and it is
hoped this will be useful in the showing of valued insight into ovarian
pain and its management.
Causes of Ovarian Pain
All these are causes of different qualities with different
consequences in as far as treatment is concerned. This consists of ovarian
cyst, endometriosis, PCOS, PID, ectopic pregnancy and ovarian rupture and
cancer. There is yet another very well-known condition which is called
mittelschmerz although one is guaranteed some level of discomfort connected
with the process of ovulation.
Ovarian Cysts
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled pouch that lies on or in an ovary. This is one of the leading causes of ovarian pain but it is important to note that the majority of ovarian cysts are not cancerous. The most common ovarian cysts are what is referred to as ‘functional cysts’, these are cysts that are a normal and natural part of the cycle and should not be a cause of alarm.
A follicular cyst is developed when the follicle which is supposed to release an
egg does not rupture. Corpus luteum cysts are created in the instance that an
egg is taken out of a follicle but the sac that enclosed the egg does not
degrade and reconstruct as it is supposed to.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS
Generally, PCOS is a hormonal problem characterized by several small cysts on the ovaries. It is almost always also
marked by erratic monthly cycles, high levels of male hormones known as
androgens, and resistance to insulin. Possible symptoms to be attributed to
PCOS include irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
In general, PID is the inflammation of the female
reproductive organs contracted through sexually transmitted diseases like
chlamydia and gonorrhea. It leads to inflammation of ovaries, fallopian tubes,
and the uterus also. Signs that indicate severe PID include; abdominal pain,
existence of fever and odd discharge and painful coital practices. Failure to
seek treatment may lead to dire consequences such as infertility or persistent
pelvic pain.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer has also been a cause of pelvic pain,
especially at advanced stages where the tumor can be big to put some pressures
on the surrounding organs or when the cancer has already reached metastasis. It
is imaginable that pains commonly used in qualifying early-stage ovarian
cancers begin with symptoms like the following – however, pains the following
are not so related to early-stage ovarian cancers: Abdominal swelling;
Difficulty in eating; Need to pass urine often; Persistent pelvic pains. Again,
the increased chance of early diagnosis here means that patients are likely to
have a better result if they are treated early.
Mittelschmerz
It is the pain that comes at the time of ovulation or
mid-cycle. Usually, it is sharp or crampy and usually restricted to one side of
the lower abdomen. This condition usually is mild and transient, reflecting the
normal physiology of the ovulation.
View More: 10 Effective Menstrual Pain Remedies
Diagnosis of Ovarian Pain
Diagnosis is the corner stone for proper management. Most of
the diagnoses are made by synthesizing the history, physical examination,
studies of radiology, blood tests and sometimes laparoscopic surgery.
History and Physical Examination
It is starts with an appropriate history includes menstrual
history, previous surgeries and other symptoms or pathology. This is then
followed by physical examination where pelvic exam is carried out for
tenderness, masses, and other abnormalities. The initial assessment will guide
the decision of further diagnostic testing.
Imaging Studies
The imaging studies are very vital in the visualization of the
ovaries and details any abnormality. Ultrasound remains the first modality of
choice for evaluating ovarian cysts, tumors, or indeed any other pathology
affecting the ovaries. This is normally performed transabdominally or via a
transvaginal approach, though the latter has superior resolution to the ovaries
and structures within the pelvis. A CT or MRI is usually used if the ultrasound
findings are less than clear or when more fine detail is desired.
Laparoscopy
Sometimes, a diagnosis and treatment of ovarian pain really
do require a direct look at the ovaries and other structures in the pelvic
cavity. A laparoscopy is usually a minor surgical procedure whereby a physician
performs a small incision into the abdomen and through which a small camera is
inserted. Thus, the doctor is able to see directly into the ovaries and
surrounding tissues and thereby render a diagnosis of endometriosis or pelvic
adhesions and perform some types of treatment.
Ovarian Pain Treatments
The treatment of ovarian pain may either be on the cause or
symptomatology presented or on the general health status. The treatment may
come in the form of medication aimed at modification of lifestyle, surgical
intervention, and other alternative treatments.
Medication
The common features in management, especially in diagnoses
which encompass entities such as mittelschmerz or small cysts, are the
administrations of analgesics. Most intra-self-limiting conditions may see
over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen alleviate discomfort.
Other conditions will be treated with hormonal contraceptive pills, patches, or
rings because they regulate the menstrual cycle and thereby prevent new cysts
from forming due to the same reason.
Surgical Treatments
If the ovarian pain were serious enough or did not stop,
surgery may be advised. It allows the surgeon to perform cystectomy, which is
the removal of large ovarian cysts that do not go away with time or which are
badly symptomatic. Other indications include oophorectomy, a surgical operation
whereby one or both ovaries are removed due to certain conditions which include
cancer and advanced endometriosis.
Changes in Lifestyle and Diet
Certain life changes and dietary changes can also bring
about relief from ovarian pain. A proper diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains keeps the general health in good shape and, to an extent, reduces
certain symptoms concerning PCOD or endometriosis. Regular exercise will help
in maintaining weight, stress, and well-being in the majority of the cases at
all levels thus alleviating some of the discomforts related to ovarian pain.
Alternative Therapies
Others seek symptomatic relief of ovarian pains with
alternative therapies. For instance, acupuncture has been on record to assist
some in the reduction of pelvic pain as this treatment acts in enhancing blood flow and soothing inflammation. Other forms of alternative treatments
include herbal turmeric and ginger; both are anti-inflammatory and said to produce
symptomatic pain relief.
Conclusion
The causes of lower right pelvic pain, which range from
benign conditions like ovarian cysts and mittelschmerz to serious ones like
ovarian cancer, are managed in a way to understand the diagnosis, its causes,
and treatment. A woman may be aware that close collaboration with health
providers can enable her to navigate appropriate care in the improvement of the
quality of life when symptoms arise. Timely interventions and interdisciplinary
approaches to treatment may make a huge difference in pain emanating from the
ovaries and other conditions leading to pain.
Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.