Ovarian Cysts

Key Signs and Symptoms

Many ovarian cysts don't cause any symptoms and are often found during a scan for another reason. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Pelvic pain or a dull ache in the lower abdomen
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness
• Pain during intercourse
• Irregular periods
• Pain during bowel movements
• Feeling the need to urinate more often

Early vs Advanced Symptoms

Early Symptoms

Small ovarian cysts often don't cause symptoms. If they do, you may notice:

• Mild, occasional pelvic discomfort
• Slight bloating
• Often no symptoms at all
• Usually found incidentally during a routine scan

Advanced Symptoms

Larger cysts or complications such as rupture or ovarian torsion may cause:

• Sudden, severe pelvic pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
• Rapid breathing or dizziness
• Significant abdominal swelling
• Pain that comes on suddenly and sharply, which can indicate a cyst has ruptured or twisted

Common Causes

Ovarian cysts can develop for several reasons, including:

• Normal hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle (functional cysts)
• Endometriosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic infections that spread to the ovaries
• Pregnancy, in some cases
• Abnormal cell growth, less commonly

You may be more likely to develop ovarian cysts if you:

• Are of reproductive age
• Have hormonal imbalances
• Have endometriosis
• Have had ovarian cysts before
• Are undergoing fertility treatments involving hormone medication
• Are pregnant
• Have untreated pelvic infections

How the Condition Is Identified

Your doctor will usually start with a pelvic exam, followed by an ultrasound to see the size, location, and type of cyst. Additional tests may help determine whether further treatment or monitoring is needed.

Tests or Screenings Involved

Depending on your symptoms and the ultrasound findings, your doctor may recommend:

• Pelvic Ultrasound
• Blood Test (CA-125), especially if there's concern about ovarian cancer
• Pregnancy Test
• Hormone Level Tests
• CT or MRI Scan, in certain cases

Available Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size, type, and symptoms of the cyst, along with your age and whether you're trying to conceive.

Medications

Your doctor may recommend medicines to help manage symptoms or prevent certain types of cysts, such as:

• Hormonal birth control, to help prevent new functional cysts from forming
• Pain relievers, for mild discomfort

Procedures or Therapies

Some cysts simply need monitoring, while others may require a procedure, such as:

• Watchful waiting with follow-up ultrasounds, for small, simple cysts
• Laparoscopic surgery, to remove larger or persistent cysts
• Emergency surgery, if a cyst ruptures or causes ovarian torsion

Lifestyle Changes

• Attend regular gynaecological check-ups
• Track your menstrual cycle and note any unusual symptoms
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage underlying conditions like PCOS or endometriosis

Preventive Measures

• Don't skip routine pelvic exams
• Get any unusual pelvic pain or irregular bleeding checked early
• Follow up on any cyst your doctor is already monitoring
• Discuss hormonal birth control with your doctor if you get cysts often

Warning Signs

Consult a healthcare provider if you:

• Have ongoing pelvic pain or discomfort
• Notice bloating that doesn't go away
• Have irregular periods
• Feel a lump or fullness in your lower abdomen

When Immediate Care Is Needed

Seek urgent medical attention if you:

• Have sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Have pain along with fever or vomiting
• Feel dizzy, faint, or notice rapid breathing
• Have pain that comes on suddenly and sharply during activity

You might also want to learn about:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian Torsion
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Uterine Fibroids
• Ovarian Cancer
• Irregular Periods