“The pain in one side of my lower abdomen feels like it’s tearing”... It may not be appendicitis—consider “this,” too [Health Talk]

[Financial News] “I thought my appendix had burst, but they said my ovary had twisted.”
When sudden, tearing pain in one side of the lower abdomen is accompanied by vomiting, most people first think of appendicitis. But in women of reproductive age, it could also be ovarian torsion, in which the ovary twists and its blood supply is cut off.
Abdominal pain in women can have many causes besides digestive disorders. In particular, if sudden pain in one side of the lower abdomen comes with nausea or vomiting, gynecological conditions such as ovarian torsion should also be considered.
Seo Eun-ju, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Seran General Hospital, said, “Ovarian torsion has symptoms similar to those of other conditions, such as appendicitis, so it is difficult to identify the cause based on abdominal pain alone.” She added, “If sudden and severe abdominal pain occurs, gynecological conditions should also be considered, and medical attention should be sought promptly.”

Ovarian torsion is a condition in which the ovary twists out of place, cutting off its blood supply. If blood does not circulate properly, the ovary can swell and its tissue can be damaged; in severe cases, its function may also be affected.


The main symptom is sudden-onset pain in the lower abdomen. It is usually on one side, but its location and intensity vary from person to person. The pain may persist or gradually worsen, or ease for a while and then return. Similar symptoms can also occur with appendicitis or urinary tract stones, making it difficult to identify the cause from the pattern of pain alone.
Ovarian torsion occurs mainly in women of reproductive age, especially those in their 20s and 30s. The risk is related to the size and condition of the ovaries. An ovarian cyst or mass can make an ovary larger and heavier, increasing the risk of it twisting. It can also occur if the ovary enlarges due to ovulation-induction medication during fertility treatment, or during pregnancy. Even women with no previous ovarian problems can develop it when an ovary increases in volume around ovulation. If you have one of these conditions or risk factors, it is advisable to have your ovarian health checked and monitored as directed by your medical team.

During an examination, doctors check when and where the pain began and whether there are accompanying symptoms such as vomiting. An ultrasound is used to assess the ovary’s size and shape and its blood supply. However, ovarian torsion cannot be completely ruled out even if the ultrasound appears to show blood flowing to the ovary, so the symptoms and test results must be considered together.
Treatment focuses on restoring the ovary’s blood supply. If ovarian torsion is diagnosed or strongly suspected, surgery may be needed to untwist the ovary and restore blood flow. During surgery, doctors assess the extent of damage and, if possible, aim to preserve the ovary.
Seo said, “If treatment is delayed, ovarian tissue may be damaged.” She explained, “Whether surgery is needed and what method to use are decided after considering the condition of the ovary, the degree of twisting, the patient’s symptoms, and other factors.” 


[email protected] Jung Myung-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter