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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Do ovarian cysts hurt?

Some ovarian cysts do not have painful symptoms, while others may cause abdominal pain, thus there are individual differences. This varies depending on the size of the ovarian cyst and whether it is accompanied by any infections. If an ovarian cyst is combined with torsion, the affected ovary might suffer from ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in acute abdominal pain. This situation is quite dangerous and requires emergency surgery. However, if the ovarian cyst does not undergo torsion, most are asymptomatic and are often incidentally found during physical examinations or routine ultrasound scans. If cysts are discovered without any significant symptoms, special treatment is generally not necessary initially; a follow-up check after three months is recommended, as many cysts may disappear naturally, which is a normal occurrence.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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ovarian cyst malignant symptoms

Ovarian cysts can exhibit certain symptoms if they become malignant. The primary symptom is pain in the lower abdomen. Generally, if the ovary undergoes a malignant transformation, the mass will grow larger and create a sensation of swelling and pain. Sometimes in the late stages of ovarian tumors, there can be pain throughout the abdomen, along with signs of cachexia, such as weight loss and decreased immunity after eating, which may suggest the possibility of cancer. In such cases, timely medical examinations are necessary. Typically, a pelvic and abdominal ultrasound can reveal the situation, along with blood tests including changes in certain common tumor markers. If the disease is malignant, the tumor markers in the blood will significantly increase.