Do ovarian cysts hurt?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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This ovarian cyst is generally a benign tumor change. Normally, ovarian cysts do not show any symptoms. However, as the cyst grows larger, it may cause an increase in abdominal size and bloating. It may also press on the gastrointestinal tract and the bladder, leading to corresponding urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, changes in body position may lead to acute abdomen, such as ovarian cysts, torsion of the stalk, rupture of ovarian cysts, and other conditions.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
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How to treat ovarian cysts?

The majority of ovarian cysts are physiological. If an ovarian cyst is detected for the first time during an ultrasound, it can be observed temporarily. Generally, such cysts will gradually shrink or disappear naturally after two to three months. If the cyst is relatively large, exceeding 5cm, and the ovary has not shrunk after two to three months of observation, but instead the cyst has grown, it is likely an ovarian tumor, which requires surgical treatment. If an ovarian tumor occurs, there is a potential for malignancy or torsion, so timely surgical intervention is necessary.

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How to check for ovarian cysts?

There are two methods for examining ovarian cysts. Firstly, through a gynecological examination, especially in cases of sexual activity, a bimanual examination can be conducted. Under bimanual examination, a mass in one of the adnexal areas can be palpated, where the nature of the mass such as whether its boundaries are clear can be observed, as well as checking for tenderness. This allows for the examination of ovarian cysts. Another method involves an ultrasound. Generally, if performing an abdominal ultrasound, it is necessary to hold urine to view the ovaries clearly. If performing a vaginal ultrasound, especially in cases of sexual activity, this can be chosen; thus, the ultrasound can provide a clearer view. It is closer to the uterus and ovaries, and thus under ultrasound, the masses in the ovaries can be detected. Therefore, both of these methods are viable.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
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Is an adnexal cyst the same as an ovarian cyst?

Adnexa clinically refers to the fallopian tubes and ovaries combined, thus, adnexal cysts are not necessarily ovarian cysts. During gynecological ultrasound, these are often reported as cysts in the adnexal area because the proximity of the ovaries and fallopian tubes makes it difficult to conclusively determine if an adnexal cyst is an ovarian cyst. Clinically, cysts in the fallopian tubes are also referred to as cysts in the adnexal area. Distinguishing them often requires surgery to see the exact location of the cyst for identification.

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Causes of ovarian cysts

There are several common causes of ovarian cysts. The first is during the ovulation process where the follicle fails to release an egg, resulting in the formation of follicular cysts. The ultrasound typically shows these as simple cysts containing follicular fluid. Another situation is the corpus luteum cyst, which occurs after ovulation when the ovary forms a wound surface and a corpus luteum. Cysts can also develop during the growth of the corpus luteum. These two types of cysts generally disappear after the next menstrual period and are considered physiological cysts that usually require no treatment. However, some cysts result from pathological changes in ovarian cells, or even from tumors. On an ultrasound, these appear differently, often as mixed composition masses, in which case surgical treatment is recommended.

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Symptoms of benign ovarian cysts

When women develop benign ovarian cysts, the clinical symptoms are somewhat related to the number and size of the cysts. For example, when the cysts are relatively small in diameter, they usually exhibit no clinical manifestations and are often only discovered during routine gynecological exams or ultrasound screenings. As the cysts grow in size, some women may experience heaviness and pain on one side of the lower abdomen, along with a sore back. These abdominal symptoms can worsen with excessive fatigue, staying up late, or during intercourse. Some women may also experience abnormalities in their menstrual cycle, such as changes in the amount of menstrual bleeding, duration of menstruation, or irregular vaginal bleeding.