What should you know about left ovarian torsion?

The ovary is held in place by tissues containing blood vessels. When it twists, blood flow may become restricted. An ovarian cyst or other ovarian enlargement can make twisting more likely, but torsion can occur without a known cyst. Pain may be steady or come in waves, and it can spread to the back or groin.

A scan may support the diagnosis, but a reassuring scan does not always exclude torsion. The clinical pattern matters, so sudden one-sided pain needs prompt assessment rather than home observation.

If torsion is possible, go to an emergency department or contact urgent medical services. Avoid eating or drinking until assessed if surgery might be needed, unless a clinician gives different instructions. Tell the team when the pain started, whether it comes in waves, and whether you have vomited, bled, or had a known ovarian cyst.

Treatment usually involves surgery to untwist the ovary and assess its blood supply. A laparoscopic approach may be used. The surgeon may also treat an ovarian cyst if one caused the enlargement, while considering future ovarian function.

Sudden severe pain low on the left side, especially with nausea, vomiting, faintness, fever, or marked tenderness, warrants emergency assessment now. Symptoms can ease temporarily if the ovary untwists, but that does not make the situation safe to ignore.

Ask what findings make torsion more or less likely, whether urgent surgery is needed, and what the procedure may involve. It is also reasonable to ask how the team will assess the ovary after untwisting and what follow-up will be arranged.