by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: May 28, 2010

What are ovaries?

Ovaries are paired organs on either side of the uterus which plays a pivotal role in the reproductive years of a female. The organ is responsible for the production of mature eggs for fertilization with a sperm and would be released to the fallopian tube of the uterus in which it passes through to the uterine cavity.

The two organs would also play a vital part in the secretion of hormones which will mainly contribute to the development of sexual characteristics, maintain menstrual cycles as well as to support the implantation, maturation and development of a fetus within the womb.

What is a cyst?

Cysts are fluid filled sacs which may or may not have a solid component as well. It can grow in varying sizes and may or may not have malignant properties as well. But, in most instances, the cysts would be benign conditions which can be treated easily or would disappear spontaneously.

What is a ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cysts can occur within or on the surface of the ovary and usually presents itself during the child bearing or reproductive years. The condition can be experienced by many women and in most instances, the condition would go unnoticed as it don’t give rise to symptoms.

In such instances, the condition would disappear after few months and most probably would not require further treatment nor would it recur for a second time.

What are the symptoms of a ovarian cyst?

But, when the cysts give rise to symptoms it can vary from mild menstrual irregularities to more serious signs that indicates a rupture of the ovarian cysts.

Thus, let us see some of the symptoms that may indicate an ovarian cysts as a definitive diagnosis can only be made after doing an imaging study and a possible biopsy.

-Persisting pelvic pain characterized by a dull back ache or pain in the legs.

-Irregular menstrual periods

-Pain in the region before menstruation or just before the end of menstrual periods

-Feeling of nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness as in the case of early pregnancy

-Abdominal fullness

-Pressure exerted on the bowel and the bladder making both functions to get disrupted

-Pain while engaged in sexual intercourse…etc, can be considered the commonest of the symptoms.

Apart from this, if a rupture takes place, following signs would be prominent and would require the patient to be seen by a medical professional, urgently.

-Sudden occurrence of severe abdominal pain

-Presence of fever and vomiting along with the pain

Thus, with these symptoms, a clinician would be able to make a tentative diagnosis and would proceed with further investigations to make a definitive diagnosis and determine necessary treatment strategies.

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