Ovarian cyst - symptoms

Dr. med. Julia Schwarz is a freelance writer in the medical department.

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If ovarian cysts exceed a certain size or have complications, they cause symptoms. For example, if it presses on the surrounding tissue, it can lead to pain in the back, when urinating or during sexual intercourse. If the so-called stalk of certain ovarian cysts tears or twists, severe pain can suddenly occur. Read everything about the symptoms of an ovarian cyst here.

ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. D27N83E28

Menstrual cycle disorders

Some patients have symptoms of an ovarian cyst such as menstrual cycle disorders, such as irregular, unusually heavy, or prolonged bleeding. Sometimes the bleeding stops completely. In other cases, people have persistent spotting. Very rarely, a cyst can also lead to fertility problems.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO), the ovaries are riddled with numerous small cysts. The concentration of male sex hormones (androgens) in the blood of the affected women is increased. The androgens lead to typical changes in the woman's body such as a deeper voice or increased body hair. The menstrual cycle is also influenced by the androgens. The monthly bleeding may decrease or stop entirely. Women who want to have children often have problems conceiving.

pains

A small ovarian cyst rarely causes pain. However, when the cyst reaches a certain size, it can press on the surrounding tissue or organs. This often causes complaints. Patients complain of cramps or a pulling in the abdomen, back pain, or pain during intercourse.

Style twist

An ovarian cyst often sits on top of a stile that connects it to other tissues through blood vessels. For example, if this style twists with a jerky movement, the blood vessels are pinched off. The blood flow is interrupted and the tissue dies. An inflammatory reaction develops that can spread to other tissues and organs. For example, if the peritoneum becomes inflamed, the patients usually have a fever, feel sick and their stomach is tight as a board.

Sudden, severe pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can indicate a twisted style of an ovarian cyst. A doctor should always be consulted with such symptoms.

Cyst rupture

When a cyst on the ovary bursts (ruptures), patients usually only feel a slight pulling in the lower abdomen, which is similar to the feeling of ovulation. Very rarely, however, blood vessels can also tear, so that it bleeds freely into the abdomen. The patients then experience pain and, if there is significant blood loss, they also suffer from dizziness and weakness. In severe cases, the circulatory system can collapse and the patient goes into shock. The pulse is flat and fast, the blood pressure extremely low.

Endometriosis cysts

Endometriosis cysts are surrounded by scattered uterine lining. Therefore, severe cramp-like pain often occurs around the monthly bleeding. Sometimes the patients suffer from persistent abdominal or back pain. As the womb lining also bleeds, blood-filled cysts can form, which press on the surrounding tissue and cause pain.

Digestion & Urinary Tract

Sometimes a cyst on the ovary can grow so large that it presses on the bladder. The patients then suffer from a constant need to urinate or an uncomfortable feeling when urinating. If the ovarian cyst presses on parts of the intestine, constipation and irregular stool can occur.

The waist circumference increases

In rare cases, an ovarian cyst can grow up to 30 centimeters. Such large ovarian cysts visibly bulge the abdomen forwards. The waist circumference and body weight increase as a result. The patients occasionally have the feeling of a foreign body in their stomach. The very large cysts press on the surrounding tissue and can lead to a wide variety of symptoms.

Severe pain - a warning sign

Depending on the type and size, the ovarian cyst can trigger symptoms, including pain. New, particularly severe or persistent pain, especially when accompanied by malaise, nausea or dizziness, should always be clarified by a doctor. Especially if cysts on the ovaries are common in the family, pain during sexual intercourse or urination, irregular stool, or rapid weight gain can all indicate an ovarian cyst.

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