Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

77

By AEvans

Cyst on the Left and Ovary on the Right

What is an Ovarian Cyst

I realize the picture could be graphic but it is reality as I am only able to define what it really is by presenting what it looks like.

You have to first define what an Ovarian Cyst is, to better understand the symptoms and how it should treated. An Ovarian cyst is a small fluid filled sac that develops inside a woman's ovaries and women of all ages can be affected by them. What causes the cyst is when a follicle fails to rupture and release the egg, the fluid could remain and form a cyst in the ovary. It is quite common for it to normally happen in one of the ovaries. Many cysts are (functional) meaning that they have nothing to do at all with disease of any type and others are (benign) meaning non-cancerous and for the majority many of these cysts can disappear with a few weeks. These wonderful litte sacs occur normally during our wonderful child-bearing years.


Ovarian Cyst Causes

How lucky we are to be a woman as there are so many causes but nothing to really get alarmed however however we should always pay close attention to our bodies and for goodness get the yearly poke and prod , as it could save your life and the wonderful "Gyno" may find these pesty little things that are causing you pain or heavy bleeding before you do. He/She may also decide to prescribe medication if necessary. Here are a few possible risk indicators that could cause a cyst in the ovaries.

1. If you started your menstrual cycle early 11 years or younger

2. Irregular menstrual cycles , skipping and common back worse then before this is one of the causes.

3. Hypothyroidism if you have an thyroid that is moving slower then most of us do this could also create a problem.

4. Infertility I realize it saddens so many of us but the truth is ovarian cysts can also plague you , if you have not given birth.

Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Normally you will not have any symptoms and a majority of the time they can be caught on you regular check-up or on a ultrasound. However there are some symptoms that could be present so if you are experiencing any of these my recommendation is to contact your Physician or Gyno as it is better to feel and be healthy then to be absolutely miserable and chew the heads off of the ones your are closest too.

1. Pelvic pain after sexual intercourse or excercise, if he thinks it is all about him that caused you the pain , not necessarily listen to your body and don't believe that he miraculoulsy stretched it out.

2. Irregular menstrual cycles exciting for some when you skip one or two and for others they think they are going through pre-menopause!!! Not always the case seek your doctor as irregular is not necessarily normal.

3. Pelvic pain that may be felt in the lower back , we all know this is unbearable and many end up in bed from the pain have your doctor run an ultrasound and take some tests, odds are you are not PMS'ing Mr. Fluid-Sac is rearing his mighty head and making your life miserable.

4. Feeling of lower pressure or fullness , if you are feeling bloaty often or if you feel like something is bearing down on you , do not hesitate to check it out.

5. Vaginal spotting or pain , while some of you may think you are pregnant and no matter how many E.P.T. you have read and it still comes back negative please go and get checked as there is definitely something that is working its magic and making you miserable.

6. Nausea and Vomiting , now who wants to go through that on every cycle ? Not many of us and our spouses, significant others lives are turned upside down when some of us go through this seek a Dr. immediately on this one and do not wait.

When To Seek A Physician

If you have had or are having any of these please make an appointment to see your Dr. as if left untreated in some cases you may end up with more then you bargained for.

1. Fainting

2. Persistent Fever

3. Anemia (from loss of blood)

4. Increased facial hair

5. Unexplained Weight Loss

6. Excessive thirst or urination

7. Abdominal tenderness

These and many more are reason to seek a Physician as a Ovarian Cyst cannot cause a miscarriage but many others possibilities could, he will advise and take the step necessary to eliminate the issue. He may choose to prescribe medication or may decide on surgery, whatever he/she decides will be the right decision for you.

copyright©2008Evans

Comments

jax 35 hours ago

i have been experiencing pressure like pains in my groin and pain running down the back of my right thigh, after my period only last for 4 days and 2 days later i had a heavy bleed that looked very thick it lasted for around half an hour and since the bleed ive been experienceing the pain. for the past few months i have been experienceing severe lower abdominal pains and my period was lasting 7days instead of 5 like usual. i have 3 babys and we are trying for another. could you help?

AEvans profile image

AEvans Hub Author 3 days ago

Munny: Sounds to me like you are also going through peri-menopause. I would also recommend going to another gynecologist and getting a second opinion. :)

Munny 3 days ago

Am 47 yrs old. I frequently have a pain at the right side of my abdomen . My periods skips for about three months and when it comes it just some few drops unlike before it was heavy. I had a scan before and i was told that it was a fibres . Can you pleaze tell whats wrong? Thnx

AEvans profile image

AEvans Hub Author 10 days ago

cyncyn: I don't see any reason why you should not climb unless you find it quite painful. Sometimes ovulation causes pain in the ovaries; but if you are uncomfortable make an appointment with your gynecologist and have him/her check and see what's happening. :) Enjoy yourself when you go camping. :)

cyncyn 12 days ago

In three weeks i will be going to a camp in the mountains, some of the activities will be climbing(trees, rocks, houses, fences) but for the past 2 months i've been having pain in my ovaries, would it be wrong if i climb? I have no idea if i have cysts but i have pcos.

AEvans profile image

AEvans Hub Author 2 weeks ago

Sistaroots: Infection, fibroids, stress? :) You can tell me and I am so glad you are clear. :)

Sistaroots profile image

Sistaroots 2 weeks ago

I had my ultrasound, after painful cramps and a period that returned after not having one for a year....GUESS WHAT IT WAS?

I just got my period for 3 days.

