When to worry about persistent abdominal pain with ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer may cause pain through pressure in the pelvis or abdomen, fluid build-up, or changes affecting the bowel or bladder. Constipation, infection, treatment effects, and other gynaecological or digestive conditions may feel similar. Your team will use your symptoms, examination, treatment history, and any planned tests to work out the next step.

Note where the pain sits, whether it is cramping or constant, and how it relates to meals, movement, urination, or bowel movements. Record swelling, early fullness, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, and changes in bowel habits. Take prescribed medicines as instructed, and check with your team before using anti-inflammatory medicines, laxatives, or supplements.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, a rigid or rapidly swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, black stools, or blood in vomit. Fever with shaking chills or inability to drink also requires prompt assessment.

Ask what could be causing the pain and swelling, which changes merit same-day advice, and whether you need examination, blood tests, or imaging. Ask how to manage constipation, nausea, or fluid-related discomfort safely.