Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Are you experiencing symptoms of ovarian cysts? Not sure what that pain in your abdomen is? Unfamiliar pain can be concerning. Check this symptom list to know if you should see the doctor.

Ovarian cysts are usually fluid-filled sacs on your ovary or ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are benign and harmless. It is very common to get ovarian cysts, and most cysts resolve themselves without medial intervention. Some ovarian cysts consist of fat, bone and even tooth material, but these are very rare. On occasion, an ovarian cyst can be malignant, but most are non-cancerous and don't pose a threat to your health, even though they're very uncomfortable.

What Are Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?
Most women will have an ovarian cyst at some point. However, most women won't even that the cyst exists because most of them are painless. They simply swell up, then leak the fluid back into your bloodstream all on their own, with no help. Larger cysts can be painful, however. The following symptoms could indicate ovarian cysts:

• Pelvic Pain: Take note of when you experience the pain. Is it cyclical? Are you experiencing pain during the first half of your menstrual cycle, but it goes away just after the time you should be ovulating? If so, you probably have a follicular cyst, which is considered a harmless, functional cyst. Do you experience pain in the latter half of your cycle? You may have a corpus luteum cyst, which is also related to ovulation, is also benign and is considered functional. If the pain is persistent and not cyclical, it's a good idea to get the cyst checked out sooner rather than later.
• Heaviness in Your Abdomen: Many cysts, both benign and malignant, can grow to be very large. They may be placing pressure on internal organs and causing you discomfort. Your doctor may decide to remove a benign cyst just to give you some relief.
• Constant Urge to Urinate or Defecate: Larger cysts can place pressure on your bladder or colon. This leads to frequent trips to the bathroom. Large cysts can also obstruct the colon, causing narrow stools. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or get worse, see your doctor to determine the cause. Surgical removal of the cysts will solve the problem.
• Menstrual Changes: If you're experiencing menstruation irregularities such as spotting, it may be related to a type of ovarian cyst. Some cysts discharge blood or fluid directly into the vagina as they drain.
• Continuous Vaginal Discharge: Some cysts cause you to have an abnormal amount of discharge.

Because it's impossible to tell if a cyst is benign or malignant without an ultrasound and other tests, you should see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. Most likely you have nothing to fear, but it's best to be safe and to seek treatment early.