Pain in Left Ovary: 10 Possible Causes and Treatments

Pain in left ovary

Many women experience Pain in left ovary at some point in life. According to research published by Pain Physician, the left side ovary pain is common occurrence worldwide.

It prevails among 5.7 to 26.6 percent of the population. Women with gynecologic conditions are prone to left side ovary pain. It can also be symptomatic of menstrual pain.

Ovaries are the significant part of the female reproductive system. They are present in the lower abdomen, on both sides of the uterus. They produce eggs and reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Owing to the causes, the pain in the left ovary can either be fatal or harmless, acute or chronic. It is always best to consult gynecologist/obstetrician and get a checkup if you can relate to the ailment.


10 Possible Causes of Pain in Left Ovary

You may wonder what leads to pain in the left ovary.

Well, there may be several factors that can be held responsible for pain in the left ovary of a woman. Whatever may be the case, if you doubt it, seek appropriate medical aid.

1. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are cavities full of fluid which develops in the ovaries. During the childbearing years, if the discharge of the ovule does not occur, it becomes cysts. The ovary holding the follicle must dissolve after ovulation.

Cysts present no specific signs or symptoms. Overlooking them is easy. The cysts will dissolve themselves after some time. However, if not then they can cause immense pain in the left ovary area.

2. Endometriosis

The walls of the uterus coagulate every month to protect the fetus. If the egg remains unfertilized, the tissue walls fissure and discharge out as menses.

If this occurs to any other part of the body, then the walls of the tissues have no place eject. It can result in painful scar tissues or endometriosis. A few symptoms of this condition are:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Barrenness
  • Pain during menses
  • Pain during sex

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

One of the causes of pain in the left ovary is the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This infection transfers during sexual intercourse such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Men struggling with digestive, neurological, skeletal, inflammatory, prostate health issues complain of it. The infection affects the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the uterus, adversely, causing pain. Other symptoms for its recognition are:

4. Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

Surgical expulsion of the ovaries is oophorectomy. Hysterectomy is the same expulsion of the uterus.

Salpingo-oophorectomy, a surgical process, involves removal of ovaries and the fallopian tube. After the procedure, a small piece of the ovary left inside might result in the formation of cysts.

Other problems of this condition are:

  • Difficulty in urinating
  • Pain during sexual intercourse

5. Mittelschmerz

Experiencing one-sided pain in the lower abdomen common for a person is suffering from mittelschmerz.

This pain arises due to rupturing of the follicle during ovulation or menstruation. The duration pain varies from a woman to woman from few minutes to hours.

6. Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is very uncommon among women and accounts only 3% cases among ladies. Its goes unnoticed for several years, but its early diagnosis helps effective treatment.

A few symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

  • Swollen abdomen
  • Pain in pelvic region
  • Frequent and increased urge for urinating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite

7. Infections

Sudden pain in the pelvic region announces infection in the reproductive system.

Microorganisms like bacteria infect the reproductive system including the left ovary. The infection if not treated early can leave you infertile and cause abdominal pain.

8. Ovarian Tumors

Ovarian tumors grow on ovaries pretty much as tumors on any other body part. They can be cancerous or non-cancerous.

To identify the possibility of a cyst, look for:

  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Unexpected variations in body weight
  • Loss of appetite
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

9. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroids are benevolent growths that evolve inside the muscles of the uterus. Depending on the size and location of fibroids, one can experience pelvic pain.

10. Other Causes of Pain in the Left Ovary

Pain in the left ovary and pain in the reproductive organs differ from each other. One should not get confused between them. Pain in the lower part of the abdomen can be due to various reasons, like

  • Appendicitis
  • Kidney stones
  • Constipation
  • Infection in the urinary tract
  • Infection in gallbladder

How to Treat Pain in Left Ovary?

Left ovary pain treatment is very specific to its causes. So let’s know about the best possible remedy for each of the aforementioned causes.

1. Ovarian Cysts

The first step of treating ovarian cysts will mean monitoring it. Contraceptive pills are maybe given to prevent ovulation and the left ovary area pain. If the condition is severe, you may go with laparoscopy.

The process involves an incision and surgical removal of cysts through surgical tools. Sometimes, natural ways such as exercises also help in getting rid of the ovarian cysts.

