Diagnosing ovarian torsion: what to know

Torsion happens when an ovary twists around supporting tissue, which can affect its blood supply. A clinician asks when the pain began, whether it comes in waves, and whether nausea, vomiting, bleeding or fever is present. An abdominal and pelvic examination may be followed by ultrasound to view the ovary and its blood flow. Imaging can support the assessment, but a normal scan does not always exclude torsion when symptoms strongly suggest it.

Seek urgent medical assessment rather than trying to manage sudden severe pain at home. The team may arrange blood and urine tests to consider other causes and involve a gynaecologist. If torsion remains suspected, keyhole surgery may be used to inspect the ovary and untwist it. Treatment can sometimes include removing a cyst or, when tissue cannot be preserved, removing the affected ovary.

Go to an emergency department for sudden one-sided pelvic or lower-abdominal pain, especially with vomiting, faintness, fever, abdominal swelling or pain that returns after easing. Rapid assessment matters because ongoing twisting can reduce blood flow. Severe pain during pregnancy or after fertility treatment also warrants immediate contact with emergency or maternity services.

Ask what other conditions were considered, what the ultrasound showed, whether a gynaecologist has reviewed you, and how quickly surgery may be needed. If surgery is discussed, ask about ovarian preservation, cyst removal, recovery and how the plan may affect fertility.