Ovarian cyst pain on opposite side. Ovarian Cyst Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

28.08.202318.07.2023 by alexxlab

What does ovarian cyst pain feel like. How are ovarian cysts diagnosed. When should you seek medical attention for ovarian cyst symptoms. What are the treatment options for ovarian cysts. Can ovarian cysts affect fertility.

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Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Types and Formation

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries. They are quite common among individuals with ovaries and often form as a natural part of the menstrual cycle. The most common type is a functional cyst, which develops during ovulation when an egg is released from the ovary. These cysts typically resolve on their own within a few weeks or months without causing significant symptoms.

There are several types of ovarian cysts:

Follicular cysts: Form when the follicle doesn’t rupture to release the egg
Corpus luteum cysts: Develop after the egg has been released
Dermoid cysts: Contain tissue such as hair, skin, or teeth
Endometriomas: Associated with endometriosis
Cystadenomas: Develop from ovarian tissue and can be filled with a watery or mucous material

While most ovarian cysts are benign and harmless, some can grow large or indicate underlying health conditions. Regular pelvic exams and awareness of potential symptoms are crucial for early detection and proper management of ovarian cysts.

Recognizing Ovarian Cyst Pain and Symptoms

The experience of ovarian cyst pain can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may have no symptoms at all, while others might experience a range of discomfort or even severe pain. It’s important to understand the potential symptoms associated with ovarian cysts to recognize when medical attention may be necessary.

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts may cause the following symptoms:

Pelvic pain or discomfort, often on one side
Bloating or swelling in the lower abdomen
Pain during sexual intercourse
Changes in menstrual patterns or more painful periods
Lower back pain
Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
Nausea or vomiting
Breast tenderness

Is ovarian cyst pain always on the same side as the affected ovary? Not necessarily. While pain is often localized to the side of the cyst, some individuals may experience referred pain or discomfort on the opposite side or throughout the lower abdomen.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider about ovarian cyst symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. While many cysts resolve on their own, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms Requiring a Doctor’s Appointment

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience:

Persistent pelvic pain or discomfort
Unusual changes in your menstrual cycle
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
Pain during sexual intercourse
Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Emergency Symptoms

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

Sudden, severe abdominal pain
Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
Signs of shock, such as cold, clammy skin or weakness
Rapid breathing or dizziness

These symptoms could indicate a ruptured cyst, ovarian torsion, or another serious condition requiring urgent treatment.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts: Medical Procedures and Tests

Accurate diagnosis of ovarian cysts is essential for determining the appropriate course of treatment. Healthcare providers use a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests to identify and evaluate ovarian cysts.

Physical Examination

The initial step in diagnosing an ovarian cyst is a pelvic examination. During this exam, the healthcare provider will gently palpate the abdomen and pelvic area to check for any swelling or tenderness that might indicate the presence of a cyst.

Imaging Studies

Ultrasound is the primary imaging technique used to visualize ovarian cysts. It provides detailed information about the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst. There are two types of ultrasound commonly used:

Transvaginal ultrasound: A small probe is inserted into the vagina to produce detailed images of the ovaries
Transabdominal ultrasound: A probe is moved over the surface of the abdomen to capture images

In some cases, additional imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI may be recommended for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests may be ordered to check hormone levels and rule out other conditions. These may include:

Pregnancy test
Hormone level tests (such as FSH, LH, estradiol, and testosterone)
CA-125 test (to check for ovarian cancer markers, particularly in postmenopausal women)

How accurate are these diagnostic methods for detecting ovarian cysts? While ultrasound is highly effective in identifying ovarian cysts, the combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests provides the most comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cysts

The treatment approach for ovarian cysts depends on various factors, including the size and type of the cyst, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s age and overall health. In many cases, ovarian cysts resolve on their own without intervention. However, when treatment is necessary, several options are available.

Watchful Waiting

For small, asymptomatic cysts, healthcare providers often recommend a “wait and see” approach. This involves monitoring the cyst through regular ultrasounds to track its size and appearance. Many functional cysts will disappear within a few menstrual cycles without requiring treatment.

