Painful Left Side- I Believe It Is the Ovary

Updated on February 22, 2010
K.T. asks from Saint Paul, MN
10 answers

I know I should just call the doctor about this. I do have an ultrasound scheduled in a couple of weeks. I've been avoiding it for so long already I thought maybe I would ask on here first. I hate going to the OB!!! For about a year and a half now I've been having very weird symptoms, including pain on my left side [never my right] which I am pretty sure is my ovary. I've also been having very irregular periods [don't come on time anymore, very light sometimes, very heavy other times] which before my son was born were always very regular and predictable. Right now my period is 9 days late if I were going by how it used to be [no I'm not pregnant I haven't had sex for so long!] Sometimes in the middle of my cycle I will have light red streaking blood, but not enough to need a pad. I assume that is probably happening during ovulation. Anyway, I'm having this pain again tonight and it makes me miserable! I can hardly walk because it hurts to much- like really sharp pain. I'm scared to even cough. Has anyone had this? If so, what did it turn out to be? When it happens, it could be anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days and then it's gone... and usually it happens 2-3 times/month. I know someone who had endometriosis, but I don't really think that is what is going on since this is only on one side of my body-but who knows. If it is endometriosis, how do they treat it? What else could it be? I guess my biggest fear is cancer because we have a history of cervical cancer and all sorts of other cancers in my family. But if it was something serious like cancer I would probably have more symptoms, right? Anyway I guess I just need some reassurance! Thanks

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K.S.

answers from Green Bay on

You don't know what it is, and we don't know what it is, so you really should go to the dr. in the next 2 weeks.

I had similar pain and it was only an ovarian cyst, but it did have to be removed. Don't let it go. I am a breast cancer survivor (9 years - woohoo!) and say GO TO THE DR> NOW.

If it's minor, you'll feel relieved. If it's serious, you will be glad you went.

GO.

:)

K.
http://K..myshaklee.com

2 moms found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

Not to sound scarey, but please call, run, go to the doctor and get some help. I hate to say this but I had an ovarian cyst some years back and uterine cancer (surgery was six months ago) and it is no fun. You might just have some polyps or fibroids something benign that mean nothing, but get to someone fast as possible. They caught mine in the early stage, I am alright and have been cancer free for six months now (woohoo) but this is something I ignored and want you to listen to your body. I also had an ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit some years back (not cancerous) and that caused incredible pain.They removed the ovary and I did have another child after that! I too hated the OB. But now I love the doctor I have, he literally saved my life.So even if you hate people poking around there, you are better off finding and eliminating who you want to do that by picking your own time now and you will enjoy feeling better! Prayers going out for you~ Good luck!

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Z.A.

answers from Milwaukee on

Could it be a cyst rupturing?Because that is painfull as well and it happends once in a while to me.

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T.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

Yes, I have had this! One time the pain was so bad that I actually passed out for awhile. For me it was ovarian cysts, which are usually nothing to be concerned about. Also, I get that sharp , don't even want to cough pain when I am ovulating. Advil and a warm bath or heating pad did help me. Take the advil every 4-6 hours to stay on top of the pain. Pelvic pain is so common and there usually isn't any explanation for it. After all, there is a lot going on down there. :)

Good luck with your ultrasound. It does sound like a cyst though, so don't be too worried.

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J.Z.

answers from Milwaukee on

My first thought was endometriosis. When I had symptoms it was always on my right side and I always thougtht it was something ovarian. Turns out it had connected (as someone else mentioned) to the ovary. As much as we hate going to the gynecologist we can't let our fears get the best of us! Try not to worry, but please let us know what you find out.

Updated

My first thought was endometriosis. When I had symptoms it was always on my right side and I always thougtht it was something ovarian. Turns out it had connected (as someone else mentioned) to the ovary. As much as we hate going to the gynecologist we can't let our fears get the best of us! Try not to worry, but please let us know what you find out.

Updated

My first thought was endometriosis. When I had symptoms it was always on my right side and I always thougtht it was something ovarian. Turns out it had connected (as someone else mentioned) to the ovary. As much as we hate going to the gynecologist we can't let our fears get the best of us! Try not to worry, but please let us know what you find out.

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I was just diagnosed with endometriosis. I had phantom pains in the pelvic area, usually my left side; HEAVY periods; insomnia; etc. The solutions that I was presented with were birth control, which I've learned in the past don't play well with my body; or a proceedure called Novasure (www.novasure.com). I chose the Novasure and had the procedure done last week.

There could be some other things going on. Could be ovarian cysts, fiberoids, a bacterial infection, or even a kidney infection. Have you talked to your regular dr. about it? My regular dr. had uncovered some things during my physical in Nov. She put me on meds. When the symptoms didn't go away, she ordered a pelvic ultrasound and sent me to my OB. She said that the OB would want the ultrasound for assisting in a diagnosis.

I would contact your primary dr., meet with him/her, and ask about a pelvic ultrasound before meeting with your OB.

M.

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J.M.

answers from Sheboygan on

It does sound like it could be your ovary. You may have a cyst that just isn't resolving itself, or it could be a number of other things, endometriosis among them. Endo can be treated with birth control pills, which can sometimes lessen the pain and regulate your period...it can also be treated surgically. A cyst can be treated also with surgery, or with a medication that can be given to you to help resolve the cyst. Ovarian cancer is one of those cancers that isn't always caught until it is more advanced, and symptoms can range from a pseudo pregnancy to pain to irregular periods, to none at all...even in the late stages. I would suggest that you call your OB, voice your concerns to the nurse, and see if you can move up your appointment. Hopefully, it's nothing serious. Good luck to you!

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M.K.

answers from Sheboygan on

FYI--Some cancers are symptom free, that's why routine screening is recommended. Not saying that's your case, just an FYI

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L.W.

answers from La Crosse on

I agree with the other women. It is most likely either a cyst or endo. Since the birth of my first son (via c-section, 14 years ago) I have had "unexplained abdominal pain". I never noticed it much during my other 3 pregnancies, but any time I lost weight it got much worse. I have had cysts. Those usually need attention right away. From what you described, it sounds more like endo. The doc will most likely do a trans-vanginal ultrasound. In my case, they had trouble even finding my ovary on my left side. The ultrasound showed nothing conclusive. So I was sent to physical therapy for tummy rubs! 6 weeks of tummy massage - yep! Paid for by insurance. I did that about 6 years ago. I have had one more child since then. Whenever the pain comes back, I start daily tummy massages. The PT showed me what to do. The conclusion of the OB was that my ovary is attached to my pelvis with tissue - call it endo if you like. Because of the pain, seek professional help. Hope you find an answer!

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