Causes Of Ovary Pain
There are several things which can cause ovary pain. We'll look at the four most common causes here. These are pelvic inflammatory diseases, ovarian cysts, ovarian tumors, and endometriosis. The ovaries which serve to produce menstruation triggering hormones as well as releasing one egg each month for possible fertilization, are located in the lower abdomen and pelvic region where ovary pain is felt.
PID - Ovary pain may be caused by a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can affect not only the ovaries, but the uterus or the fallopian tubes as well. PID, often the result of a sexually transmitted disease, causes not only ovary pain but can cause fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and exhibit other symptoms as well. A pelvic exam is usually required to correctly diagnose PID, and together with blood and urine tests as well as with the help of ultrasound images, confirms the source of the ovary pain. The usual treatment for PID is the administering of antibiotics.
Ovarian Cysts - Cysts are another cause of ovary pain. The cysts, which usually occur during ovulation and during the childbearing years, are in themselves not a source of pain. But occasionally one will rupture or become twisted or otherwise stressed, and as a result some pain, though not usually too severe, may be experienced. Ultrasound images are often used to confirm the presence, size, and location of an ovarian cyst. Cysts can be removed if need be, but most often will go away on their own. Birth control pills are one means to prevent such cysts from forming, as they prevent ovulation form occurring.
Ovarian Tumors - Ovarian tumors are yet another source of ovary pain. An ovarian tumor can vary in size and can be benign or cancerous. The presence of an ovarian tumor is often detected by blood tests, and confirmed by MRI screening. It is usually advisable to have the tumor surgically removed, not only to relieve the pain, but because there is always the possibility of the tumor being malignant, and ovarian cancer being the result. When a tumor is found to be malignant, the ovaries and other female organs are often removed.
Endometriosis - A fourth cause of ovary pain is endometriosis, which is a swelling and bleeding of the lining of the uterus. This lining builds up in anticipation of the egg being fertilized and a fetus developing. If the egg is not fertilized this lining is shed. The shed lining is normally expelled, but if not may swell and bleed, causing a significant amount of ovary pain.
Treatment Of Ovary Pain Causes - Of the four most common causes of ovary pain, the formation of a tumor in an ovary is of course of the greatest concern, and if malignant will not only lead to surgery, but very likely chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Chemotherapy is the preferred approach, although it is often accompanied by some rather unpleasant side effects. The side effects disappear however, once chemotherapy has ceased. Radiation treatment, which is effective for many types of cancer, is generally not used to treat ovarian cancer.
Insofar as the other causes of ovary pain are concerned, ovarian cysts are generally harmless, but cysts almost always bear watching. Even though they are not apt to become cancerous, it can happen on occasion. Endometriosis is most commonly treated with pain medication, ibuprofen often being sufficient to keep the discomfort within tolerable limits. Birth control pills, which can prevent the formation of cysts, can also help by preventing the monthly build up of tissue in the uterus. Reduction in the hormone estrogen is another means of slowing tissue build up. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the excess tissue, and in extreme cases, a hysterectomy may be called for. PID, as mentioned previously, is usually treated with antibiotics, and is the one source of ovary pain that in some instances is preventable.