Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs that develop on or within the ovary. They are more common in women of child-bearing age, however, they may appear even in young girls, triggering early onset of puberty and development of secondary sexual characteristics. Most of these cysts are quite small in size and harmless and disappear on their own without producing any symptoms or associated discomfort. However, some ovarian cysts might be more complex in nature, producing symptoms such as pain and bleeding, whereas others may even go on to become cancerous.
A rapidly growing cyst, a ruptured cyst or a cyst that twists around its blood supply usually indicate more significant problems that may need immediate medical attention. An early identification and diagnosis of ovarian cysts can help in determining the risk of malignancy and appropriate treatment options.
Top 8 Symptoms Of Ovarian Cysts
Irregular Menstruation And Painful Periods
Ovarian cysts generally lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle and unusually heavy periods. You may also experience pelvic pain before the beginning and after the end of your menstrual cycle.
Intermittent, sudden and sharp pain or constant, dull ache in the lower abdomen or pelvic area that radiates to the thighs and lower back may also indicate the presence of ovarian cysts.
When the ovarian cysts become quite large in size, they exert pressure on the urinary bladder, resulting in frequent urination. The affected individual may also experience difficulty in emptying her bladder completely.
When the pressure is exerted on the intestines and rectum, it may even result in problems with defecation, in spite of the build-up of pressure in the abdomen that leads to the feeling of constant urge to defecate.
Vaginal Bleeding In Young Girls And Postmenopausal Women
A ruptured cyst usually leads to vaginal bleeding, even in young girls and post-menopausal women.
Development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breasts and pubic hairs in young girls and early start of menstruation usually indicates the presence of ovarian cysts.
Breast Tenderness And Nausea
The hormonal changes associated with ovarian cysts may result in symptoms similar to pregnancy such as breast tenderness and a feeling of nausea.
The woman may even experience pelvic pressure and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.
Multiple, large cysts can shut off the fallopian tubes or prevent the release of eggs from the ovaries, thus rendering a woman infertile.
Moreover, stress and anxiety due to the condition may also have an adverse effect on her reproductive health.
Development Of Masculine Features In Women
When the cysts take the form of an active masculine tumour, they may even cause cessation of menstruation and development of masculine features such as facial hair, deep voice and an increase in the size of the clitoris.
Pain During Intercourse
Pelvic pain during intercourse may indicate the presence of ovarian cysts. Moreover, a deep penetration leads to build-up of pressure in the vaginal canal which may push the muscles of the vaginal wall and nearby organs towards the cyst, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Constant Bloated Feeling, Pain and Abdominal Swelling, Vomiting
Abdominal fullness or heaviness and a constant feeling of bloating are common symptoms of ovarian cysts. When the cyst grows on a stem, twisting of the stem usually results in more severe pain, increased heartbeat and vomiting.
Complex or septated ovarian cysts usually have thick wall membranes and contain liquid or solid mass. These cysts have higher probability of being cancerous and lead to excruciating pain when twisted.
Apart from the above mentioned symptoms, signs of shock, severe pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic region, accompanied with fever and vomiting and vital sign abnormalities usually indicate a medical emergency and should be treated on an urgent basis.
Most of the ovarian cysts remain asymptomatic, appearing cyclically and disappearing on their own. Even the malignant ones may not exhibit symptoms till the condition has progressed to a later stage. Being aware of the symptoms and going for regular health check-ups can help in early identification of the condition, facilitating treatment and preventing further complications.