Ovarian Cyst Symptoms: A Complete Guide for Women’s Health

Introduction to Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts are common in reproductive-age women and are the result of normal physiological function of the menstrual cycle. There are multiple types of ovarian cysts; most are painless and benign. However, there are some that can grow very large, rupture, or twist the ovary, which presents different health issues. Ovarian cysts are extremely common if you have not gone through menopause.

Having awareness of the possible symptoms of ovarian cysts may help you manage your reproductive wellness. Mild abdominal pressure or bloating may be dismissed as pre-menstrual symptoms, but abrupt, moderate-severe pain or abnormal bleeding should not be ignored. Meeting a specialist for medical evaluation is the best way to manage cysts and prevent complications.

Common Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

The majority of ovarian cysts are benign, tiny, and asymptomatic. Due to their tiny size, most ovarian cysts go undetected until they are discovered. Usually, symptoms appear when the cyst gets bigger or when the surrounding organs are under strain.

Common symptoms that might arise from the presence of ovarian cysts include:

• A sensation of pelvic pressure, bloating, or swelling
• Dull or sharp lower abdominal pain (on one side or both sides)
• Pain that may radiate to the lower back and/or thighs
• Feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area (e.g. heaviness)
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)

In some cases, an ovarian cyst may cause the ovary to twist (ovarian torsion), leading to sudden nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency. A ruptured ovarian cyst can also cause intense abdominal pain, heavy internal bleeding, and dizziness, requiring urgent care. While most ovarian cysts remain symptomless, recognising these warning signs ensures timely treatment and prevents complications.

Less Common Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

There are some signs that are not always present but are still suggestive of ovarian cysts. They include:

• Need to urinate frequently due to bladder pressure.
• Tender/tingly breast.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between cycles.
• Exceedingly painful or long/heavy periods.
• Unexplained sudden weight gain.
• Difficulty in emptying your bladder completely.
• Consistently dull, constant pain in your thighs or lower back.
• Extreme discomfort in your pelvic area that affects day-to-day life.

Since some of these symptoms are similar to those of other gynaecological problems, a precise diagnosis and medical evaluation are crucial.

When to See a Doctor

You may need to seek emergency medical care when you have any of the following ovarian cyst symptoms and if they interfere with your daily life or point to certain complications:

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain or sudden abdominal or pelvic pain that does not go away.
• Persistent bloating, swelling, or increasingly feeling pressure in the lower belly.
• Abnormal bleeding or irregular bleeding from your vagina (especially between menstrual cycles).
• Painful or heavy periods, longer than usual.
• Pain during sexual intercourse, pain while passing urine or pain when having a bowel movement.
• Unexplained nausea or vomiting, or fever, with pelvic pain.
• Some of the symptoms which can indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst are dizziness, fainting, or fast breathing.
• Persistent inability to conceive could be a sign of an underlying reproductive problem that has to do with the presence of cysts.

Conclusion

Most women suffer from ovarian cysts, and they are common and often harmless. However, it's critical to understand the symptoms that women may experience from ovarian cysts. From mild pelvic pains, irregular bleeding, to an emergency case like a rupture, it is important to seek timely guidance from a gynaecologist to prevent such grave complications.

At Indira IVF, specialists utilise state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities and treatment methods for the management of ovarian cysts. The correct treatment and follow-ups help women to safeguard their reproductive health as well as their general well-being.