What Should You Know About Ovarian Cyst Symptoms?

By Amanda Clark

An ovarian cyst is similar to a round sac filled with clear liquid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. When an ovarian cyst doesn't release ovules, it continues to grow, becoming larger than normal (functional ovarian cyst). Let's see what the most common ovarian cyst symptoms are:

Functional ovarian cysts have no symptoms and are benign, meaning that they don't cause cancer. In most cases, ovarian cysts produce discomfort and pelvic pain. Pain intensity depends on the cyst type, size and degree of evolution. Usually, the patient doesn't need to follow a specific treatment, unless the symptoms get worse, indicating a serious health problem. Only the doctor can diagnose correctly this condition.

Most women with ovarian cysts present the following symptoms: sharp pain in the lower abdomen, pressure, swelling, breast tenderness, abnormal uterine bleeding, nausea, headaches, bloating, etc. As you see, these symptoms are similar to those given by other diseases. In some cases, ovarian cysts can lead to infertility and weight gain.

If you feel acute pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by fever and vomiting, it's required to ask for medical help. Cold sweat, dizziness and weakness indicate an emergency and you should see a doctor immediately.

Most of these symptoms can indicate a different disease or condition, such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Appendicitis and diverticulitis have similar symptoms.

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. - 31802

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