Ovarian cysts are sacs or pockets filled with fluid or other material that develop on or within an ovary. Ovarian cysts are common among women and often go unnoticed as they don’t cause any symptoms.

However, sometimes ovarian cysts can cause warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on an ovary. They are very common and usually don’t cause any symptoms. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and disappear without treatment.

However, some ovarian cysts need to be monitored or removed by a doctor. In rare cases, ovarian cysts can be cancerous.

What are the warning signs of ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts often don’t cause any symptoms, but sometimes they can cause warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Here are 10 warning signs of ovarian cysts:.

1. Painful menstrual periods

Some women with ovarian cysts may experience pain during their menstrual periods. The pain may be mild to severe and can feel like cramping or a dull ache. It may also be felt in the lower back or thighs.

2. Abdominal or pelvic pain

Ovarian cysts can cause pain in the abdomen or pelvis. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may be felt on one or both sides of the body. It may also be accompanied by bloating or swelling in the abdomen.

3. Pain during sex

Women with ovarian cysts may experience pain during sex. The pain may be felt deep inside the pelvis or abdomen and may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or pressure.

4. Pain during bowel movements or urination

Ovarian cysts can also cause pain or discomfort during bowel movements or urination. The pain may be felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

5. Nausea or vomiting

Some women with ovarian cysts may experience nausea or vomiting. This may be due to the cyst putting pressure on the stomach or other organs.

6. Breast tenderness

Ovarian cysts can cause breast tenderness or swelling. This is due to hormonal changes that can occur as a result of the cyst.

7. Irregular periods

Ovarian cysts can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or spotting between periods.

8. Infertility

In some cases, ovarian cysts can cause infertility or difficulty conceiving. This is due to the cyst affecting ovulation or interfering with the normal functioning of the ovaries.

9. Fatigue

Ovarian cysts can cause fatigue or a feeling of weakness. This may be due to the cyst causing hormonal changes or putting pressure on other organs.

10. Sudden weight gain

Some women with ovarian cysts may experience sudden weight gain. This may be due to the cyst causing bloating or water retention.

When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the above warning signs of ovarian cysts, it’s important to see a doctor. Your doctor can perform tests, such as an ultrasound or blood test, to determine if you have an ovarian cyst.

Your doctor can also recommend treatment options if necessary.

Treatment options for ovarian cysts

Most ovarian cysts go away on their own without treatment. However, your doctor may recommend treatment if the cyst is large or causing symptoms. Treatment options for ovarian cysts may include:.

– Watchful waiting: Your doctor may recommend monitoring the cyst over time to see if it goes away on its own.

– Birth control pills: Birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent new cysts from forming.

– Surgery: If the cyst is large or causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst or the entire ovary.

Conclusion

Ovarian cysts are common among women and often don’t cause any symptoms. However, sometimes ovarian cysts can cause warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. If you experience any of the above warning signs, it’s important to see a doctor.

Your doctor can perform tests to determine if you have an ovarian cyst and recommend treatment options if necessary.