Ovarian Pain

I am have extreme pain on my right lower side. The pain is breath taking and comes and goes. My lower left side has some pain, but nothing compared to my right side.  I am awken at night by the pain on my right side, however the pain does not last long. I have also experienced extreme gas pains, in which I have treated with over the counter medications.
I am 35 years old and have had a hysterectomy 6 years ago in which they removed my uterus. I have not been to visit the doctor due to the fact that I felt sure that it was probably nothing serious.  However; the pain and bloating is getting worse.  The pain is occuring more frequent and is alot more intense.  It feels as if something is pulling me from the inside.  When I press around my lower stomach area, there is a very tender spot about 2 inches to the right of my naval.  I can not imagen what this could be, since I no longer have periods due to the hysterectomy.  Is it posible to get a cyst on an ovary after having the uterus removed?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Having ovarian cysts can be possible if they weren't taken out during the hysterectomy.  

Other possible causes for the pain would be problems with the appendix, inflammatory bowel disease irritable bowel syndrome or any type of colitis.  

I would suggest an abdominal and pelvic CT scan.  This can evaluate for the diseases that were mentioned above, including the ovaries.

If negative, I would suggest discussing the possibility of a colonoscopy to evaluate for any inflammation of the bowels.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.