Overview
Ovarian torsion can strike without warning. It is a painful reproductive condition when a woman’s ovary twists by itself. The twisting blocks blood flow, causing intense pain and risking the loss of the ovary. As the ovary is central to hormonal and reproductive health, every minute counts. This condition can cost a woman her ovary if not treated in time.
This guide breaks it all down in simple terms, including causes, warning signs, treatments, recovery, and even how it affects fertility. It’s your must-read guide for knowing what’s normal and what’s not. Learn when to seek help, because acting quickly can make all the difference.
What Is Ovarian Torsion?
Ovarian torsion is one of those reproductive emergencies every woman should know about. It happens when the ovary or fallopian tube twists on the ligaments that hold it, resulting in the blockage of the blood flow. This blockage is what causes the severe pain and swelling. If the woman doesn’t get treatment fast, the ovary can be permanently damaged, costing her fertility. This condition often happens in women of reproductive age and is definitely an emergency that requires immediate expert attention.
Symptoms of Ovarian Torsion
Catching ovarian torsion early can significantly impact the effectiveness of treatment. Here’s what to look for:
- Sudden, severe lower belly pain: Usually on one side, coming and going as the ovary twists.
- Nausea or vomiting: A common sign of internal distress.
- Pain during sex: Especially sharp or unusual discomfort.
- Swelling or soreness in the abdomen: Caused by inflammation or pressure.
- Fever (over time): May appear if tissue begins to die.
Causes of Ovarian Torsion
There are a few things that can make an ovary more likely to twist on itself. The most common include:
- Enlarged ovaries or cysts: An increased size or weight raises the risk of twisting.
- Fertility treatments: Medications that stimulate ovulation often enlarge the ovaries.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal fluctuations and corpus luteum cysts may cause enlargement.
- Tumours or lumps: A growth in or near the ovary can move it out of place.
- Longer ligaments: Some women have naturally longer ligaments, giving the ovary more room to move.
- Old surgeries: Past surgical scars can tug on the ovary, making it slightly unstable.
Risk Factors for Ovarian Torsion
Torsion can happen to any woman, but some are more at risk.
- Fertility treatments: Hormone-stimulated ovaries are larger and twist easily.
- Cysts or PCOS: Extra weight adds pressure.
- Adolescence or pregnancy: Hormones stretch ligaments.
- Previous torsion: Once it happens, it can return.
How Is Ovarian Torsion Diagnosed?
Ovarian torsion often disguises itself as normal stomach pain, which is why doctors look deeper:
- Physical exam: A gentle check to find exactly where the pain starts.
- Doppler ultrasound: A painless imaging test used to assess ovarian blood flow; reduced perfusion indicates torsion.
- MRI or CT scan: Sometimes used if the ultrasound doesn’t give a clear answer.
- Laparoscopy: A quick, camera-based surgery that confirms torsion and can fix it on the spot.
Treatment Options for Ovarian Torsion
1. Laparoscopic Detorsion (Untwisting the Ovary)
Laparoscopic detorsion is the preferred treatment for ovarian torsion. Through small incisions, the surgeon untwists the ovary to restore blood flow. When circulation returns, the ovary is preserved. The procedure ensures minimal pain, quick recovery, and high fertility preservation rates.
2. Oophorectomy (Ovary Removal)
Sometimes, the ovary cannot be saved if blood flow has been lost for too long. Removal is necessary to prevent infection. Even so, one healthy ovary is enough to maintain hormones and allow pregnancy. If the loss feels emotional, counselling and support can help greatly.
3. Fertility Management After Ovarian Torsion
Fertility can often be preserved after detorsion. The remaining ovary can sustain ovulation if one is removed. Assisted reproductive techniques like IVF provide additional options. Routine follow-ups monitor long-term ovarian health.
Can Ovarian Torsion Affect Fertility?
Ovarian torsion can be severe, but it doesn’t always spell trouble for fertility. If treated early, the ovary often bounces back perfectly. Even with one ovary gone, your body is strong enough to balance hormones and support pregnancy.
Your doctor will likely schedule several scans to ensure your ovary is healing properly. Sometimes, a minor surgery called oophoropexy is done to stop it from twisting again. Acting early and keeping up with check-ups gives you the best chance to protect your fertility.
Conclusion
Ovarian torsion can be painful and urgent, but it’s one of those emergencies where prompt treatment makes all the difference. When the ovary twists, blood flow stops, but with quick diagnosis and surgery, it can be saved. Most women recover completely, maintaining normal fertility and hormone levels. Awareness and regular check-ups at Indira IVF under the guidance of top fertility experts are the best tools for prevention. Acting early transforms a crisis into recovery and reassurance.
Common Questions Asked
Is ovarian torsion common during IVF?
Yes. Ovarian enlargement commonly occurs during IVF or ovulation induction due to hormonal stimulation, which subsequently elevates the risk of ovarian torsion.
Can ovarian torsion happen without cysts?
Yes! Even without cysts, torsion can happen if your ovary moves around too much or hangs on longer ligaments.
How quickly does ovarian torsion need treatment?
As fast as possible! Getting care within hours can save your ovary.
Can ovarian torsion cause infertility?
If treatment is delayed, it can lead to complications, but prompt surgery almost always prevents this.
What is the recovery time after ovarian torsion surgery?
Most women feel back to normal within two weeks after laparoscopic surgery. Recovery usually takes one to two weeks for laparoscopic detorsion and slightly longer for open surgery.
Does ovarian torsion affect fertility?
Usually, no. Most women can still get pregnant naturally once the ovary has healed.
Can you have kids if you have ovarian torsion?
Yes. Many women conceive naturally after treatment, even with one functioning ovary.
What are the long-term effects of ovarian torsion?
If caught early, there’s usually no long-term problem at all. But if treatment is delayed, the ovary might lose some of its function.
What is the main cause of ovarian torsion?
Ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries are the primary causes, as they increase the chance of twisting.
What does ovarian torsion feel like?
Patients typically experience acute-onset pelvic pain, frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Can you still get pregnant with ovarian torsion?
Yes. Many women successfully conceive post-recovery, especially if the ovary is preserved.
Can ovarian torsion self-correct?
Although the ovary can occasionally untwist on its own, medical evaluation is essential to ensure long-term safety and function.