Medications

Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, may be prescribed to prevent new cysts from forming and to regulate the menstrual cycle. Pain medications can be used to manage discomfort associated with ovarian cysts.

Surgical Interventions

Surgery may be recommended in certain situations, such as:

Large cysts (typically over 5-10 cm in diameter)
Cysts that persist or grow larger over time
Cysts causing severe symptoms or complications
Suspected malignancy

Surgical options include:

Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions to remove the cyst
Laparotomy: An open abdominal surgery for larger cysts or when cancer is suspected

In some cases, particularly for women past childbearing age or with a high risk of ovarian cancer, removal of the affected ovary (oophorectomy) may be recommended.

Complications and Risks Associated with Ovarian Cysts

While most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve without complications, there are potential risks that warrant attention and prompt medical care when necessary.

Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion occurs when a large cyst causes the ovary to twist on its blood supply. This is a medical emergency that can lead to severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, it may result in the loss of the affected ovary.

Cyst Rupture

A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause sudden, sharp pain in the lower abdomen. While many ruptured cysts heal on their own, some may lead to internal bleeding or infection, requiring immediate medical attention.

Fertility Concerns

Can ovarian cysts affect fertility? In most cases, ovarian cysts do not impact fertility. However, certain types of cysts, such as endometriomas or those associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may affect ovulation and make it more difficult to conceive. Additionally, surgical removal of cysts, especially if extensive, could potentially impact ovarian function.

Malignancy Risk

While rare, some ovarian cysts may be cancerous or develop into cancer. This risk increases with age, particularly in postmenopausal women. Regular check-ups and prompt evaluation of any concerning symptoms are crucial for early detection and treatment of potentially malignant cysts.

Living with Ovarian Cysts: Lifestyle Considerations and Management

For many individuals, living with ovarian cysts involves a combination of medical management and lifestyle adjustments. While not all cysts can be prevented, certain strategies may help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Pain Management

Dealing with ovarian cyst pain often involves a multifaceted approach:

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Application of heat to the lower abdomen
Gentle exercises or yoga to improve circulation and reduce discomfort
Relaxation techniques to manage stress and pain perception

Dietary Considerations

While there’s no specific diet proven to prevent or treat ovarian cysts, some dietary changes may help manage symptoms:

Reducing inflammation through an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids
Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, which may exacerbate pain and bloating
Staying hydrated to support overall health and potentially reduce bloating

Regular Monitoring

Maintaining regular check-ups with your healthcare provider is crucial for monitoring ovarian cysts and addressing any changes or new symptoms promptly. This may include:

Scheduled ultrasounds to track cyst size and appearance
Routine pelvic exams
Discussing any new or changing symptoms with your healthcare provider

Emotional Well-being

Living with ovarian cysts can sometimes be emotionally challenging, particularly if they cause chronic pain or fertility concerns. Consider seeking support through:

Counseling or therapy
Support groups for individuals with ovarian cysts or related conditions
Open communication with friends, family, and healthcare providers about your experiences and concerns

How can you maintain a good quality of life while managing ovarian cysts? By combining medical guidance with self-care strategies, many individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain overall well-being. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

What Does Ovarian Cyst Pain Feel Like? Symptoms & More

Ovarian cysts are very common in those with ovaries. In most cases, they don’t cause too much pain.

An ovarian cyst typically forms as a sac of collected fluid caused by ovulation during menstruation. These types of ovarian cysts often go away on their own and may not cause symptoms.

Ovarian cysts can cause severe abdominal pain if they rupture or cause a twisted ovary (also called ovarian torsion). Ruptured or twisted ovaries require immediate medical care.

Ovarian cysts may also be the sign of another health condition. Seeing a doctor for regular pelvic exams can help them diagnose and treat ovarian cysts.

Keep reading to learn more about what it feels like to have an ovarian cyst and what symptoms warrant a trip to your doctor.

Pain from ovarian cysts varies from person to person.

You may feel no pain at all if you have one. You may have a handful of uncomfortable symptoms or a sudden onset of severe symptoms if an underlying condition causes a cyst to rupture or your ovary to twist.

