Ovarian Cyst Abdominal Pain What It Means

Ovarian cysts are typically benign growths that rarely cause abdominal pain. However, when a cyst develops on a long stalk and twists, it can lead to severe abdominal discomfort due to ovarian torsion. This condition often presents with signs of peritonitis, such as tenderness, rebound tenderness, and muscle guarding. In such cases, a blood test may show a significant increase in white blood cell count. Emergency surgery is often required to prevent compromised blood flow to the ovary, which could result in tissue necrosis.

If you experience abdominal pain, it's advisable to get a complete blood count (CBC) test to check for elevated white blood cells. If the levels are normal, the pain might not be related to an ovarian cyst but could instead stem from dietary issues, intestinal gas, cold exposure, or constipation, all of which can cause spasmodic pain. This type of discomfort usually improves after drinking warm water and having a bowel movement.

However, if your white blood cell count is high, it suggests the presence of inflammation somewhere in the body. Lower abdominal pain combined with elevated white blood cells could indicate conditions like acute appendicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Inflammatory abdominal pain often requires intravenous antibiotic treatment under medical supervision.

Monitoring symptoms closely and consulting a healthcare provider promptly is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Timely intervention can prevent complications and ensure a quicker recovery.