Functional ovarian cysts are usually harmless, producing no symptoms and disappear without treatment. In most cases, the patient feels pain, which is caused by the cyst size, type and degree of evolution. If the cyst is larger, it can cause pressure on the bladder, producing pain during intercourse. This type of cyst is caused by various diseases that affect other organs and occur during pregnancy.
Most women with ovarian cysts complain about a constant or intermittent pain, dizziness, vomiting, pressure in the rectum or bladder, acute pain the lower abdomen, sudden vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, etc. Some functional ovarian cysts are responsible for sudden acute pain, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting (possible sign of cyst torsion) and acute pain immediately after intercourse.
If you feel acute pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by fever and vomiting, it's required to ask for medical help. Cold sweat, dizziness and weakness indicate an emergency and you should see a doctor immediately.
Many of these symptoms are similar to those produced by other diseases and conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ovarian cancer or ectopic pregnancy. Also, diverticulitis and appendicitis manifest in the same way.
Some women may develop other types of ovarian cysts, which are less common: dermoid cysts, hemorrhagic cysts, follicular cysts, endometrioid cysts, corpus luteum cysts, etc.
Although there is no method to prevent this problem, pelvic exams are required in order to make sure that ovarian cyst symptoms are diagnosed at the right time. Also, women must pay attention to any changes affecting the menstrual cycle, including unusual symptoms that persist for a longer time.
By Amanda Clark
