Ovarian cyst: the main alarming symptoms

An ovarian cyst looks like a fluid-filled sac (1 to 20 cm in diameter) attached to one of the ovaries. It is formed if the follicle where the female reproductive cell develops does not break, but is filled with fluid and remains in the ovary. The most common risk factors for developing this disease are smoking, being overweight, not being pregnant for a long time, not breastfeeding, and taking certain medications. Many ovarian cysts do not show any symptoms and go away on their own. But sometimes their development requires vigilant monitoring and medical attention. Here are ten signs of this disease that cannot be ignored.

1. Pain in the lower abdomen

One of the main indicators of a cyst in the ovary is pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. The cyst gradually grows and causes dull pain, and with a torn cyst, very strong, sharp pains in the lower abdomen can be felt. Often women ignore such sensations and associate them with the upcoming menstruation or intestinal upset. But if the pain does not stop for a long period and only becomes stronger, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

2. Frequent urination

The need for frequent visits to the toilet is another common symptom of an ovarian cyst. In such cases, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent than usual. A cyst enlarged several times presses directly on the bladder, and for this reason its capacity will decrease. Sometimes urination is accompanied by pain, and small amounts of blood are found in the urine. In order to confirm or refute the diagnosis, you need to talk to the doctor.

3. Pain in the abdomen

Due to the growth of an ovarian cyst, there is pressure in the abdomen. This provokes pain in the abdominal or pelvic region. If the cyst has reached a large size, even a slight touch on the stomach causes severe pain. Most often, this symptom occurs in women during menopause. In addition, pain is often felt during intimacy. Such symptoms are typical not only for ovarian cysts, but also in the case of other equally serious diseases. The doctor will help determine the true cause.

4. Increased flatulence

Bloating often accompanies the period of menstruation, so women do not pay much attention to this, taking this ailment as a sign of the menstrual cycle, overeating, indigestion. However, flatulence and bloating are also considered symptoms of ovarian cysts and some other more serious diseases. The growing cyst takes up a lot of space in the abdominal cavity, which causes a feeling of bloating and fullness in the abdomen. If flatulence persists for a long time (for example, for several weeks), then it is worth going to the hospital and being examined.

5. Blood from the vagina

A brownish-brown discharge or liquid that looks like stagnant blood often appears when a cyst ruptures. Sometimes cysts rupture without pain, and women perceive minor discharge and blood from the vagina as a harmless symptom of the end or onset of menstruation. But if at the same time the temperature still rises, the skin becomes noticeably pale, the pressure drops, attacks of nausea and vomiting appear, then you need to urgently call an ambulance.

6. Nausea and vomiting

They very often accompany pregnancy, but can often indicate the presence of an ovarian cyst. Nausea is a clear sign of an already ruptured ovarian cyst. From it, the liquid is poured into the abdominal cavity, because of which the inflammatory process develops. This entails feelings of nausea and vomiting. If they do not stop for a long time and are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or in the pelvis, then it is better to take tests to determine the ovarian cyst.

7. Breast hypersensitivity

Often, in addition to nausea, there is an increased sensitivity of the mammary glands, the same as often happens during pregnancy. As a rule, it persists intermittently, but manifests itself in periods. An ovarian cyst causes certain hormonal changes in a woman’s body, provoking this symptom. It is often ignored, because minor pain and increased sensitivity in the chest are possible before menstruation. If such sensations are supplemented by other symptoms listed here, then the presence of a cyst in the body should not be ruled out.

8. Painful menstrual cycle

A heavy and excessively painful menstrual cycle can also signal an ovarian cyst. Often with this disease, there is heavy bleeding during menstruation, accompanied by intense pain in the pelvic area. Large blood loss leads to anemia. To prevent it, with an abnormal menstrual cycle, it is better to talk with a doctor and find out the reasons for this phenomenon.

9. Pain in the intestines due to the development of a cyst

Pain in the intestines can occur due to the pressure on it of an overflowing cyst. Depending on the force of pressure, pain is manifested. Pain in the intestines can be both acute and aching. If it becomes constant and strong, then it is important to consult a doctor and undergo an examination to exclude the risk of an ovarian cyst or other dangerous diseases.

10. Eating problems

It is not uncommon for women with ovarian cysts to have nutritional problems. For example, if earlier she loved to eat well and hearty, then suddenly she can suddenly feel a sharp loss of appetite. This is a common symptom of both ovarian cysts and many other diseases. When a cyst develops actively, it puts a lot of pressure on the digestive organs, and there is less space for food in them and, in turn, the desire to eat disappears. Loss of appetite leads to weight loss, anemia and loss of strength, so it is important to pay close attention to such a symptom.