subject: Tips for treating ovarian cysts and how you can prevent them [print this page] Tips for treating ovarian cysts and how you can prevent them
The following are possible risk factors for developing ovarian cysts:
History of previous ovarian cysts
Irregular menstrual cycles
Increased upper body fat distribution
Early menstruation (11 years or younger)
Infertility
Hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalance
Tamoxifen (Soltamox) therapy for breast cancer
Oral contraceptive/birth control pill use decreases the risk of developing ovarian cysts because they prevent the ovaries from producing eggs during ovulation.
Ovarian Cysts Symptoms
Usually ovarian cysts do not produce symptoms and are found during a routine physical exam or are seen by chance on an ultrasound performed for other reasons. However, the following symptoms may be present:
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may start and stop and may be severe, sudden, and sharp
Irregular menstrual periods
Feeling of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure or fullness
Long-term pelvic pain during menstrual period that may also be felt in the lower back
Pelvic pain after strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse
Pain or pressure with urination or bowel movements
Nausea and vomiting
Vaginal pain or spotty bleeding from the vagina
Infertility
A health care practitioner should be contacted if the following symptoms occur:
Fever
Abnormal pain or tenderness in the abdominal or pelvic area
Nausea or vomiting
Weakness, dizziness, or fainting
Pallor or anemia (possibly from loss of blood)
Abnormally heavy or irregular menstruation
Abdominal swelling or unusual increased abdominal girth
Abdominal pain if blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) are taken
Increased facial hair similar to a male pattern
High or low blood pressure unrelated to medications
Excessive thirst or urination
Unexplained weight loss
A noticeable abdominal or pelvic mass
A woman with the following symptoms should go immediately to a hospital's emergency department:
Weakness, dizziness, or feeling faint, especially from standing
Fainting
Persistent fever
Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain
High or low blood pressure unrelated to medications
Excessive thirst or urination
Unexplained shoulder pain combined with abdominal pain
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Functional ovarian cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst. They usually disappear by themselves and seldom require treatment. Growths that become abnormally large or last longer than a few months should be removed or examined to determine if they are a sign of a more serious condition.
