Is It Ovarian Cyst or Appendicitis?

Many conditions cause pain in your abdomen, which creates difficulty in deciding whether or not you have a severe medical condition or need to go to the ER. A typical first thought when experiencing sharp, sudden pain in your lower abdomen could be appendicitis, but it can also mean you have a large, ruptured ovarian cyst.

Whichever it may be, it’s important to remember: Delaying diagnosis and treatment may lead to severe complications because both conditions share similar symptoms.

What Is Appendicitis?

The appendix is a small pouch attached to the large intestine on the lower right side of our abdomen. If it becomes inflamed and filled with pus, it can spread throughout your organs and block areas inside your appendix, also known as an appendicitis.

The most common warning signs and symptoms of appendicitis include:

Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Lack of energy

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled outpouchings on your ovaries and, fortunately, most are not dangerous. In fact, the majority of ovarian cysts are small and disappear within a few months. These cysts generally don’t need treatment and are caused by the normal function of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Ovarian cysts become harmful when one is very large and has ruptured, creating symptoms including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal swelling
Constipation
Severe abdominal pain
Internal bleeding

How Do I Know When to go to the ER

If the only symptom you experience is abdominal pain, try to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If this provides relief, you may have been experiencing regular ovulation pain, also known as Mittelschmerz.

If the pain doesn’t go away and is accompanied by other symptoms of vomiting, nausea, constipation, or internal bleeding, you’ll most likely need to call a doctor.

ER of Texas emergency room and medical center are available in eight locations for your convenience: Highland Village, Little Elm, Hurst, Colleyville, Texoma, Hillcrest, Uptown, Mansfield and Dallas, Texas surrounding communities.

We are happy to speak to you on the phone and provide you with more information and resources. Call us today at to learn more.