Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

The normal function of the ovaries is to produce an egg each month. During the process of ovulation, a cyst-like structure called a follicle is formed inside the ovary. The mature follicle ruptures when an egg is released during ovulation. The corpus leteum forms from the empty follicle and if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus leteum dissolves.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority of ovarian cysts disappear without treatment within a few months. However, ovarian cysts - especially those that have ruptured - sometimes produce serious symptoms that can be life threatening.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs which are similar to blisters. Ovarian cysts are common among women during their reproductive years and are growths that form on the two almond sized organs on each side of the uterus. Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment.

Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms; however when ovarian cyst symptoms are present, it may cause a dull ache or a sense of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. You can't depend on symptoms alone to tell you if you have an ovarian cyst. Pain during intercourse and at other times can also indicate the presence of ovarian cysts. Pain or pressure is caused by a number of factors such as size, bleeding or bursting of a cyst, which irritates the abdominal tissues, or torsion (twisting of a cyst) which can block the flow of blood to the cyst.

The ovarian cyst symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cancer. Even appendicitis and diverticulitis can produce symptoms that mimic a ruptured ovarian cyst. It's important to be watchful of any symptoms or changes in your body and to know which symptoms are serious.

Other ovarian cysts symptoms, which might occur, include delayed, irregular, or unusually painful periods.
If you have an ovarian cyst, symptoms are:

• Menstrual irregularities.
• Pelvic pain - a constant or intermittent dull ache that may radiate to your lower back and thighs. Pelvic pain shortly before your period begins or just before it ends. Pelvic pain during intercourse
• Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness similar to that experienced during pregnancy
• Fullness or heaviness in abdomen.
• Pressure on bladder - difficulty emptying your bladder completely.
• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
  

Types of Ovarian Cysts

• Functional Cysts: These normal cysts will often shrink and disappear within two or three Menstration [Menstruation] cycles. Because this type of cyst is formed during ovulation it rarely occurs in menopausal women because eggs are no longer being produced.
• Dermoid Cysts: Ovarian cysts which are filled with various types of tissues including hair and skin.
• Endometrioma Cysts: These cysts are also known as the chocolate cysts of endometriosis and form when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries.
• Cystadenoma Cysts: These are ovarian cysts which develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovaries
• Polycystic Ovarian Disease: Cysts that form from a buildup of follicle cysts which cause the ovaries to thicken. These cysts cause the ovaries to enlarge and create a thick outer covering which may prevent ovulation from occurring and are often the cause of fertility problems.