Experiencing pain that feels like it originates from the ovaries when coughing is a common symptom. While the sensation may feel distinctly localized to the ovaries, the actual source of discomfort can stem from various areas within the abdominal and pelvic regions. This article explains its potential origins and appropriate responses.
Why It Feels Like Ovarian Pain
Pain perceived in the ovarian region during a cough often results from the intricate anatomy of the lower abdomen and pelvis. This is known as referred pain, where discomfort originating from one area is felt in another part of the body. Internal organs in the pelvic region can refer pain, sometimes called visceral pain. The close proximity of organs like the intestines, bladder, and muscles to the ovaries means irritation or strain in these structures can be misinterpreted as ovarian pain.
Coughing significantly increases intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), a sudden force that compresses abdominal and pelvic viscera. This increased pressure can exacerbate existing sensitivities or issues in nearby tissues, including the pelvic floor muscles, which support organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles or surrounding ligaments are strained or dysfunctional, the sudden jolt from a cough can trigger pain perceived as coming from the ovaries.
Common Explanations
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain when coughing often stems from common, less serious causes. Muscle strain in the abdominal wall or pelvic floor is a frequent culprit, as the sudden contraction during a cough can aggravate these tissues. Ligament pain, particularly round ligament pain during pregnancy, can also manifest as sharp, fleeting discomfort with a cough. This ligament stretches as the uterus grows, becoming more sensitive to sudden movements.
Gastrointestinal issues like gas and bloating can also contribute to this sensation. Increased pressure from gas in the intestines, combined with the force of a cough, can lead to sharp or crampy pain in the lower abdomen. Constipation, by causing distension and pressure in the bowel, can similarly intensify pain with a cough. Even a full bladder can cause discomfort in the pelvic region, which may worsen when intra-abdominal pressure rises.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many causes are benign, medical consultation is necessary if the pain is severe, progressively worsens, or significantly interferes with daily activities. Consult a doctor if the pain is accompanied by a fever, chills, or unusual vaginal discharge.
Other warning signs include persistent nausea or vomiting, changes in bowel or bladder habits, or unexplained weight loss. Any pain that does not subside or recurs frequently warrants attention. These symptoms may signal an underlying condition requiring proper diagnosis and management.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Specific medical conditions can also cause pain perceived in the ovarian area when coughing. Ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries, can cause sharp pain if they rupture or twist. Endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can lead to pelvic pain that intensifies with coughing due to inflammation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs, can result in lower abdominal pain exacerbated by movement. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder, making coughing painful. Kidney stones migrating through the urinary tract can cause sharp, radiating pain worsened by coughing. Appendicitis, an appendix inflammation, causes sharp pain often localized to the lower right abdomen, aggravated by coughing. Diverticulitis, an inflammation of colon pouches, can also present with lower abdominal pain sensitive to pressure changes.
Next Steps in Diagnosis and Care
When consulting a doctor for ovarian pain when coughing, a thorough medical history review is a primary step. This includes discussing the pain’s characteristics, associated symptoms, and any relevant past medical conditions. A physical examination, potentially including a pelvic exam, helps the doctor assess the abdominal and pelvic regions for tenderness, masses, or other abnormalities.
To pinpoint the cause, diagnostic tests may be ordered. These can include urine tests for infections like UTIs, blood tests for inflammation or infection, and imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. These techniques provide detailed views of internal organs, helping identify cysts, inflammation, or other structural issues. An accurate diagnosis guides appropriate management and treatment, which will vary significantly depending on the underlying cause.