Ovarian torsion age: what should you know?

Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists around the tissues that support it, which can affect its blood supply. It is seen in children, teenagers, people in their reproductive years, and after menopause. A cyst or enlarged ovary can make twisting more likely, but torsion can also occur without a known cyst. Age may change the possible causes, yet it does not make the condition safe to watch at home.

Symptoms can include sudden pain on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis, nausea, vomiting, or pain that comes and goes. A [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/) page explains how pelvic symptoms can have several causes.

If pain is sudden, strong, or associated with vomiting, contact urgent medical services or go to an emergency department. Tell the clinician when it began, which side hurts, whether it fluctuates, and whether you have known ovarian cysts, pregnancy possibility, or previous pelvic surgery. Assessment may include an examination and ultrasound, but a reassuring early scan does not always settle the diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made promptly when torsion remains a concern; surgery may untwist the ovary and address an underlying cyst. [Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/laparoscopic-ovarian-cystectomy/) describes one surgical approach for removing a cyst.

Seek emergency care for sudden one-sided pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, fever, a swollen or very tender abdomen, or pain that is worsening or returning in attacks. Do not wait for your next period or assume the symptoms are age-related. A clinician should also assess new pelvic pain during pregnancy or after menopause.

Could my age or life stage change the likely causes of this pain? What tests can check ovarian blood flow? If torsion is suspected, how quickly should treatment happen? Could a cyst, pregnancy, or another pelvic condition explain the symptoms?