2. Endometriosis

Birth control pills help in controlling Endometriosis. Pain medications such ibuprofen during periods is a sought after aid to pain in the left ovary area.

In a severe case, GnRH agonists reduce estrogen and cut down the growth of endometriosis. It increases the chances of it causing infertility. Laparoscopy is again another way to treat endometriosis.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Antibiotics kill and prevent the growth of bacteria’s of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Take medicines to prevent bacteria from infecting the area of left ovary antibiotics. It is important to give the medication to the partner involved in the sexual intercourse.

4. Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

Birth control pills help in treating ovarian remnant syndrome. They relieve the sharp pain in the left side ovary. However, if the case is severe, there is further an option of having surgery.

5. Mittelschmerz

Relief against mittelschmerz may need an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.

Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or even birth control pills will help. These OTCs prevent the ovulation pain as they help to prevent ovulation.

6. Ovarian Cancer

There are various treatments for ovarian cancer. According to the stage of ovarian cancer, one can opt for the required treatment. You can also opt for corrective procedures, surgery, through a hysterectomy, chemotherapy, oral pills or injections.

7. Ovarian Tumors

The process of cystectomy (removal of the entire ovary) is effective against ovarian tumors. Surgery, chemotherapy help to eliminate the malignant germ cells or tumors.

In case of dysgerminoma, removing the ovary and either of the fallopian tubes is suitable.

8. Uterine Fibroids

Gonadotropin releases hormone agonists (Lupron, Synarel) and progestin release intrauterine.

Such medications provide relief from the sharp pain by left ovary due to fibroids. Also, use of tranexamic acid or oral contraceptives will prevent the menstrual bleeding.


Other Home Remedies for Ovarian Pain

It is not that only the medical ways help to recover from the ovary pain. There are also several home remedies to treat the pain in the left ovary. A few of them are:

  • Exercises and Yoga help to lessen the pain and improve the quality of life. A study proves yoga poses such as cobra, cat, and fish reduce the intensity of severe pain during menstrual cycle. It also helps to reduce cramps.
  • Be careful with what you eat and its contents. The food you eat plays a significant role in maintaining your health. Consuming complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, etc. is a viable left ovary pain treatment. Eat food that has low glycemic index value because it keeps the insulin level quiet and in control.
  • Control your intake of beverages. Especially drinks containing caffeine like coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks. They contain methylxanthines and cause the accumulation of toxins in the body.
  • Wild yam is a herb that has a soothing effectiveness in it. It helps in relieving cramps arising from ovarian cysts. In the forms of capsule, tincture or tea it relaxes the muscles and reduces inflammation.
  • Dong Quai: The scientific term for Dong Quai is Angelica sinensis and has its use as both, herb and spice. It treats symptoms of ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome. Dong Quai also helps in curing the pain arising out of cramps. It is available in powder form. But only a doctor can help you to administer the correct amount of dosage to it.

Conclusion

Pain in the left ovary is a condition that can be harmful as well as harmless.

Proper diagnosis will help you understand the severity of the situation. If you ever find yourself pondering over, why do I have pain in my left ovary?; then, do something about it.


Sources:
“What Causes Pain in Left or Right Ovary?”, MDhealth websitehttp://www.md-health.com/Pain-In-Left-Ovary.html
Hills, J., “Ovary Pain and Lower Pelvic Pain – 13 Possible Causes”, Healthy and Natural World website, http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/ovary-pain/
Eleanor, “Ovary Pain”, Enki very well website; https://www.enkiverywell.com/ovary-pain.html
Kumar, N., “TREATMENTS WITH YOGA – YOGA POSES FOR CURING OVARIAN CYST”, The Fit Global website; https://www.thefitglobal.com/yoga-poses-for-ovarian-cyst/
Case, H., “How to Stop Ovary Pain”, Live Strong website, August 14, 2017; https://www.livestrong.com/article/342663-how-to-stop-ovary-pain
Lindsey, S., “Treat the Pain of Ovarian Cysts FAST With These 12 Natural Remedies!”, David Wolfe website, June 15, 2016; https://www.davidwolfe.com/remove-ovarian-cysts-12-remedies/
“Relieve Pelvic Pain With 8 Natural Treatments”, Dr. Axe website, https://draxe.com/pelvic-pain/

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