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26th January, 2021 • 1 min read

Ovarian torsion

Medical reviewer:Dr Ann Nainan
Author:Dr Lauretta Ihonor
Last reviewed: 15/01/2021
Medically reviewed

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our safety page, or read our editorial policy.

In this article

Ovarian torsion is when your ovary twists around the tissues that support it, blocking its blood supply. It’s an emergency condition that needs urgent treatment in hospital to prevent permanent damage to your ovary.

What are the symptoms of ovarian torsion?

If you have ovarian torsion, you may have several symptoms, including:

  • tummy or pelvic pain
  • feeling sick
  • being sick
  • fever
  • a large lump in your tummy
  • bleeding from your vagina

But keep in mind that ovarian torsion affects different people differently, which means that you may have some or none of these symptoms.

How is ovarian torsion diagnosed?

If you think you have ovarian torsion, call an ambulance or go to hospital immediately. A doctor will usually examine your tummy and pelvis. They will often also carry out some tests to check if you have the condition. These include:

  • blood tests
  • urine tests
  • pregnancy test
  • imaging scans - for example and internal ultrasound of your vagina and an ultrasound of your tummy

How is ovarian torsion treated?

You’ll usually need to have surgery to treat ovarian torsion.

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Article information
Last reviewed:
15 January 2021
Next review:
15 January 2024
Medical reviewer:
Dr Ann Nainan
Author:
Dr Lauretta Ihonor

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