If you’re a female and experience pain on either side of your abdomen, there are a few possibilities to consider. Ovarian cysts are quite common among women of all ages and are sometimes not even noticed until you visit a doctor for a routine physical or until you experience pain associated with the cyst. Fortunately, there are a few signs and symptoms that you can pay attention to if you think that you have a cyst in this area of your body.
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
In order to understand the signs and symptoms, you should know a little about the background of an ovarian cyst. This is a small sac that is often filled with fluid. They are usually benign and nothing to worry about. However, if the cyst doesn’t go away, then surgery could be needed to remove it before it does develop into something more.
Pain
If you have a cyst on one or both ovaries, then you will likely have pain that continues to get worse over time. The pain is often felt on the right or left side and in the lower part of your abdomen. There is a possibility that you can feel the cyst while you’re exercising or if you’re sexually active with someone. The pain will be in a location that is specific to your ovaries instead of traveling to other areas of your body.
Bloated Feeling
After you eat a large meal, you probably feel bloated and like you’ve gained a few pounds. This is the same feeling that you can experience if you have ovarian cysts. Since most cysts are of a small size, not all women experience bloating. However, there are some cysts that can grow to a larger size and can make you gain a few pounds from the excess fluid or tissue that is present in your abdomen.
Urinating
Another common sign of ovarian cysts is the feeling that you have to urinate all the time. This can be misleading sometimes because you would expect to urinate if you drink coffee during the day or if your diet includes a lot of water. However, if you go to the bathroom all the time but can’t seem to urinate when the feeling is there, then you could have a cyst that is pressing on your bladder.
Talk to the Professionals
Don’t diagnose ovarian cysts on your own. Make an appointment at Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine to learn more about your case. Contact our office in Fort Worth today to book a consultation.
