Sunday, September 28, 2008

Overview of Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

By Jay Tyler

Although the existence of ovarian cyst symptoms alone cannot and will not confirm an ovarian cyst, there are certain symptoms that can help point to this diagnosis. Although individually, each symptom may not be a cause for concern, two or more of them in combination should merit prompt medical attention.

One of the symptoms of ovarian cysts is menstrual irregularities which could be painful periods and abnormal bleeding particularly for women with no prior irregularity history. A longer or shorter than normal period, a missing menstruation, or an inconsistent menstruation could also be referred to as menstrual irregularities. Spotting or light bleeding is an apparent symptom of ovarian cyst. Ovarian cyst is also noticed when women experience unexplained weight gain.

Ovarian cyst symptoms can show up as a sort of dull ache in the lower back and pelvic area. Sometimes this pain will flair up either right before or after a period, but it can also be brought on during intercourse or even heavy exercise. When an ovarian cyst bursts or twists, it can cause a number of problems depending on the size of the cyst. There might be pain in the abdomen and the pelvic area, tissue irritation, and perhaps more seriously, blood will not be able to travel freely to the ovaries.

Pregnancy-like symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or breast-tenderness is a common ovarian cyst symptom. It is important to note other symptoms in other to make the distinction between a pregnancy and ovarian cyst symptoms. Infertility, itself is a common symptom of ovarian cysts.

There are a good number of signs that point towards the possibility of having ovarian cysts. There might be sudden and random onsets of sharp abdominal pain and a sensation of abdominal heaviness. The woman might also experience abdominal bloating, have difficulty urinating, and sense a feeling of pressure on her bladder or rectum.

All that most ovarian cysts need is time in order to go away. Some ovarian cyst symptoms, however, can be more urgent and need immediate treatment at a medical facility. These would be severe abdominal or pelvic pain that flares suddenly, shortness of breath, pain or fever with vomiting, and weakness or faintness that appears quickly.

As a whole, the nature of ovarian cyst symptoms makes it difficult for a general practice doctor to pick up on them. Cysts can certainly be detected in the absence of any symptoms, but most ovarian cyst cases are diagnosed not as a result of the presence of any ovarian cyst symptoms but rather during an individual's annual Pap smear.

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