Pelvic pain is a common ailment that many women experience. It can have various causes, ranging from normal menstrual cramps to more serious conditions, like ovarian cysts. If you’re experiencing unexplained pelvic pain, you might be wondering if an ovarian cyst is the cause. Before determining if the cause of your pelvic pain is an ovarian cyst, it is helpful to understand what an ovarian cyst is and how it generally presents.
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. Many women will have an ovarian cyst at some point during their lives, often without even knowing it. This is because ovarian cysts typically don’t cause any symptoms and usually resolve on their own. However, when symptoms do occur, they can be a source of significant discomfort.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Not all ovarian cysts are the same. Different types of cysts may occur such as:
- Functional cysts: These are the most common types of cysts. Functional cysts are a result of your normal menstrual cycle and usually go away on their own within two to three months.
- Cystadenomas: These cysts develop from ovarian tissue and can be filled with a watery or mucous material.
- Endometriomas: These cysts are caused by endometriosis, when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows on the ovaries.
- Dermoid Cysts: These are formed from cells that make up the eggs and can contain tissue, such as hair or skin.
Main Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
While many ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms, in some cases they can, particularly if they rupture or become large. The main symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain: This can be a dull ache that may radiate to your lower back and thighs.
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen.
- Painful bowel movements.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Nausea and vomiting: especially if the cyst is causing ovarian torsion (a rare but serious condition where the ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place).
Is Pelvic Pain From an Ovarian Cyst or Something Else?
Pelvic pain can result from a variety of issues, not just ovarian cysts. Conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and gastrointestinal issues can all cause pelvic discomfort. To help distinguish between these conditions and pain caused by an ovarian cyst, consider the following:
- Nature and Location of Pain: Ovarian cyst pain often feels sharp and may be accompanied by slight swelling on the abdomen (the side of the cyst). This pain can become severe if the cyst ruptures.
- Menstrual Irregularities: Ovarian cysts can sometimes cause changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods or unusually heavy or light bleeding.
- Other Symptoms: Pay attention to symptoms like unexplained weight loss, changes in urination or bowel habits and unexplained fever, which are less likely to be associated with ovarian cysts.
When to See a Doctor
It’s important to consult a doctor if one of more of the following occurs:
- Your pelvic pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever.
- You experience sudden, sharp pelvic pains.
- You experience pain during sex.
- You experience persistent pain in your lower back or pelvis.
- You have symptoms that might indicate an ovarian rupture or torsion, such as sudden, severe abdominal pain, fever, or nausea.
Next Steps and Prognosis
If your doctor suspects an ovarian cyst, they may order a pelvic ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and type of the cyst. Treatment depends on the cyst’s size, your symptoms and whether you’re nearing menopause.
For small, symptom-free cysts, monitoring with periodic ultrasounds is often sufficient. If the cyst is large, causing symptoms, or persists, your doctor might recommend hormonal contraceptives to prevent new cysts from forming or surgery to remove the cyst.
The prognosis for ovarian cysts is generally good. Most cysts are benign and manageable with monitoring and occasional medical intervention. The key to managing this condition is timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which can help prevent complications.
Understanding whether your pelvic pain is due to an ovarian cyst or another condition starts with awareness of the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical advice. Recognizing the signs and getting appropriate care can alleviate your pain and prevent further complications. Ovarian cysts are common and treatable, especially when addressed early. If you have concerns about pelvic pain, consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation and peace of mind.