About 10% of women develop ovarian cysts at some point. For many, these fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries come and go without any hint of symptoms.
However, some women may have cysts that grow large, rupture, or cause complications and require medical attention.
Our team of women’s health experts at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, is here to help you recognize the signs that may indicate your ovarian cysts need treatment. Seek treatment right away if you experience any of the following symptoms.
Ovarian cysts are one of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that affects ovulation. Women with PCOS may not release an egg every month, leading to the formation of cysts.
If your menstrual cycle is irregular and you have fewer than eight periods a year, you should schedule an appointment. An irregular cycle may have many causes that benefit from treatment.
PCOS specifically is a concern because it may affect overall health, putting you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or infertility.
You may not have any symptoms with an ovarian cyst, and it can resolve on its own without you even knowing it was there.
However, any sudden, sharp pelvic pain is alarming. If you have ovarian cysts, that pain may mean your cyst has ruptured, putting you at risk of internal bleeding or sepsis. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical issue that requires emergency room care.
Larger cysts may not always rupture, but they can twist the ovary. Called ovarian torsion, it can cause severe pelvic pain, along with nausea and vomiting.
Ovarian torsion may cut off blood supply, affecting the health of your ovary. If you have sharp pelvic pain along with nausea and vomiting, go to the ER right away for evaluation and treatment.
Large ovarian cysts may press on the bladder or large intestine. If you’re having diarrhea or experiencing any changes in urination or bowel habits, it’s time to get your cyst checked out so we can decide how best to proceed.
We may recommend surgery for larger cysts that cause symptoms. We may only need to remove the cyst, but in some cases, we may need to remove the ovary.
Ovarian cysts are common and rarely cause problems, but early detection and treatment is best for maintaining reproductive health.
If you have an ovarian cyst or pelvic pain from an unknown cause and want answers, call our office today or request an appointment online to schedule a visit with the caring, professional team at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC. We can develop a plan to manage your cyst and pain and make sure you get the ongoing care you need to reduce the risk of complications.
