Do ovarian cysts hurt?

Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on June 04, 2025
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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 Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is ovarian cyst surgery performed?

Currently, in clinical practice for ovarian cyst surgery, options include open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. The choice of surgery type needs to be based on the extent of the patient's ovarian cyst, the patient's wishes, and the size of the surgical area, which are all factors that should be integrated into the decision-making process. Furthermore, the specific implementation of the surgery also needs to consider the patient's age, the nature of the ovarian cyst, and the patient's wishes. Options available include ovarian cystectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy. If the tumor is malignant, a more extensive surgical approach may be required.

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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 Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do ovarian cysts hurt?

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 Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of ovarian cyst rupture

It often manifests as severe pain that feels downward, and if it ruptures, there is obvious intraperitoneal bleeding, along with a sensation of heaviness in the anus. The pain is persistent and intense. If there is significant blood loss in the pelvis, there may also be symptoms of blood loss such as dizziness and fatigue, and other discomforts may occur. For example, there may be complications related to anemia and even symptoms of shock. Once an ovarian cyst ruptures, it requires prompt treatment. First, it is necessary to identify the specific location, as the ovaries are located on the left and right sides. After locating the affected area, timely treatment can be administered. The examination of ovarian cysts often reveals quite noticeable tenderness.