Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, sac-like structures within an ovary. Symptoms of an ovarian cysts may be:
- Pain in the belly or pelvis
- A feeling for the need to have a bowel movement
- Urgency to urinate
- Pain during intercourse.
There are a variety of causes and types of ovarian cysts, and treatment depends upon type of cyst.
Read more: Ovarian Cysts ArticleMultimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
What Is Endometriosis? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is an abnormal growth of endometrial cells found in the uterus. Not to be confused with...
-
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Signs, Stages
Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, bloating, frequent urination, and a feeling of fullness. Ovarian cancer...
-
Pelvic Pain: What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain?
There are many causes of pelvic pain in women including cysts, PMS, appendicitis, and bladder infections. Pelvic pain has...
-
Female Sexual Dysfunction: Treatment for Women's Sexual Disorders
Female sexual dysfunction symptoms can limit a woman’s sex life. Female sexual dysfunction treatment aims to address any...
-
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms, Types, and Treatment
What is an ovarian cyst? Ovarian cyst types vary, and they can cause many symptoms, including abdominal pain. Discover how to...
-
Ovarian Cancer Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
How common is ovarian cancer and who is at risk? Take our Ovarian Cancer Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment for...
-
Endometriosis Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition. Take this quiz to learn what happens when a woman has endometriosis as well as...
-
Picture of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polcystic ovary syndrome is a condition in women characterized by irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess...
SLIDESHOW
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms, Types, and Treatment See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
-
Endometriosis
Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They also can be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Endometriosis may not produce any symptoms, but when it does the most common symptom is pelvic pain that worsens just prior to menstruation and improves at the end of the menstrual period. Other symptoms of endometriosis include pain during sex, pain with pelvic examinations, cramping or pain during bowel movements or urination, and infertility. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
-
What Causes Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.
-
Cramps but No Period
Having cramps but no period can occur because of conditions other than your monthly menstrual cycle. They may feel like period cramps of the lower abdomen when you are not due for your period and produce no blood. These 12 diseases and conditions are examples of what can cause abdominal cramping when not on period.
-
Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spine Pain)
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
-
What Happens During Menopause?
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the "change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
-
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs when an artery or vein is damaged and blood to escapes the circulatory system and collects inside the body. Internal bleeding can be caused by a variety of situations such as blunt trauma, deceleration trauma, medications, fractures, and spontaneous bleeding. Treatment of internal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding.
-
Cyst
Cysts are sac-like structures that may be filled with gas, liquid, or solid materials. Cysts may produce symptoms and signs depending on their location. Treatment of a cyst depends upon what caused the cyst in the first place.
-
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the time in a woman's life when she is approaching menopause. During this time a woman starts to develop symptoms of declining estrogen levels that may include mood swings, painful sex, night sweats, hot flashes, and weight gain. Every adult woman eventually will experience perimenopause.
-
What Is The Main Cause of Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths that grow on the ovary. Learn the signs of an ovarian cyst, what causes ovarian cysts, how doctors diagnose ovarian cysts, and what you can do to treat an ovarian cyst.
-
Symptoms of 12 Serious Diseases and Health Problems
Learn how to recognize early warning signs and symptoms of serious diseases and health problems, for example, chronic cough, headache, chest pain, nausea, stool color or consistency changes, heartburn, skin moles, anxiety, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, lightheadedness, night sweats, eye problems, confusion, depression, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and nipple changes. The symptoms and signs of serious health problems can be caused by strokes, heart attacks, cancers, reproductive problems in females (for example, cancers, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and sexually transmitted diseases or STDs), breast problems (for example, breast cancer and non-cancer related diseases), lung diseases (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, lung cancer, emphysema, and asthma), stomach or digestive diseases (for example, cancers, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic diseases, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease), bladder problems (for example, urinary incontinence, and kidney infections), skin cancer, muscle and joint problems, emotional problems or mental illness (for example, postpartum depression, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mania, and schizophrenia), and headache disorders (for example, migraines, or "the worst headache of your life), and eating disorders and weight problems (for example, anorexia or bulimia).
-
Is Corpus Luteum Cyst a Good Sign?
A corpus luteum cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that is more likely to rupture during menstruation. Learn the signs of a corpus luteum cyst, what causes a corpus luteum cyst, how doctors diagnose a corpus luteum cyst, and what you can do to treat a corpus luteum cyst.
-
Ovarian Cancer
There are many types of ovarian cancer, epithelial carcinoma is the most common. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. Some ovarian cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, however, they usually do not present until the disease has progressed. Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment.
