Ovarian Abscess

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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An ovarian abscess is a pus-filled pocket in an ovary. An ovarian abscess is usually caused by bacteria that travel from another part of your body. The bacteria can also travel up your vagina and move into your uterus through your cervix. Bacteria infect the ovary or part of the fallopian tube next to the ovary. An abscess that starts in a fallopian tube and spreads to the ovary is called a tuboovarian abscess (TOA). Less commonly, the abscess can start in the ovary and not involve the fallopian tube.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Your heartbeat or breathing is faster than normal for you.
• You have heavy vaginal bleeding and feel lightheaded.
• You have new or worsening pain.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your pain does not get better even after you take pain medicine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Macrobid
• nitrofurantoin
• Cipro
• Bactrim
• ciprofloxacin

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to prevent or fight a bacterial infection or to reduce pain. Ask your healthcare provider how to take pain medicine safely.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You may need ongoing tests or treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them.

Manage an ovarian abscess:

• Do not have sex until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will need to finish treatment before it is safe to have sex.
• Do not have unprotected sex. Always use a latex condom. Do not have sex while you or your partners are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Talk to your sex partners. If you have an STI, tell your recent partners. Tell them to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. This will help stop the spread of infection to others or back to you.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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