An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the ovary.[1] Often they cause no symptoms.[1]Occasionally they may produce bloating, lower abdominal pain, or lower back pain.[1] The majority of cysts are harmless.[1] If the cyst either breaks open or causes twisting of the ovary, it may cause severe pain.[1] This may result in vomiting or feeling faint.[1]
Ovarian cysts:- A simple ovarian cyst of most likely follicular originSpecialtyGynecologySymptomsNone, bloating, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain[1]ComplicationsRupture, twisting of the ovary[1]TypesFollicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst, cysts due to endometriosis, dermoid cyst, cystadenoma, ovarian cancer[1]Diagnostic methodUltrasound[1]PreventionHormonal birth control[1]TreatmentConservative management, pain medication, surgery[1]PrognosisUsually good[1]Frequency8% symptomatic before menopause.
Most ovarian cysts are related to ovulation, being either follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts.[1] Other types include cysts due to endometriosis, dermoid cysts, and cystadenomas.[1] Many small cysts occur in both ovaries in polycystic ovarian syndrome.[1]Pelvic inflammatory disease may also result in cysts.[1] Rarely, cysts may be a form of ovarian cancer.[1] Diagnosis is undertaken by pelvic examination with an ultrasound or other testing used to gather further details.[1]
Often, cysts are simply observed over time.[1] If they cause pain, medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen may be used.[1] Hormonal birth control may be used to prevent further cysts in those who are frequently affected.[1] However, evidence does not support birth control as a treatment of current cysts.[2] If they do not go away after several months, get larger, look unusual, or cause pain, they may be removed by surgery.[1]
Most women of reproductive age develop small cysts each month.[1] Large cysts that cause problems occur in about 8% of women before menopause.[1] Ovarian cysts are present in about 16% of women after menopause and if present are more likely to be cancer.[1][3]
Signs and symptoms:-Some or all of the following symptoms may be present, though it is possible not to experience any symptoms:[4]
Abdominal pain. Dull aching pain within the abdomen or pelvis, especially during intercourse.
Uterine bleeding. Pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period; irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting.
Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen.
When a cyst ruptures from the ovary, there may be sudden and sharp pain in the lower abdomen on one side.
Change in frequency or ease of urination(such as inability to fully empty the bladder), or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy.
Constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Weight gain
Other symptoms may depend on the cause of the cysts:[4]
Symptoms that may occur if the cause of the cysts is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may include increased facial hair or body hair, acne, obesity and infertility.
If the cause is endometriosis, then periods may be heavy, and intercourse painful.
The effect of cysts not related to PCOS on fertility is unclear
