4 Clues You May Have an Ovarian Cyst and What to Do About It
Ovarian cysts may be small, but they can cause some big trouble if they grow, form clusters, or rupture. At Modern OBGYN Care, our ovarian cyst specialists, led by esteemed OB/GYNs Dr. Marcela Torres and Dr. Miguel Torres, take your symptoms seriously. We understand how much pain and inconvenience ovarian cysts can cause, and we’re dedicated to finding solutions.
Today on our blog, we discuss what ovarian cysts are and explain four telltale signs that you might have one.
Understanding ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts grow on or inside the ovaries. They’re filled with fluid and are about the size of a cherry. According to the Office on Women’s Health, most women have one or more follicle cysts, a common type of ovarian cyst, every month.
Although most go away without incident, about 8% of women with ovarian cysts develop serious symptoms and need treatment.
Four clues you may have an ovarian cyst
Ovarian cysts may cause symptoms, including:
Pelvic pain
Sudden pelvic pain, especially on one side, could point to an ovarian cyst. The pain may be constant or intermittent.
Bloating
Most of us know what it feels like to be a bit bloated around the time of our periods. With an ovarian cyst, however, you might experience ongoing bloating that lasts well beyond your period.
Menstrual cycle changes
Irregularities in your menstrual cycle, such as heavier or lighter periods than usual, or spotting between periods, may be linked to ovarian cysts.
Sudden pain during sex
Heavy pelvic activity, like sexual intercourse, could potentially cause ovarian cysts to break open (rupture). This can lead to intense sudden pain and bleeding during sex.
Suspect an ovarian cyst?
If you suspect an ovarian cyst is the culprit behind your symptoms, reach out to us to find out for sure. We combine a pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound, and potentially, lab tests to get to the root of your symptoms and develop the right treatment plan.
This testing process is particularly important because the symptoms of ovarian cysts may mimic other conditions like endometriosis.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the size of the cyst, its type, and your symptoms. In many cases, we may recommend watchful waiting if you aren’t having severe symptoms. We’ll monitor the cyst through regular exams.
But, if your cyst is causing pain, is large, or is likely to rupture, we might recommend medication, birth control pills, or a surgical procedure to remove it.
Our Modern OBGYN specialists can help you navigate diagnosis and treatment in a comfortable environment where you feel safe. Reach out online, or call our office at 754-217-4181 now.