Ovarian cysts are common during menstruation because they can form with the release of an egg during your monthly cycle. These cysts often have few symptoms and disappear in a matter of weeks or months.

Your ovaries are part of your reproductive system. Pain and discomfort you experience from ovarian cysts will typically occur near your pelvis and lower abdomen.

Many conditions have similar symptoms. Your doctor can review your symptoms and perform necessary testing to diagnose the condition and create a treatment plan.

There’s a wide range of symptoms for ovarian cysts. Here are some tips for when you should make an appointment to have a cyst examined and when you should seek immediate medical attention.

Make an appointment

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any combination of these symptoms:

bloating
discomfort during sex
pain in your left or right abdominal area
a dull ache in your lower back
a more painful period
atypical vaginal bleeding
feeling full after just a small meal or snack
weight gain or loss
frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate or have a bowel movement
tender breasts

Seek immediate medical attention

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following, especially if you’re postmenopausal:

sharp or sudden abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
fever
clammy skin
fast breathing
dizziness
weakness

Some of these can be signs of a ruptured cyst, a twisted ovary, or another serious health condition that requires prompt medical treatment.

Twisted ovaries can cut off blood flow to your ovary and result in losing the ovary. Ruptured cysts can cause internal bleeding.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam as the first step in diagnosing an ovarian cyst. This exam will focus on your pelvic area. Your doctor will try to feel for swelling near the ovaries.

You may also undergo a few other procedures to diagnose an ovarian cyst, including:

Ultrasound. A pelvic ultrasound allows your doctor to confirm the ovarian cyst along with how large it is and where it’s located.
Laboratory tests. A doctor can examine your blood to determine pregnancy, hormone levels, and the possibility of other serious conditions.

Ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women may be a sign of cancer and may require laboratory tests or a biopsy.

Ovarian cysts don’t always require treatment. Your doctor will determine whether to treat the cyst based on the tests conducted during the diagnosis.

The severity of your symptoms, the size and location of the cyst, and your age can guide ovarian cyst treatment. Only 8 percent of those menstruating who have large cysts require treatment.

The least invasive treatment for an ovarian cyst is monitoring it over a few months. The cyst may go away on its own. Your doctor may recommend using pain medication during this waiting period to alleviate symptoms.

Large, long lasting, or concerning ovarian cysts may require another level of treatment.

When will you need surgery?

Your doctor may recommend surgery if you experience several severe symptoms or if the ovarian cyst indicates another health condition.

Ruptured and twisted ovarian cysts also will require immediate surgical intervention. Surgical options to remove cysts include:

Laparoscopic procedures. These require one or a few small incisions.
Laparotomic procedures. These are more invasive and involve a larger incision in your abdomen.

The type of surgery your doctor recommends depends on the size and severity of your ovarian cyst. These surgeries may require a recovery period of several weeks or months.

Many develop ovarian cysts during menstruation. They don’t generally cause complications or fertility concerns.

You may start taking hormonal birth control to reduce the chances of developing more ovarian cysts. This can alter your hormones and regulate your period.

Surgery to remove cysts can either leave your ovaries untouched or require the removal of an ovary. Your body releases eggs from your ovaries, so removal of one or both can impact your ability to get pregnant.

Sometimes, ovarian cysts can be the sign of more serious conditions, including:

endometriosis
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
ovarian cancer

These conditions can affect your fertility and require treatment from your doctor.

Ovarian cysts are common in those who are menstruating. These cysts often have no serious symptoms and frequently disappear on their own after a few weeks or months.

Occasionally, an ovarian cyst causes more noticeable or severe symptoms and requires more involved medical care.

You may need immediate medical attention if you have a sudden onset of lower abdomen pain or additional severe symptoms. These symptoms may be the sign of large ovarian cysts, ruptured cysts, or even a twisted ovary.

See your doctor as soon as possible for severe or sudden pain. The earlier your cyst is treated, the less likely you’ll experience complications from a ruptured or twisted cyst or from an underlying condition.