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Ovarian Cyst Symptoms: Pelvic Pain, Bloating and When to Be Seen

Most ovarian cysts are harmless and disappear without treatment, but a dull ache, bloating or pressure on one side of the lower belly is worth asking about. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen sees adult women at its Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, and Belle Glade offices to talk through symptoms, examine you, and decide whether a scan or a specialist is the right next step.

We accept Medicare & Medicaid

What it involves

MedlinePlus explains that ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in or on an ovary. They usually form during ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg, and most women have them at some point in life. Most are small, cause no symptoms, and go away by themselves. Many women only learn they have one during a pelvic exam or when imaging is done for another reason.

Who this is for

  • Women with new pressure, bloating or a dull ache in the lower belly on one side.
  • Patients with pain before or after a period, or pain during sex or movement.
  • Women who were told a cyst was seen on a scan and want to know what comes next.
  • Anyone with irregular periods and other symptoms who wants to rule out common causes.

What to expect

  • Questions about the pain, your cycle, bleeding, nausea and any chance of pregnancy
  • An exam of the abdomen, and a referral when a pelvic exam or specialist care is the right next step
  • Blood work or a pregnancy test when they help sort out the cause
  • Ultrasound or other imaging arranged by referral when a cyst needs to be seen or followed

How cysts form during the monthly cycle

The MedlinePlus encyclopedia describes the usual pattern. Each month a follicle grows on an ovary, holding a developing egg and making estrogen. If the follicle fails to open and release the egg, fluid stays inside and forms a follicular cyst. Another kind, a corpus luteum cyst, can form after the egg is released and may contain a little blood. These functional cysts are described as a normal event and a sign the ovaries are working, and they are more common between puberty and menopause.

Symptoms to watch for

Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms. A cyst is more likely to hurt if it becomes large, bleeds, breaks open or twists the ovary. MedlinePlus lists bloating or swelling in the abdomen, a constant dull pelvic ache, pain with bowel movements, pain with intercourse and pain shortly before or after a period. Spotting can occur with some cysts. Pain with periods also has other causes, which the endometriosis guide covers.

How a cyst is found and followed

A provider may find a cyst during a pelvic exam or when an ultrasound is done for another reason. The encyclopedia says an ultrasound can detect one, and that the provider may want to look again in 6 to 8 weeks to see whether it is gone. CT, MRI and Doppler studies are used when more detail is needed, and blood tests may include a pregnancy test, hormone levels and a CA-125 value in some situations. The practice does not list pelvic ultrasound, so imaging is arranged by referral.

Treatment and watchful waiting

Functional cysts often need no treatment, according to MedlinePlus, and many resolve in 8 to 12 weeks. If cysts keep coming back, a provider may prescribe birth control pills to reduce new ones, though the pills do not shrink a cyst that already exists. Surgery is more likely for complex cysts, cysts that grow or keep causing symptoms, large simple cysts over 10 centimeters, and for women near or past menopause, so that cancer can be ruled out. Cancer is rare but the risk rises with age.

Cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome

MedlinePlus separates ordinary functional cysts from the small cysts seen in polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a condition with irregular or missing periods and sometimes high levels of male hormones. If your periods are unpredictable and you also have acne, excess hair growth or weight changes, the PCOS guide describes how that is sorted out. Bleeding that is heavy or comes between periods is covered in the abnormal uterine bleeding guide.

When a cyst becomes an emergency

MedlinePlus says that if a cyst bursts or causes bleeding, you should get medical help right away. The encyclopedia explains that sudden, severe pelvic pain, often with nausea and vomiting, may be a sign that the ovary has twisted on its blood supply or that a cyst has ruptured with internal bleeding. Fever, fainting, dizziness or pain with a missed period should also not wait. Go to the emergency room or call 911 instead of booking a routine visit.

Do ovarian cysts always need treatment?

No. MedlinePlus says functional ovarian cysts often go away on their own within 8 to 12 weeks and may not need treatment. A provider at Serenity By A Dr. Sareen can examine you and refer you for imaging if one needs to be seen or watched. Sudden severe pelvic pain with nausea or vomiting, or bleeding, needs emergency care.

Does Serenity By A Dr. Sareen accept Medicare and Medicaid for ovarian cyst symptoms evaluation?

Yes. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen accepts Medicare and Medicaid, along with major commercial insurance, at our South Florida locations. Call your nearest office and our staff will confirm your specific plan and any coverage details before scheduling your ovarian cyst symptoms evaluation visit.

What are your office hours?

We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with same-day appointments and walk-ins welcome at our Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, and Belle Glade offices. Call ahead of your visit if you'd like to confirm availability before you come in to see us.

Who is ovarian cyst symptoms evaluation for?

Women with new pressure, bloating or a dull ache in the lower belly on one side. Our family and internal medicine team can talk through whether this fits your situation when you call to schedule a visit at one of our South Florida offices.

Can an ovarian cyst cause back pain or bloating?

It can. MedlinePlus lists bloating, swelling and pressure in the lower belly, and the encyclopedia mentions pelvic pain that moves with activity. Many other problems cause the same symptoms, including bowel and urinary conditions, so a provider will examine you before deciding whether a cyst is the likely cause.

Can a cyst be seen on a routine physical exam?

Sometimes a cyst is felt during a pelvic exam, but many are only seen on imaging done for another reason. If a physical exam raises a question, your provider can refer you for an ultrasound. A normal exam does not rule out a small cyst, and most small ones are harmless.

Sources

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Schedule a Visit

Contact your nearest Serenity By A Dr. Sareen office to schedule a visit about pelvic pain, bloating or a cyst found on a scan.