Facts Every Woman should be Aware of: Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

What is an Ovary?
The ovary is the primary hormonal and reproductive organ of the female anatomy. It may be as small as a walnut but its functions are extremely significant. Ovaries come in pairs and are attached to the uterus with the help of the fallopian tube.

What are Ovarian Cysts?
Experts define this as the accumulation of fluid inside or within an extra sac of the ovary. In most cases, the cyst does not grow too big and is called ‘functional’ ovarian cysts. Some have it worse. The fluids increase in volume causing an immense swelling in the abdomen.

What are the Symptoms?
Because ovary’s size is increased, it will push against its neighboring organs. Naturally, the patient will feel tenderness in the lower abdomen and pelvis. This is extremely painful especially during strenuous activities. These include exercise, sexual intercourse, urinating and bowel movements.

Women suffering from this can also have irregular menstrual periods. At times, vaginal spotting will be observed. This can be described by a few trickles of blood flowing even when it is not the time of the month. It arises because the sacs tend to be hemorrhagic (contains blood) and will spill out sometimes. Early menarche (first menstrual flow) may ensue for younger women.

Although most cases are benign, it is best to undergo a check-up with your OB-GYN just to make sure. Ovarian Cysts symptoms, especially for the malignant type, tend to appear in the late stages. You want to be ready for the medical management needed.

Can Ovarian Cysts Lead to Cancer?
Benign ovarian cysts may advance to a more complex condition. This is characterized by an increase in the size of the growth or development of several sacs (polycystic tumor). However, it does not increase the chances of ovarian cancer.

Excessive pain and bleeding may occur but this can be managed easily with medication. However, if the sac containing the excess fluid ruptures and infiltrates the rest of the abdomen, it might cause complications. Infection is one of the most frightening things that may occur. This may prove fatal if untreated.

Now that you are aware of the ovarian cysts symptoms, you can differentiate it easily with malignant tumors. The latter has several indicators which are completely different from the former. Aside from the pain and swelling, you may experience nausea and vomiting, indigestion and heartburn. Cachexia or muscle wasting and fatigue are symptoms secondary to the others.

Your doctor will be able to distinguish the difference. This is the reason why you need to visit him or her immediately. Seek medical advice as soon as you experience two or more symptoms at the same time.

Joyce Bastings has been writing product reviews for over a decade now. Recently there has been a huge demand for quality information on Ovarian Cysts. With this in mind Joyce has spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the ovarian cyst market. Take a look at some of her recent articles on ovarian cyst symptoms and end ovarian cysts.