Ovarian Pain After Abortion: Causes & When to Worry

Question
(US)
I had a surgical abortion just over 3 weeks ago. Yesterday I noticed a pain near my right ovary. It is tender to the touch and hurts when I move certain ways and even hurts when I cough. I have always had pain during ovulation but thought it would be too soon for it to be that, and with that its never been as tender to the touch as it is now. I have no other symptoms of infection such as fever or discharge that they tell you to look for. Have a follow up next Wed but am concerned that there may be something wrong that shouldn't wait until then. Any ideas what may be going on and if it could be a complication from the procedure?

Answer
It could be a corpus luteum cyst.  They form during pregnancy and regress after it is ended. You can take Motrin 800 mg every 6 hours.  If the pain goes away, then no need to worry.  If you do develop other symptoms, you should call the facility and try to get in earlier. If you develop a sharp pain and feel dizzy, go to the ER.  The cysts on occasion can rupture.