Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs found in or on ovaries. Most are noncancerous and come and go without any signs or symptoms such as pain and do not require any treatments such as medication or surgery.
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts
A physician may diagnosis ovarian cysts by performing a physical examination with a detailed review of your personal medical history such as any changes in your menstrual cycle and perform a pelvic exam to monitor your reproductive organs. Also, he/she may conduct laboratory and diagnostic tests to confirm that ovarian cysts are present.
The most common diagnostic test to confirm an ovarian cyst is an ultrasound. An ultrasound is an imaging tool which allows your doctor to view the ovaries and determine if further monitoring or testing in needed for you.
Common Ovarian Cyst Signs and Symptoms
Most patients with ovarian cysts do not experience any signs or symptoms and may never see a doctor about the presence of cysts. However, some patients may experience common signs and symptoms such as pelvic pain which may be constant and flow down the thighs and lower back region, pelvic pain during menstrual cycle, pressure/pain during bowel movements, and a fullness in your abdomen. Less common signs and symptoms include weight gain and loss of appetite.
These common symptoms may be found in other medical conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ovarian cancer, and irritable bowel disorders/diseases so it is critical to have a medical examination and have your doctor perform additional testing to verify the diagnosis of ovarian cysts.
Additionally, these symptoms for ovarian cysts may be irregular so you may not have the same symptoms once you have visited your doctor.
Signs of a Rupturing Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts may be monitored for up to two menstrual cycles to check the size for growth or to determine if there are multiple cysts on one or both ovaries. They can be checked by your local doctor or your gynecologist in his/her office once you have made an appointment. However, signs of rupturing ovarian cyst require a different medical approach.
Signs of rupturing ovarian cyst include severe nausea and vomiting, intense pain in the pelvic region, and severe pain in your upper thigh region.
Treatments for your ruptured ovarian cyst depends on your medical history along with the severity of your condition once you have arrived at the hospital since this is considered an emergency.
http://women.webmd.com/ovarian-cysts