What Should You Know About Ovarian Cyst Symptoms?

By Amanda Clark

An ovarian cyst is a small fluid-filled sac that develops in a woman's ovaries. Many cysts are completely normal. These are called functional cysts. They occur as a result of ovulation. Any ovarian follicle larger than 2 cm is considered an ovarian cyst. Almost all women have ovarian cysts at some point in life. What are the most common ovarian cyst symptoms?

Functional ovarian cysts are usually harmless, producing no symptoms and disappear without treatment. In most cases, the patient feels pain, which is caused by the cyst size, type and degree of evolution. If the cyst is larger, it can cause pressure on the bladder, producing pain during intercourse. This type of cyst is caused by various diseases that affect other organs and occur during pregnancy.

If you have a functional ovarian cyst, you may present lower abdominal pain, irregular menstrual periods, and sharp pain after intercourse or exhausting exercise, long-term pelvic pain during menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, ovarian cysts can cause infertility. Also, it's possible to gain weight because of this problem.

Signs and symptoms that require urgent medical attention include severe pelvic pain that occurs suddenly, pain accompanied by fever, wet and cold skin, rapid breathing, fainting, dizziness and weakness (signs that indicate a shock).

Usually, ovarian cysts are asymptomatic. Or, when symptoms are present, they are similar to those of other diseases such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and ovarian cancer. Even appendicitis and diverticulitis can cause symptoms similar to those produced by an ovarian cyst rupture.

Some women are diagnosed with less common ovarian cysts that don't produce any symptoms and are discovered during pelvic examination (Dermoid cysts, Endometrioid cysts and Hemorrhagic cysts).

Although there is no method to prevent this problem, pelvic exams are required in order to make sure that ovarian cyst symptoms are diagnosed at the right time. Also, women must pay attention to any changes affecting the menstrual cycle, including unusual symptoms that persist for a longer time. - 29962

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here