Ovarian cysts, or sacs, form in or on the ovaries. Cysts which affect the ovaries can be very painful and may either go away on their own or require surgical removal. Being aware of ovarian cyst symptoms and diagnosis methods can help most women recognize the problem to ensure proper treatment.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Some of the ovarian cyst symptoms that women may experience include abdominal pain or swelling, abdominal pressure, pelvic pain, lower back and thigh pain, discomfort when urinating, painful sexual intercourse, weight gain, painful menstrual periods, unusual bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness. Serious symptoms of ovarian cysts that women should seek immediate medical attention for include severe and sudden abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, dizzy spells, weakness, and rapid breathing. That being said, it is important to keep in mind that most ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms at all.
Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis Methods
It is common for ovarian cysts to be discovered through a routine pelvic examination. Most women will go for a routine pelvic exam every year, but those who notice ovarian cyst symptoms may be given one as well. If the doctor notices unusual swelling, he or she may choose to pursue other diagnosis methods. An ultrasound is the most common ovarian cyst diagnosis method that a doctor will use, as it allows them to see the size, location, mass, and shape. Hormone testing may be done in order to determine if the woman has a certain health problem, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This is most common for women who frequently experience ovarian cysts. Blood tests can be done in order to determine whether or not the ovarian cyst could be cancerous.
Treatment for Ovarian Cysts
In most cases, ovarian cysts will go away on their own. Depending on the specific type of ovarian cyst, this can happen in as early as a few weeks or it can take a few menstrual cycles. If the ovarian cysts cause the woman to experience a lot of pain, don’t go away within three to four months, or become larger, the doctor may choose to remove them through surgical methods. Laparoscopy and laparotomy are the two most common surgical methods which are used. Women who have a condition which makes them more prone to ovarian cysts, such as endometriosis or PCOS, may be advised to go on the birth control pill because it can prevent them by stopping ovulation.
Any time that a woman experiences any unusual gynecological symptoms, it is important to visit the doctor. Whether ovarian cysts or another problem are the reason for the pain, it is important to understand what the problem is. While it is very rare for an ovarian cyst to be cancerous, early detection is essential to treating any type of cancer.
Sources:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The National Women’s Health Information Center
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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