It is common for women to develop ovarian cysts over the course of their lives. These cysts are sacks that form on the ovaries. They may be full of fluid or could be solid. Typically, cysts form during ovulation. This is the part of your monthly cycle where one of your ovaries releases an egg.
You may experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, from an ovarian cyst. Other times, these cysts can exist and cause no symptoms at all. In most cases, a cyst will form and then, over the course of a few weeks to three months, will disappear on its own.
Thankfully, the vast majority of ovarian cysts are not cancerous. They are benign. However, there are rare circumstances when the development of an ovarian cyst indicates ovarian cancer. Since this possibility exists, it is recommendable that you talk to your doctor about any symptoms you experience that could indicate that you have ovarian cysts.
Dr. Susan Crockett is a healthcare provider at Virtuoso GYN. She works with an expert medical team. Her recommendation is for you to call our office and schedule a check-up if you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an ovarian cyst. The following are nine warning signs you should be on the lookout for.
Pain in Your Pelvis
Pain is a common symptom women experience during their periods. However, it may seem worrisome if you are dealing with pelvic pain that is persistent. The pain may be intermittent. It may come one month, disappear for a couple months, and then return. Or you could experience pain randomly throughout the month that is not linked to your period.
Pelvic pain linked to an ovarian cyst is often felt in the lower abdomen. Many women describe this pain as a dull or sharp sensation. The pain could be constant, or it could ebb and flow. Typically, pain from an ovarian cyst increases during your menstrual period. This is because your body is producing hormones during this time. These hormones can cause ovarian cysts to get larger. This triggers the pain.
If an ovarian cyst ruptures, the pain can be sudden and severe. The pain is typically felt primarily in the pelvic region.
Infertility
Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome may develop many ovarian cysts. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition caused by a hormonal disorder. It is commonly seen in women who are of a reproductive age. Symptoms include infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. Women who have this condition may also create excessive levels of male hormones.
Over time, women with this condition will develop many ovarian cysts. Their ovaries may develop several fluid follicles that prevent the regular release of eggs. While the exact reason women develop polycystic ovary syndrome is uncertain, early diagnosis coupled with weight loss might provide relief and prevent more serious symptoms from developing.
Referred Pain from Ovarian Cysts
Since not all ovarian cysts are exactly the same, the type of pain and the location of the pain you experience can vary from cyst to cyst and from person to person. Ovarian cysts have a unique appearance and effect, depending on how they were formed.
The pain from ovarian cysts can be chronic or acute. Acute ovarian pain has a quick onset and will dissipate over a relatively short amount of time. Chronic pain starts gradually, reaches its peak, lasts for a few months or longer, and then dissipates.
While pain from ovarian cysts is typically felt in the pelvis, it can travel to other parts of your body. You may experience pain in your lower back. It is also possible to feel pain all the way down into your thighs. They call this referred pain. The source of the pain is not the location where the pain is felt.
Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms typically connected to less common types of cysts that your doctor might find if they are doing a pelvic exam. Ovarian torsion is an example of one of the less common complications seen with ovarian cysts.
A cyst can grow so large that the weight of it causes your ovaries to move. This makes it highly possible that your ovaries will twist, causing intense pain. When this happens, you will experience a rapid onset of extreme pain. Nausea and vomiting are also experienced.
This is a serious condition. Ovarian torsion can reach the point where it prevents blood flow to the ovaries. A rupture of an ovarian cyst can also lead to severe pain that might cause nausea and vomiting.
Bleeding without Explanation
If you have an ovarian cyst and you are experiencing bleeding when you do not expect it, call us immediately. This could be a sign that you are experiencing a medical condition that requires immediate attention.
Ruptured ovarian cysts can lead to severe bleeding. This bleeding may affect the flow of blood to other organs. In extreme cases, it can lead to death.
The most common type of cyst to rupture is a functional ovarian cyst. These develop when an egg does not release from the ovary during ovulation.
Ovarian Cysts and Bloating
Bloating is a common symptom that you may experience during your period. Researchers believe that this bloating happens because your body is experiencing a change in its progesterone and estrogen levels. The body reacts to exchange by holding onto more salt and water. As the cells in the body become swollen with water, you start to feel bloated. A study that was done in early 2011 shows that women retain the highest level of water during the first day of their periods.
Some women mistake the bloating associated with ovarian cysts with typical weight gain. However, you should be aware of unusual bloating that is the result of an ovarian cyst growing larger.
Most ovarian cysts stay under 10 cm. However, ovarian cysts can sometimes grow much larger than that, reaching the size of a watermelon. When this happens, some women mistakenly think they are putting on weight. However, abnormal abdominal pain coupled with bloating could be a signal that there is an enormous mass growing in your stomach. It’s especially important to be vigilant if you are only putting on weight in your stomach or can’t figure out why you are putting on weight.
Ovarian Cysts Change Your Bathroom Use
An ovarian cyst that doesn’t cause symptoms may go away by itself. However, larger ovarian cysts may lead to abdominal discomfort.
A large ovarian cyst could put pressure on your bladder. You may feel you need to urinate with greater frequency. This is because the pressure on your bladder is reducing your bladder’s capacity.
If a cyst is putting pressure on your bowels, you may experience pain during bowel movements. You may feel pressure to have a bowel movement or may find it difficult to completely empty your bowels.
Discomfort during Sex
Dyspareunia is the term used when women experience pain during vaginal sex. Ovarian cysts can often lead to this discomfort and pain.
You have a higher chance of experiencing pain during sexual intercourse if you develop endometrioma. This is a type of ovarian cyst that is commonly seen in women who have endometriosis. With this condition, uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus.
Sex should not be painful. Talk to your doctor if this is a problem. They can work with you to address the condition at the root of the problem.
Fever
An infected ovarian cyst can cause a fever. If an infected cyst ruptures, it could lead to a condition known as sepsis. This is a life-threatening condition where the immune system is responding to harmful bacteria.
If you were to get diagnosed with an infected cyst, your doctor may treat you with antibiotics. At times, surgery is required to correct the situation.
An infected or ruptured ovarian cyst is a serious condition. If you have symptoms of ovarian cysts and develop a fever, you should consult a medical professional.
Ovarian cysts happen with greater frequency in women who have irregular periods. You may develop a cyst and not be aware of it until a problem arises from the cyst or until multiple cysts form. It is estimated that eight percent of premenopausal women will develop a cyst that is large enough that it requires some form of medical treatment. Ovarian cysts are less common after menopause. Postmenopausal women who develop ovarian cysts are at an increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Dr. Crockett and her expert team at Virtuosa GYN have extensive experience helping women who have ovarian cysts. They are experienced at using surgical methods for the removal of ovarian cysts.
If you are dealing with any of the symptoms outlined above or if you need other gynecological care, we warmly invite you to contact us at Virtuosa GYN. Call us and schedule an appointment. We have a team of caring woman’s healthcare providers committed to helping you with your gynecological needs.
