Signs of Ovarian Cysts You Shouldn’t Ignore
August 7, 2024 8:52 am
There are several kinds of ovarian cysts. Functional cysts are quite common, and benign, and form during ovulation. Cysts related to a disease include polycystic syndrome or ovarian cancer. It is obviously important to learn the signs of ovarian cysts you shouldn’t ignore.
What Exactly Is An Ovarian Cyst
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or a partially solid one. They form on or within one of the ovaries. Many are harmless like the functional cyst which occurs during ovulation when an egg is released from the ovaries.
Although many cysts have no symptoms whatsoever, it is important to be aware of certain symptoms. If you do experience any of the symptoms below, tell our OBGYNs about them so a proper diagnosis can be made.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
As mentioned previously, the majority of cysts are benign and harmless, but there is the rare case that they are cancerous, so don’t ignore any symptoms.
Pelvic Pain
Hormones during your period can cause cysts to form or become enlarged. You may feel pain in your lower abdomen and in your lower back. The pain can be dull or sharp, intermittent, or last for extended periods.
If a cyst ruptures, you will feel severe and sudden pain.
Nausea and Vomiting
A cyst can cause an ovary to get twisted. When this occurs, you will have symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Bloating
Many women feel bloated during their period, but with a cyst it feels unusually more uncomfortable due to a cyst becoming enlarged.
Changes in Bowels and Urination
One significant sign of cysts is excessive urination and difficulty emptying your bowels.
Bleeding
Bleeding when you are not having a period is serious and should not be ignored. Call our clinic immediately if you experience unexplained bleeding.
Painful Sex
Cysts can cause painful sex if you have endometriosis.
Weight Gain
If you suddenly gain weight with no explanation, it could be an enlarged cyst in combination with bloating.
Fever
Fever may develop due to an infected cyst.
Difficulty Getting Pregnant
One type of ovarian cyst can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which makes it difficult to get pregnant.
Unpredictable Ovarian Cysts
Sometimes they go away on their own, sometimes there are no signs they exist, sometimes you experience pain and the above symptoms. They are unpredictable, but nothing to be ignored.
Be sure to tell Mid-City OB-GYN about any of the above symptoms or changes in your menstrual cycle, especially if they last for several months.
Contact Mid-City OB-GYN at (402) 397-6600 for all your regular pelvic exams and eliminate any issues or complications with ovarian cysts.
Sources:
Ovarian cysts – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Ovarian Cysts (Functional Cyst on Ovary): Symptoms, Types, Treatment (webmd.com)
Ovarian Cysts: Management & Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis (clevelandclinic.org)