Jessica felt a sharp, sudden twinge in her lower right abdomen while reaching for a box on the top shelf of her kitchen pantry. She brushed it off as a pulled muscle, but the dull ache lingered for days. When the pain began radiating to her lower back and her period arrived two weeks late, she finally called her gynecologist. An ultrasound revealed a common culprit: an ovarian cyst.
Ovarian cysts are incredibly common. Most women will develop at least one during their reproductive years, and the vast majority are harmless, painless, and resolve on their own without any medical intervention. However, understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek care is essential for protecting your pelvic health and catching the rare cases that do require attention.
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
Your ovaries are two small organs located on either side of your uterus. Every month during your menstrual cycle, a follicle grows on one ovary to release an egg. Sometimes the follicle does not release the egg, or it closes up after the egg is released and fills with fluid. This creates what is called a functional ovarian cyst, which is a normal byproduct of the menstrual cycle. Functional cysts are usually benign and resolve on their own within a few months. Other types of cysts, such as dermoid cysts or endometriomas, are less common and may require closer monitoring or treatment.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
According to the Mayo Clinic, most small ovarian cysts produce no symptoms at all. Many women discover they have one only during a routine pelvic exam or an ultrasound ordered for an unrelated reason.
When symptoms do occur, they vary depending on the size and location of the cyst. The most common symptom is pelvic pain, which may feel like a dull, heavy ache or a sharp, sudden twinge on one side of the lower abdomen. The pain may come and go, or it may be constant. Other common symptoms include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen, bloating, and pain during intercourse. You might also notice changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, unusually heavy bleeding, or spotting between periods. These hormonal fluctuations can sometimes contribute to other symptoms as well, including the period-related tension headaches that many women experience alongside cycle irregularities.
When to Worry and Seek Immediate Care
While most cysts are harmless, they can occasionally cause serious complications. A large cyst can cause the ovary to twist, a condition known as ovarian torsion, which cuts off the blood supply to the ovary and requires emergency surgery. A cyst can also rupture, causing sudden internal bleeding and severe pain.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, particularly if it is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or signs of shock such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, or lightheadedness. These symptoms can indicate a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion, both of which are medical emergencies that require prompt treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If you suspect you have an ovarian cyst, your gynecologist can perform a pelvic exam and order a pelvic ultrasound. This imaging test allows your doctor to see the size, shape, and location of the cyst and determine the best course of action.
Treatment depends on your age, the size of the cyst, and your symptoms. For small, asymptomatic cysts, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting with follow-up ultrasounds to monitor whether the cyst resolves on its own. If you develop cysts frequently, hormonal birth control can help prevent new ones from forming. Surgery may be necessary if a cyst is large, growing, causing significant pain, or appears suspicious on imaging.
You do not have to live with unexplained pelvic pain. If you are experiencing symptoms of an ovarian cyst, schedule an appointment with the gynecology team at Women’s Integrated Healthcare in Southlake or Fort Worth.