-
Pelvic Pain (in Women and Men)
Pelvic pain is described as pain, usually in the lower pelvic area. Causes of acute and chronic pelvic pain in women include endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, tumors, or fibroids, ovulation, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or congestion syndrome, vulva pain, and rarely cancer. Pelvic pain during pregnancy may be caused by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy), preterm or premature labor, and placental abruption. Causes of pelvic pain in men include prostate problems, testicular pain, and groin pain. Causes of pelvic pain in men and women include kidney stones, appendicitis, UTIs, IBD, and STDs. Signs and symptoms associated with pelvic pain depend on the cause, but man include pain during or after sexual intercourse, abdominal pain, distension, and tenderness, diarrhea, constipation, vaginal discharge or bleeding, blood, pus, in the urine, cloudy urine, blood in the stool, stool color changes, and low back pain. The cause of pelvic pain is diagnosed by a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging procedures. Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the cause.
-
Women's Health
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
-
Sexual Problems (Sex) in Women
Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem that arises during any phase of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. Physical, medical, and psychological conditions may affect sexual functioning, resulting in inhibited sexual desire, inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm, and painful intercourse. Treating the underlying physical and psychological problems usually resolves most female sexual problems.
-
What Are Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
-
How Do They Remove a Cyst From Your Ovaries?
Learn what medical treatments can help with a cyst on your ovaries and speed up your recovery.
-
What Are the Symptoms of Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer?
At stage 1 of ovarian cancer, the cancer is present only in the ovaries i.e. it has not spread in any other organs. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include a mass felt in the abdomen, distension or swelling of abdomen, abnormal vaginal bleeding (between menstrual periods or after menopause) and other signs. Stage 1 ovarian cancer has no symptoms in many women, however; often they may not experience symptoms until the cancer has spread significantly.
-
What Does Culdocentesis Mean?
Culdocentesis is the puncture and aspiration (withdrawal) of fluid from the pouch of Douglas or rectouterine pouch. Culdocentesis used to be a valuable procedure for the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. The procedure involves the introduction of a needle through the vaginal wall into the pouch of Douglas.
-
Why Am I Having Menstrual Cramps but No Period?
Menstrual cramps may happen even without a period. Learn more about menstrual cramps without a period, when they can happen, what causes them, and what to watch out for.
-
What Causes Cysts on the Ovaries?
What causes ovarian cysts? Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled pockets that grow in or on an ovary. Learn what causes ovarian cysts, the symptoms of ovarian cysts, and what to do if you’re dealing with ovarian cysts.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Abdominal Pain
- Distended Stomach (Abdominal Distention)
- Urinary Urgency
- Abdominal Lump
- Painful Intercourse
- Constipation
- Indigestion (Dyspepsia, Upset Stomach)
- Pelvic Pain
- How to Choose a Doctor
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Doctor: Getting the Most from Your Doctor's Appointment
- Sexual Health for Women -- Mary Jane Minkin, MD -- 05/15/03
- Endometriosis FAQs
- Ovarian Cancer FAQs
- Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Early Warning Signs, and Risk Factors
- Can Ruptured Ovarian Cysts Rupture Again?
- What Is an Ovarian Remnant?
- Are Ovarian Cysts Dangerous?
- Can Oral Contraceptives Reduce Pelvic Pain?
- Can Ovarian Cysts Be the Start of Cancer?
- What Causes Ovarian Cysts?
- How to Prevent an Ovarian Cyst Rupture?
- Can Ovarinan Cysts Cause Infertility?
- Does Medroxyprogesterone Treat Ovarian Cysts?
- Do Oral Contraceptives Always Prevent Ovarian Cysts?
- Abdominal Pain: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Cyst Symptoms, Signs, and Causes
- Ask The Experts: Women's Health
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
- Large Study Shows No Strong Link Between Baby Powder, Ovarian Cancer
- Benign Ovarian Cysts Should Be Left in Place, Study Suggests
- Low-Dose Aspirin May Protect Against Ovarian Cancer: Study
- Newer Birth Control Pills Tied to Lower Odds for Ovarian Cancer
- Ovary Removal Linked to Kidney Disease
- What Every Woman Needs to Know About Ovarian Cancer
- Infertility, Not Fertility Drugs, Linked to Raised Risk of Ovarian Cancer
- Health Tip: Recognizing Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
- Is Ovary Removal Tied to Colon Cancer Risk?
- Ovarian Cyst Condition in Mom May Raise Odds for Autism in Child
- Women's Pelvic Pain Often Unreported
- Most Women Don't Need Regular Pelvic Exams, New Guidelines State
- Many Medical Tests, Procedures Not Always Needed
From 
Women's Conditions Resources
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Women's Health Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.