If you’ve ever felt pain in your ovaries, you’re not alone. Many members of myPCOSteam experience cramping, sharp pain, or dull aching in their ovaries, or more generally in their lower pelvis. Pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including ovarian cysts, ovulation, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, and in rare cases, ovarian cancer. It is often difficult to determine the precise cause of pain. Women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can experience ovary or pelvic pain.

On myPCOSteam, women most frequently discuss pain they associate with ovulation and cysts. “My random ovary pain has been one of two things,” one member commented, “ovulation or when I had a dime sized ovarian cyst.” Another member wrote, “I get ovulating pain, I get cyst pain, and I get period cramping pain. Does anyone else have pain almost all the time? 🙄 It's very frustrating.”

Women on myPCOSteam don’t always know the precise cause of their pelvic pain. “Sometimes I hurt like I’m ovulating, and it’s actually a cyst rupturing,” a member wrote. Many members report using ovulation predictor kits to track ovulation, which helps them connect ovary pain to ovulation.

The experience of ovary pain varies greatly for myPCOSteam members. One member reported her ovary pain ranges from “sharp random punches to mild cramps.” Another member described ovary pain from ovulation as “a super tender ache on the ovary that is releasing the egg. It's like a bruised feeling, super painful like my ovary is being squeezed really hard repeatedly.”

Some members on myPCOSteam notice a reduction in ovary pain when they use hormonal birth control. Members describe mild pain from a ruptured cyst or ovulation that can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. Ovarian cysts can be a medical emergency if they cause fever, vomiting, faintness, or rapid breathing. Talk to your doctor about pain in your ovaries or pelvis and associated symptoms. They can help determine if your symptoms require more investigation or different treatment.

On myPCOSteam, the social network and online support group for those living with PCOS, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Ovary pain is one of the most discussed topics.

Here are some conversations about ovary pain:
 

• “Random ovary pain???” 

• “I’m exhausted and ovarian pain is kicking my butt today.” 

• “My lower belly has sharp pain about three out of four weeks a month. 🙄” 

Here are some question-and-answer threads about ovary pain:
 

• It's been a rough period and my ovaries feel painful. 

• Pain in ovary 

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myPCOSteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.