Recognizing ovarian cyst symptoms, you can know when to see your Chicago gynecologist
Ovarian cysts are actually somewhat common in women of childbearing age. These small fluid-filled sacs that form inside of or on the surface of one or both ovaries are typically benign and, in many cases, completely asymptomatic. In many cases, they will come and go without being noticed. If an ovarian cyst does cause symptoms, care from your Chicago gynecologist is needed. Knowing the symptoms of ovarian cysts, you are empowered to protect your health and receive care when it is warranted.
Some of the symptoms that indicate a potential abnormality of an ovarian cyst include:
- Abdominal pain
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the abdomen
- Frequent urge to urinate, indicating a large cyst pressing on the bladder
- Achiness in the pelvic region that radiates to the low back and thighs
- Painful intercourse (pelvic pain)
- Pelvic pain in the days just before or after your period
- Uncomfortable bowel movements or a feeling of pressure
- Breast tenderness, nausea, or vomiting similar to feelings of pregnancy
Symptoms of ovarian cysts can be evaluated by your gynecologist in Chicago. The doctors at Northwestern Women’s Health will ask questions about your symptoms and then perform a pelvic exam. Often an ultrasound will be performed or scheduled. Our team may conduct the CA 125 blood test to rule out malignancy of an ovarian cyst in a postmenopausal woman or women with complex cysts on ultrasound. If symptoms are very sudden and painful or if a fever or vomiting occur along with severe pelvic or abdominal pain, immediate medical attention should be sought.
The most common cysts which are physiologic cysts will eventually go away. If cysts are tumors, they will not resolve on their own. Cysts can cause pain, they can cause surrounding inflammation, and can rupture, causing extreme pain. Should an ovarian cyst rupture, severe pain and internal bleeding may occur. A cyst that becomes large may cause an ovary to shift into an unusual position, increasing the risk of ovarian torsion, in which the ovary becomes twisted. Cysts can also be cancers.
If cysts need to be removed, your team at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates will remove them with minimally invasive surgery, using laparoscopy if possible. Sometimes cysts are too big, or stuck to other internal organs, and need to be removed with open surgery. Our team of Northwestern Gynecology have many years of experience and take excellent care of their patients with compassion and personal attention.
Treatment for ovarian cysts is available with your experienced gynecologist in Chicago. Contact Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, at 312-440-9400.
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