Is An Ovarian Cyst Cause for Concern?

Your ovaries are the key that unlocks the power of creating human life. Even though they’re only about the size of an almond, these organs are powerhouses. 

With so much responsibility packed into such small organs, it’s no surprise that your ovaries can experience a range of issues that deserve attention and care.

Specifically, many women develop cysts on their ovaries. Usually, these tiny, fluid-filled sacs don’t cause a problem. They’re often harmless and painless, and they typically go away on their own.

Still, keep an eye out. Some warning signs can alert you to the fact that you have an ovarian cyst that needs medical attention. 

When you experience those signs, come see us at Elite Gynecology in Manhattan, Forest Hills, or Rego Park, New York. Our all-female team determines whether you have a cyst and, if so, if it requires treatment. We offer care for ovarian cysts and related conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

Understanding ovarian cysts and when they need attention

Most often, the cyst that develops is a functional cyst. These cysts form as a result of hormonal changes that happen during ovulation. In most cases, functional cysts resolve on their own in a couple of months. And they’re actually a sign that your ovaries work as they should. They’re an indicator of ovulation. 

In other cases, cysts develop outside your menstrual cycle. These cysts can be a sign of endometriosis. They’re also the key symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. Beyond that, the cyst can develop from cancerous cells. There are a lot of conditions that could be behind the development of non-functional cysts. 

Whether they’re functional or not, cysts can cause problems. They can twist or rupture. At that point, you may experience noticeable, uncomfortable symptoms. 

In most cases, cysts aren’t a cause for concern unless they come with additional symptoms. 

Warning signs that an ovarian cyst needs attention

Cysts that don’t cause any symptoms usually aren’t anything to worry about. You don’t need to be concerned that you have cysts developing on your ovaries, which could be a problem. If they’re not causing you issues, they’re probably functional cysts that will go away on their own.

When a cyst causes symptoms, that’s the time to get a medical professional involved. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Dull back pain
• Increased urinary urgency
• Irregular periods, including overly painful ones
• A feeling of pelvic fullness
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain 
• Trouble with bowel movements

If your cyst bursts, you’ll typically have symptoms like:

• Dizziness
• Fever 
• Nausea/vomiting
• Notable bloating
• Sudden, sharp pelvic or low back pain
• Vaginal bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care as soon as possible. 

If you’re living with PCOS, you might have symptoms from your condition, not the cysts themselves. These include excess hair growth, acne, weight gain, irregular periods, and more. If those sound familiar, come see us. The cysts aren’t concerning, but we can still help you explore treatment to offset your unwelcome symptoms. 

The important takeaway here is that an ovarian cyst typically only warrants concern when it causes symptoms. If you experience any of the signs we outlined, come see us so we can determine what’s going on. Typically, that means getting a pelvic exam and/or ultrasound.

Our all‑female team can help determine whether your symptoms are related to a cyst and guide you toward the options that can help you feel better. Call us at Elite Gynecology or book an appointment online today.