Do ovarian cysts hurt?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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Most ovarian cysts do not cause abdominal pain, especially when they are small and benign. However, some patients with ovarian cysts may experience abdominal pain symptoms. For example, endometriotic cysts, also known as chocolate cysts, can cause severe lower abdominal pain, particularly manifesting as menstrual-like abdominal pain. When these pain symptoms occur, the primary reason patients initially visit local hospitals is to undergo medical examination for the condition.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Are ovarian cysts easy to treat?

Most ovarian cysts are physiological. If it's the first time an ovarian cyst is detected, it can be observed, and a re-examination can be conducted after two months. If the cyst disappears or reduces in size, it is physiological and there is no need for concern or treatment. However, if the ovarian cyst has not reduced but has increased in size after two months, this is pathological, indicating an ovarian tumor. In this case, surgical treatment is necessary. This is because if an ovarian tumor persists for a long period, it may become malignant or lead to ovarian torsion, both of which can affect the body adversely.

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Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

Women with ovarian chocolate cysts may experience effects on their reproductive function. When the cysts are small, they typically do not significantly impact fertility. However, as the cysts grow in size, they can compress the normal ovarian tissue, causing ovulatory disorders and leading to infertility. Additionally, certain types of ovarian cysts, such as chocolate cysts, can cause adhesions in the female pelvic area. For instance, they may result in abnormal fallopian tube function, leading to infertility due to tubal factors. These cysts may also alter the pelvic environment, making conception difficult. If the ovarian cysts are malignant or capable of secreting hormones, they can also affect normal ovulation, leading to infertility.

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Written by Xia Hu
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Ovarian cysts have no symptoms

Many ovarian cysts are asymptomatic, generally detected during physical examinations or gynecological assessments, sometimes palpable as masses. An ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis by assessing the size of the mass near the adnexa, as well as the location and characteristics of the cyst. Often after an ultrasound, it may also be necessary to check for ovarian tumor markers. This is because ultrasound may reveal mixed masses that could potentially be malignant. If tumor markers are normal, not elevated, the likelihood of malignancy is low. If an ovarian cyst is discovered, regular check-ups are necessary, typically involving ultrasound examinations as many individuals display no obvious symptoms.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to cure ovarian cysts?

Most ovarian cysts are physiological, meaning they will naturally disappear or shrink within two to three months. Generally, treatment is not necessary, and there are no effective medications for treating ovarian cysts. If an ovarian cyst does not disappear after three months, or if it continues to grow, then it is considered an ovarian tumor. Such ovarian tumors require surgery for treatment. Therefore, if an examination reveals that an ovarian cyst has not disappeared after three months, surgery is necessary. This is because if an ovarian cyst persists for a long time, it may cause torsion or even become malignant.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you get pregnant with ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are generally physiological and may affect pregnancy, as physiological ovarian cysts secrete hormones. At this time, there may be abnormal hormone secretion, or the cyst itself may be caused by abnormal follicle development, mainly presenting as follicular cysts. Therefore, if there is a follicular cyst, there is generally no normal ovulation, so pregnancy will not occur. Ovarian cysts can be observed for 2 to 3 months; if they are physiological, they will disappear naturally. If the ovarian cyst has not decreased in size or has increased after 2 to 3 months, it indicates that it is an ovarian tumor, and surgery is required.