What Does Ovarian Cyst Pain Feel Like?
Many women experience ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs located on or within the ovaries. Although many don’t experience any discomfort, pelvic or abdominal pain can occur due to ovarian cysts. Knowing what ovarian cyst pain feels like can help women diagnose the issue and advocate for proper treatment.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. They can range in size from small to large and often don’t cause any symptoms. Most cysts that are painless are considered harmless and don’t require any treatment.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Different types of ovarian cysts can affect a woman’s health differently.
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Functional Cysts:
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst, and they are not considered to be dangerous. They occur due to normal changes in the menstrual cycle and often resolve without treatment. The two types of functional cysts are follicular and corpus luteum cysts. -
Endometriomas:
Endometriomas develop when tissue from the uterus travels to the ovaries and forms a cyst, usually full of a dark brown fluid. Endometriomas can cause pain and irregular bleeding, as well as an increased risk for infertility. -
Dermoid Cysts:
Dermoid cysts are formed from immature egg cells, and typically contain various body tissues, including hair and skin. Dermoid cysts are usually noticed when they are large enough to cause ovarian pain. -
Cystadenomas:
Cystadenomas are cysts that occur near the ovary and are typically filled with a thick, mucous-like liquid. These cysts are often slow-growing and benign, but they have a large potential to become malignant.
What Does Ovarian Cyst Pain Feel Like?
Ovarian cyst pain may be experienced differently depending on the experience, but they often cause the same general symptoms.
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Pressure and Pain in the Lower Abdomen:
The most common symptom of ovarian cysts is a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen. This can range from mild discomfort to sharp, stabbing pain. It can last for short or long times and is usually worse during certain activities, such as exercise or intercourse. -
Pain During Menstruation:
Women with ovarian cysts can experience pain during menstruation, including cramping and sharp pains in the lower abdomen. These pains can occur before and during a woman’s period, and can vary in intensity. -
Bloating:
Bloating is another common symptom associated with ovarian cysts. This can include feeling full and uncomfortable in the abdominal area, and can also cause gas and stomach distress. -
Pain During Bowel Movements:
Ovarian cysts can cause pain when passing stools because of the pressure they put on the pelvic area. This can include aching, sharp pain during a bowel movement, as well as a persistent dull pain in the lower abdomen afterwards. -
Abdominal Discomfort:
Other symptoms of ovarian cysts can include abdominal discomfort and feeling full or pressure. This can also be accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding, backache, and fatigue.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cyst Pain
Ovarian cyst pain can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are very similar to those of other conditions, such as endometriosis or menstrual cramps. It’s important to seek medical advice if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms so that the underlying condition can be identified.
Your doctor will likely use several tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain, such as an ultrasound, blood work, and a pelvic exam. Your doctor may also order additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.
Treating Ovarian Cyst Pain
The treatment for ovarian cyst pain depends on the type and severity of the cysts. Some cysts will resolve on their own, while others may require medical intervention.
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Pain Medication:
Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication to help reduce the pain caused by ovarian cysts. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to help treat inflammation, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. -
Hormone Therapy:
Estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy may be prescribed to help reduce the size of ovarian cysts. These hormones help to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, which means less chance of a cyst forming or growing. -
Surgery:
If the cysts are particularly large or painful, surgery may be necessary to remove them. Surgery is typically recommended for cysts larger than 4 centimeters, or those that have grown in size. Surgery may also be necessary if the cyst is causing other health problems, such as a ruptured cyst, or if the cyst is cancerous.
Living with Ovarian Cyst Pain
Regardless of the treatment, it can be challenging to live with ovarian cyst pain. However, there are a few steps women can take to help manage the pain and discomfort.
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Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with ovarian cysts, as long as it’s done in moderation. Low-impact activities such as yoga and walking may be particularly helpful.
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Eat a Balanced Diet: Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help keep your body and hormones in balance, which can potentially reduce the frequency or severity of ovarian cysts. Be sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your diet.
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Keep a Symptom Record:
Maintaining a record of your ovarian cyst symptoms can help you identify changes, so you can recognize more quickly if the pain is getting worse or if the cysts are progressing. This can also help your doctor to determine the best treatment plan. -
Get Plenty of Rest:
Getting enough rest each night can help reduce feelings of stress and fatigue, which can in turn reduce the pain associated with ovarian cysts. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and be sure to take breaks between activities so that your body can rest and recover.
Knowing what ovarian cyst pain feels like and seeking treatment can help women manage their discomfort and reduce the frequency of their cysts. Getting professional advice from a doctor is the best way to determine the underlying cause of your pain and find the most appropriate treatment plan.
