Symptoms and Causes of Inflamed Ovaries

9. Cause: Torsion

Ovarian torsion happens when the ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place. Cysts in the ovaries increase the risk of this condition, but they can afflict any woman. Ovarian torsion is rare, but it is a medical emergency because it restricts blood flow to the ovary and can lead to infection, internal bleeding, and tissue death. Symptoms include acute, sudden lower abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. The only way to untwist the ovary is with surgery, and minimally invasive procedures are available.

Shidlovski / Getty Images