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AEvans Hub Author 3 weeks ago

amanda: I would recommending making an appointment with your Gyno if you are having these pains. I am a Nurse not a doctor; but would recommend you seek doctor's care and not put it off. :)

AEvans profile image

AEvans Hub Author 3 weeks ago

Sistaroots: I am so happy the pap came back good! Just thought I would give you some ideas but it could truly be a few things. So glad you take the time to seek your Gynecologist. :)

Sistaroots profile image

Sistaroots 3 weeks ago

AEVANS wrote: Signs of cervical cancer:

Bleeding during and after sex

Abnormal Pap Smears

Bleeding after intercourse

Period that last longer or is heavier than usual

Increased discharge that is not your normal period

Spotting after your period

Pelvic pain

I do not have any of those symptoms. I did get my period for 3 days after NOT having it for a year. It was NOT heavy but I had cramps. I had pain to the lowers RIGHT SIDE during sex, but not vaginal pain. There was NEVER any bleeding before or after.

I am having an ultra sound today just to be sure. My pap came back FINE.

I will let you know how the ultra sound goes.

Thanks for all your comments still.

amanda 3 weeks ago

For the last two weeks ive had lower back pain and pain in my left side and my hips ever stop hurting.

AEvans profile image

AEvans Hub Author 3 weeks ago

Sistaroots: I would contact another GYN and get another opinion. Having pain during intercourse is a sign of Cervical cancer.Here are some of the symptoms and remember its your body.

Bleeding during and after sex

Abnormal Pap Smears

Bleeding after intercourse

Period that last longer or is heavier than usual

Increased discharge that is not your normal period

Spotting after your period

Pelvic pain

Don't be over fearful sometimes it could be menopausal signs too. But please do contact another GYN and get another opinion. So many of us count on the same GYN we have had for years; but there are GYN's who are fresh as a doctor and their objective is to get to the bottom of things. Take a nice warm bubble bath, relax and find another. Don't prolong the pain. Voice your concerns with another GYN and find out what is going on with your body. :)

Keep me posted and I wish you all of the best. :)

Sistaroots profile image

Sistaroots 3 weeks ago

I started having a dull, sharp pain in my lower left side, in February 2012. (and I mean very low)I ignored it because I had started swimming so I figured it was strained.

It got worse, and sharper, to the point I would double over. I had a colonoscopy and it was fine.

Then I got my period, and I had not had one in a whole year. (I am 50) I thought that was a cervical cancer symptom so I had a pap smear, and that was fine. My OBGYN is going to give me an ultra sound to see if she sees anything.

Since that appointment, the low, left pain is going down the inside of my left leg. (groin area)I am also getting the same pain near my gall bladder and over to the upper right side. I feel FULL all the time and I am so tired....exhausted every single day to the point I cannot type or read, and I could literally fall asleep anywhere. (like right now)

The last time I had sex (3 nights ago) it HURT, but only towards the lower left side, where this all began. I did not tell my husband because I do not want him to worry.

That NEVER happened before ever, having painful sex I mean.

These are a lot of symptoms and my OBGYN does not seem very concerned and the wait for this ultrasound is 3 weeks!

I am scared, and all I do is use the heating pad because I am allergic to ALL anti-inflammatories, which I read others did for some, not all of the symptoms I have, on another forum.

Does anyone have any idea if this sounds like cervical cancer?

Thanks for some advice or feedback.

AEvans profile image

AEvans Hub Author 4 weeks ago

DiannaO: Over the weekend weigh out the pros and cons of surgery. Also ask yourself, " Would I wish to continue on this painful journey?" Sometimes what we are not ready for is the answer to our prayers.

My sister had the same dilemma as you and after serious reconsideration she is happy she no longer has horrible cycles, pain and discomfort and she is 39. She has three children and she is happy that she is no longer suffering. She also takes hormonal replacement so she is a pretty happy camper. Just think about it seriously, your doctor's would not suggest it unless they knew it was absolutely necessary. I hope you feel so much better soon. :)

DiannaO 4 weeks ago

I have an appointment with my gyn in a few days. I've tossed the idea around in my head for over a year, and I'm just not ready to do that unless it's absolutely necessary.

AEvans profile image

AEvans Hub Author 4 weeks ago

DiannaO: Due to all that has been happening with you, your cycles and your visits, I would recommend that you reconsider removal of the ovaries and uterus. They are not wishing to give you a hysterectomy because they are trying to be cruel, its to protect your health and also possibly end up with cancer. You are 36 and if you do not plan on having anymore children I would recommend again that you reconsider not just for you but for your family. You will feel so much better and they can provide you hormone replacement. Your life will be much more fulfilled and honestly more happy. :)

DiannaO 4 weeks ago

I've been dealing with ovarian cysts for almost 3 years. As it turns out, i have 3 at any given time, just waiting to explode. I have had 2 c-sections and an ablation because my periods were so heavy... ablation is a very bad idea. The cysts are extremely painful, which usually cause a visit to the E.R. because i can't walk. I was also diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis due to the c-sections and ablation. My periods have been showing up every 12 days (i'm 36), and every other period, a cyst burst. Now, today i'm noticing a whole lot of pressure in my lower abdomen, going from one side to another. My doctos, both primary and Obgyn, keep bouncing me back and forth between them. Rather than some sort of pain management until i hit menopause, they would rather gut me like a fish and remove my ovaries and uterus... not happening! To say that cysts are painful, is completely understated. The pain from them can radiate to the most unexpected places. And i can't take birth control, so i'm made to suffer. I'm fairly certain that that's what's going on right now with the pressure, but i won't know for sure for a few hours yet.

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AEvans Hub Author 4 weeks ago

hollieb: You are so welcome! Please let me know how you are doing. :)

hollieb 4 weeks ago

I will do thank you

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