Ovarian torsion

15th January, 2021 • 1 min read

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.

Dr Ann Nainan
Reviewed by
Medically reviewed

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.

Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.