Your ovaries are located in the lower abdomen on either side of your uterus. An ovary is about the size of an almond, and during a woman's reproductive years, they develop and release an egg each month for fertilization. Several medical issues may develop that cause pain in the ovaries that may be felt any time, including during exercise. If pain persists, visit your doctor to determine if exercise is causing the discomfort.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are sacs of fluid that can form inside or on the surface of an ovary. They are common, and most women will have a cyst develop on one or both ovaries at some point without knowing it. Frequently, the cysts go away on their own without treatment or problems. Problems occur when a cyst ruptures, causing pain. You may experience dull, aching pain that may be intermittent or constant. The pain can be exacerbated by strenuous exercise. This can be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or of being bloated in the abdomen, and you may also feel nauseous. Visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.
Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary becomes twisted enough to obstruct the arteries and veins leading to the ovary. This is a painful, emergent condition that must be treated immediately. Causes can be from enlarged ovaries, pregnancy or ovarian cysts and the pain may be exacerbated by exercise. The condition is considered rare, though it ranks fifth among gynecological emergencies. Ovarian torsion may also be accompanied by ovarian cysts and is frequently misdiagnosed as appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy or gastrointestinal problems. The risk of ovarian torsion is small, but if you are undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation for infertility, you may be at higher risk and should mention this to your doctor if you are experiencing ovarian pain with exercise.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that is normal inside the uterus grows outside the uterus and sometimes attaches itself to the fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvic organs. According to the Center for Young Women's Health at Children's Hospital Boston, exercise may help improve symptoms of endometriosis, but strenuous exercise such as running and jumping may exacerbate symptoms. Consult your doctor regarding any symptoms you may have so that appropriate treatment can be given.
Mittelschmerz
Mittelschmerz is lower abdominal pain associated with ovulation. It usually is felt on one side and may alternate sides each month. The pain may last just a few minutes or as long as two days and is usually a dull ache, but it may be severe enough to require over-the-counter pain medicine. Any pain more severe necessitates a visit to your doctor. There is no evidence that mittelschmerz is aggravated by exercise, but because ovulation can occur at any time during the menstrual cycle, you may feel it while exercising.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Ovarian Cysts; July 24, 2009
- Abemarle Pulmonary Medicine Associates: Ovarian Cysts
- "Oxford Journals"; Exercise-induced Ovarian Torsion in the Cycle Following Gonadotrophin Therapy: Case Report; Littman, et al.; May 2003
- North Carolina Ultrasound Society; Ovarian Torsion; Bradley, et al.; April 2008
- Mayo Clinic; Endometriosis; Sept. 11, 2010
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