{"id":1047,"date":"2020-10-02T17:04:04","date_gmt":"2020-10-02T17:04:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/?p=1047"},"modified":"2025-05-21T12:54:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T16:54:35","slug":"should-you-be-concerned-with-enlarged-ovaries-and-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/should-you-be-concerned-with-enlarged-ovaries-and-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Enlarged Ovaries: Should You Worry?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with any unexpected medical issue, an enlarged or swollen ovary might initially come across as alarming. However, in most cases, there are various, relatively common, and easily diagnosable causes of swelling and enlargement. In fact, during certain phases of your menstrual cycle, some swelling is normal. Typically, enlarged ovaries will return to their regular size within a few days. Still, if you have concerns or are experiencing severe symptoms, you should reach out to your health care provider for assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is an Enlarged Ovary?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simply put, this condition makes one ovary larger than the other and may cause a variety of other mild to severe symptoms. Some women might experience swelling of the ovary or ovaries without any side effects at all while others may suffer cramps and other forms of discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically speaking, if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen, you might notice some of the following:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Soreness or pain in the lower abdomen<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A low-grade fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unintentional changes in body weight, such as rapid gain or loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or menstrual cycle\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/bleeding-spotting-during-ovulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Abnormal periods and irregular spotting<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Difficulty using the restroom<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sudden, urgent need to use the bathroom<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite varying in severity, these symptoms are often treatable and can be managed. Additionally, these symptoms are not always directly related to the swelling of the ovaries. Therefore, you should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/all-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consult a medical professional<\/a> to rule out other serious health issues if you&#8217;re experiencing these symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1049 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary.jpg\" alt=\"What Is an Enlarged Ovary\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Is-an-Enlarged-Ovary.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Causes Ovaries to Enlarge?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many women&#8217;s health issues have a variety of causes. The issue of swollen ovaries is no different\u2014there are several different reasons you could notice an enlarged ovary. Thankfully, many of the causes are linked to standard women&#8217;s issues that are treatable with medication, lifestyle changes, and regular doctor visits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first most common reason for your ovaries to swell is follicle development and ovulation. Typically, one to two weeks before the start of your period, your body begins<a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/bleeding-spotting-during-ovulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> ovulating<\/a>. During <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clearblue.com\/how-to-get-pregnant\/what-is-ovulation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ovulation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the body grows and matures an egg to prepare for fertilization. Upon the release of the egg, the ovary forms a corpus luteum. These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-diagnosis-and-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">types of cysts<\/a> develop naturally as a normal function of the ovary and thus are referred to as \u201cfunctional\u201d ovarian cysts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Throughout this process, minor swelling is normal and poses no need for concern. Generally speaking, the swelling goes down within a few days after the egg has matured and is released. However, prolonged swelling could indicate other issues that you should discuss with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During ovulation, you&#8217;ll likely notice these symptoms as well:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Increased vaginal discharge<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A moderate increase in overall body temperature<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cramping or sharp pain in the lower abdomen, known as ovulation pain<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several other types of cysts can develop and contribute to what causes enlarged ovaries. These new growths are what are referred to as \u201cneoplasms. Neoplasms, or new growths, are usually benign. However, on occasion, they can also be malignant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermoid cysts are one of the most common types of benign ovarian cysts found in women. These can be managed with observation but sometimes will require surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, hormone imbalance can lead to health issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. These conditions cause cysts to form on the ovaries, which can lead to swelling, fever, and discomfort, among other problems. A doctor must diagnose both of these conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently, individuals who suffer from these conditions experience a variety of other symptoms outside of swelling. For instance, you may also note irregular periods, pain in the lower back and abdomen, difficulty conceiving or infertility, weight gain, and unwanted hair growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these conditions causes a variety of cysts to form on the ovaries, which may, in turn, lead to swelling. The cysts that form from these conditions may require surgical removal. Ultimately, it will depend upon analysis from a medical professional. If you&#8217;re experiencing severe side effects from one of these conditions, you should speak with a doctor. Untreated side effects can have negative impacts on your overall health and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/how-do-you-prepare-your-body-for-pregnancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">your fertility<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Tumors in an Enlarged Ovary<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some rare cases, tumors can make one ovary larger than the other. Statistically speaking, the chances of cancerous tumors are very rare. Only approximately 22,000 individuals are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Often, though, a swollen ovary is one of the first indicators of ovarian cancer, making it important that you consult a medical professional if you have concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you consult a doctor, he or she will often ask you a variety of questions to determine the root cause of the problem. As stated, the chances of cancerous tumors are relatively low. However, they are possible\u2014and untreated swelling may allow cancer to spread. Therefore, the doctor will ask preliminary questions and perform basic examinations to determine if further testing is necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Should You Do If You Have Swollen Ovaries?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unexplained swelling in any part of the body can come across as somewhat concerning initially. It&#8217;s important to consider the severity of the symptoms you&#8217;re experiencing and the length of time they&#8217;ve been present. Any prolonged discomfort should be investigated by a medical professional, if possible. An examination can help rule out potential health issues and allow doctors to make a treatment plan that focuses on eliminating and reducing negative symptoms of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-diagnosis-and-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ovarian cysts<\/a> and swelling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, swelling comes as a side effect of normal health issues that hundreds of thousands of women experience. Therefore, treatment options are available to help alleviate these symptoms. All the same, swelling in the ovaries is normally no reason for alarm and often will resolve itself on its own, without medical intervention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have concerns or are experiencing excessive fever, pain, or swelling, don&#8217;t hesitate to contact your doctor. At times, this can be a side effect of a medical emergency, such as a twisted ovary. If you are not in excessive pain or experiencing other severe side effects, you likely have minimal reason to worry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1051 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2.jpg\" alt=\"What Should You Do If You Have Swollen Ovaries\u00a0\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2020\/11\/What-Should-You-Do-If-You-Have-Swollen-Ovaries-1-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, swollen ovaries occur for a variety of reasons that are non-urgent and do not require immediate medical care. You must discuss any swelling or enlargement you notice with your doctor to eliminate the possibility of cancer or tumors. These can lead to further medical issues, including long-term infertility. Ensuring that you address your issues with a doctor in a timely manner is, therefore, an important part of your overall health and wellness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice recurring issues or issues that present with extreme pain or high fevers, consult your doctor immediately. Minor swelling, however, can be expected during ovulation and, at times, during your menstrual cycle. Your doctor can determine if the issue needs further investigation, testing, or long-term treatment to prevent problems in the future. Contact Women\u2019s Healthcare of Boca Raton today to schedule an appointment to discuss your <a href=\"\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/gynecologist-boca-raton-florida\/\">gynecological problems<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As with any unexpected medical issue, an enlarged or swollen ovary might initially come across as alarming. However, in most cases, there are various, relatively common, and easily diagnosable causes of swelling and enlargement. In fact, during certain phases of your menstrual cycle, some swelling is normal. Typically, enlarged ovaries will return to their regular  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1052,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[28,23,3],"tags":[18,20,22,21,19],"class_list":["post-1047","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-enlarged-ovaries","category-gynecology","category-health","tag-enlarged-ovary","tag-one-ovary-larger-than-the-other","tag-swollen-ovary","tag-what-causes-enlarged-ovaries","tag-what-causes-ovaries-to-enlarge"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1047","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1047"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1047\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1052"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/womens-healthcare-of-boca-raton\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}