Why an ovary can twist

Ovarian torsion, also called a twisted ovary, can partly or completely reduce blood flow through the ovary and fallopian tube. A cyst or other enlargement is a common setting, but torsion can occur without an obvious mass. Sudden one-sided pelvic pain is typical, though pain can spread or come and go. Nausea and vomiting are frequent accompanying symptoms. A scan may support the assessment, but symptoms and examination guide urgent decisions because imaging cannot always exclude torsion.

Do not try to manage suspected torsion at home or wait for a routine appointment. Go to an emergency department and explain when the pain began, whether it fluctuates, and whether you have vomiting, fever, bleeding, or a known cyst. Clinicians may use examination, pregnancy testing, blood tests, and ultrasound. If torsion is suspected, surgery may be needed to untwist the ovary and assess blood flow. A laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy may be considered when a cyst is contributing and can be removed safely.

Seek emergency care immediately for sudden pelvic or lower-abdominal pain, especially with nausea or vomiting. Do the same for severe pain that comes and goes, faintness, fever, or a tender abdomen. Prompt treatment can help the team assess whether the ovary can be preserved and address the cause of enlargement. Pain relief or a temporary improvement does not reliably rule out torsion.

Could a cyst or enlarged ovary be contributing to torsion? What tests are needed now, and how quickly? If surgery is required, can the ovary be untwisted or the cyst removed while preserving ovarian tissue?