Localization of pain in the ovaries
Left-sided ovarian pain can occur in the same way as right-sided ovarian pain due to the cycle, i.e. ovulation or menstruation. Cycle-independent pain can be caused by cysts, inflammation or tissue growths, such as endometriosis. Malignant diseases such as ovarian cancer can also cause such symptoms in the late stages.
In the case of left-sided lower abdominal pain, however, the cause does not necessarily have to be in the ovary itself. It can also be pain caused, for example, by an inflammation in the intestine. Diverticulitis in particular causes pain in the left lower abdomen.
In diverticulitis, small bulges of the intestinal wall form in the large intestine, into which bowel movements can be deposited. This can cause inflammation of the intestine, which can cause pulling or even burning pain. In addition, the left-sided complaints can also be caused by a stone or an inflammation in the left ureter.
Right-sided pain in the area of the ovary can be caused by the cycle or by changes in the ovarian tissue. Depending on the cycle, the pain may occur during ovulation or menstruation. Irrespective of this, right-sided ovarian pain can be caused by cysts, i.e. benign, usually fluid or blood-filled cavities in the tissue, inflammations or tissue growths, such as endometriosis.
Malignant diseases, such as ovarian cancer, can also be considered as a differential diagnosis, although ovarian cancer causes symptoms only very late. In the case of pain in the right lower abdomen, the ovaries need not necessarily be the cause. In the immediate vicinity is also the appendix, which can become inflamed, or appendicitis.
This can also cause pain that can be misinterpreted as ovarian pain. In addition, an inflammation of the right ureter or a ureteral stone may be possible. Diseases in the area of the ovaries can often also lead to back pain, which is particularly localized in the area of the lumbar spine.
Irritation of the ovarian tissue leads to irritation of nerves running there, which can then also cause pain in their further course (projected pain). Endometriosis is a common cause of precisely these symptoms. This is a disease in which cells of the uterine mucosa settle in neighbouring organs, e.g. in the ovaries, the fallopian tube or even in the abdominal cavity.
However, the mucous membrane changes in the same cycle-dependent way as the normal uterine lining, which can cause severe pain. Chronic back pain can also occur. An early symptom of endometriosis is irregular bleeding combined with cycle-dependent, cramp-like abdominal pain.
There may also be pain during sexual intercourse, pain when urinating and problems with bowel movements. In the case of back pain in the area of the lumbar spine, however, other causes can also be considered. For example, an inflammation of the organs of the lesser pelvis should be clarified, i.e. an inflammation of the fallopian tubes, ovaries (pelvic inflammatory disease) or the lining of the uterus (endometritis).
Disturbed blood circulation in these areas can also cause back pain. The same applies to complaints caused by the muscle and ligamentous apparatus surrounding the ovaries and uterus. In addition, differential diagnosis should be considered for changes in the ovaries.
Large cysts or tumors can also cause back pain. The uterus and the ovaries are held in the woman’s pelvis by various ligaments. These ligaments lead to the abdominal wall on the one hand and to the back on the other.
If pain occurs in the area of these female sexual organs, the pain can therefore radiate into the abdomen and back. This is often felt during menstruation. The uterus contracts again and again to expel the mucous membrane. This causes it to pull at the same time on the ligaments that pull towards the back, which causes back pain.
