Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst

The structure of an ovarian cyst can be described as a tiny sac with fluid filled contents inside it. It is found either inside the ovary or on its surface. These cysts can be found in one or both the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are often categorized into two different types. One is the functional cyst which are absolutely harmless and they last for a very short time. The other one is pathological cyst which could be serious in some cases. Usually, the size of ovarian cysts are very small and they do not show any symptoms. The symptoms of an ovarian cyst are observed when the size of the cyst grows bigger.

Signs and Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cyst is a common occurrence in women. In fact, it is said that most women get ovarian cyst at least once during their childbearing years. However, all of them do not get symptoms. The first ovarian cyst sign is pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen region. It mostly occurs intermittently. Ovarian cyst pain is different for individual cases. It can be an acute pain that lasts for just few minutes or it could be a dull pain that continues for few days. It is either felt in one or both sides of the abdomen. In some cases, pain may be accompanied by fever. Sometimes, the pain may get extended to the lower back and the thighs. Some of the other general complaints of women with ovarian cyst are as follows:

• Swelling in the abdomen which is often accompanied by a bloated feeling.
• Irregularities in menstrual cycles that causes delay in period. Some women experience severe pain before or during the periods. Heavy bleeding is likely to occur in many cases.
• Frequent urge to urinate. This happens when the cyst exerts pressure on bladder. In this condition, acute pain is often experienced while urinating. As a result, emptying bladder becomes difficult.
• Pain experienced during bowel movement because of pressure put on the bowels by the cyst.
• Intense pelvic pain after or during sexual intercourse.
• Nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
• Breast tenderness and increase in growth of body hair which are triggered by abnormality in hormonal production.
• Increase in body weight and frequent acne outbreaks may occur when multiple number of ovaries are formed in the ovary. This condition is also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome.

An ovarian cyst can lead to a lot of health complications. If it gets twisted, blood supply to the cyst stops which badly aggravates the pain. When the cyst becomes large, then there are chances that it may burst.

Ruptured ovarian cyst symptoms are much more severe than a normal cyst. Here, an intense pain starts all of a sudden and it comes along with lightheadedness, cold hand and feet, breathing difficulty, etc. If ovarian cysts are formed during pregnancy, it can lead to several complications. The symptoms of an ovarian cyst in pregnancy are visible when size of the cyst is quite large or it bursts. The unbearable pain in this condition may cause miscarriage or pre-term labor.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment

The treatment for ovarian cyst is based upon a number of factors including its size, location and symptoms. When the symptoms show up occasionally and are not much bothersome, then doctors monitor the cyst with ultrasound after regular interval of time to check any change in size or characteristics of the cyst. For a temporary ovarian cyst pain relief, doctors suggest application of heat and use of vitamin D supplements. To control formation of any new cysts, doctors recommend use of birth control pills. In case the cyst is big enough and is growing further, surgical option is availed. Surgery is also required to treat symptoms of an ovarian cyst rupture. There are a number of techniques available for this kind of surgery. If a woman is in her childbearing years, then the cyst is removed without the removal of ovary. Painful ovarian cyst in pregnant women is closely monitored without any treatment as long as it is not interfering with the pregnancy. If there are any signs of complications, then it is removed by means of surgery without causing any harm to the unborn baby.

Now, you know what are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst. There is no way you can prevent ovarian cyst. However, if you suspect symptoms of ovarian cyst, then visit your doctor for proper diagnosis. Do not neglect this problem as it can lead to unnecessary complications in future.