Ovarian cysts

Signs and symptoms

Most patients with ovarian cysts are asymptomatic, with the cysts being discovered incidentally during ultrasonography or routine pelvic examination. Some cysts, however, may be associated with a range of symptoms, sometimes severe, including the following

-Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
-Severe pain from torsion (twisting) or rupture - Cyst rupture is characterized by sudden, sharp, unilateral pelvic pain; this can be associated with trauma, exercise, or coitus. Cyst rupture can lead to peritoneal signs, abdominal distention, and bleeding (which is usually self-limited)
-Discomfort with intercourse, particularly deep penetration
-Changes in bowel movements such as constipation
-Pelvic pressure causing tenesmus or urinary frequency
-Menstrual irregularities
-Tachycardia and hypotension - These may result from hemorrhage caused by cyst rupture
-Abdominal fullness and bloating