Twisted ovary ultrasound: what to know

Ovarian torsion, also called a twisted ovary, happens when an ovary rotates around the tissues supporting it. Ultrasound commonly uses images of the pelvis and Doppler assessment of blood flow. Findings may include an ovary that looks enlarged, follicles pushed toward its edge, fluid nearby, or a mass such as a cyst. Blood flow can still appear on a scan even when torsion is present, so the result must be considered alongside sudden pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, examination findings, and your medical history.

Contact urgent medical services or attend an emergency department if torsion is suspected, particularly when pain began suddenly or is severe. Do not delay assessment while waiting for symptoms to settle. Tell the clinician when the pain started, whether it comes in waves, and whether you have vomiting, fever, a known ovarian cyst, or previous pelvic surgery. The team may arrange blood tests, repeat imaging, or review by a gynaecology specialist. Treatment can require surgery to untwist the ovary and address a cyst when present; laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is one related surgical approach.

Seek urgent care for sudden one-sided pelvic pain, pain with vomiting, faintness, marked weakness, fever, or a swollen and tender abdomen. Symptoms may improve temporarily if the ovary twists and untwists, but that change does not make the situation safe to watch at home. If pain is milder but persistent, arrange prompt medical review and describe any bleeding, pregnancy possibility, or known ovarian condition.

Ask whether the scan showed ovarian enlargement, a cyst, or altered blood flow; what other diagnoses are being considered; whether a gynaecology review is needed; and which changes should send you back to urgent care.