What should you know about a twist in the ovary?

Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists around the tissues that support it, potentially affecting its blood supply. It may be linked with an ovarian cyst or an enlarged ovary, although it can occur without a known cause. Pain may be sudden and severe, or it may come and go as the ovary twists and partly untwists. Nausea and vomiting are common accompanying symptoms. The symptoms can overlap with other causes of [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/), so examination and imaging cannot be replaced by guesswork.

Go to an emergency department or contact urgent medical services if torsion is suspected. A clinician may examine your abdomen and pelvis, arrange ultrasound and discuss surgery. Treatment aims to untwist the ovary and preserve healthy tissue where possible. If a cyst is contributing, [Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/laparoscopic-ovarian-cystectomy/) may be considered to remove it through keyhole surgery. The exact approach depends on the ovary, cyst findings and your overall condition.

Seek immediate help for sudden pelvic or lower abdominal pain, especially with nausea, vomiting, fever, weakness or pain that does not settle. Call emergency services if you feel faint or cannot keep fluids down. Do not wait to see whether repeated pain disappears, because intermittent symptoms can still occur with torsion.

Ask what other diagnoses were considered, whether an ovarian cyst is present, what imaging showed, whether surgery is needed now, and what warning symptoms should bring you back after treatment.