Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts

Yearly pelvic exams can detect potential problems for women that in some cases can be life threatening. Early detection of conditions like ovarian cancer is critical for health and well-being, particularly in women over 50 years of age. Women over 50, going through menopause, are subject to an increased risk. Regular pelvic exam by a physician can save lives.

It is common that ovarian cysts are detected in a pelvic exam. A phycisian can notice these cysts in routine exams of the pelvis and lower abdominal areas. When they are present doctor may recommend further tests.

One method of identification is an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves moving through the body. The sound waves create images of the cyst providing information as to the shape, size and location of the cyst. In addition, an ultrasound can determine whether the ovarian cyst contains fluid, is solid or is a mixture of fluid and solid mass.

Sometimes cysts are related to woman's hormone levels. Hormone testing is a way to get information, for example, about the origin and cause of the cysts.

If a woman is over 35 years old and has solid cysts, or she is in a high risk group of having ovarian cancer, CA-125 test can be used. Even though the test is used to determine ovarian cancer, other tests are needed to confirm the results.

Ovarian cyst symptoms can include pressure or pain in the abdomen or pelvis area, difficulty passing urine, pain during sex or during menstrual cycle, abnormal bleeding, or weight gain. While most of these are general symptoms, there are some ovarian cyst symptoms that require immediate attention.

These are sudden and severe abdominal pain, and the experience of feeling faint, dizzy or weak. Rapid breathing or pain with increased temperature or vomiting are symptoms to seek medical attention right away.

Most ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms and go away on their own. Most are not cancerous and are benign. Cysts occurring during childbearing years usually are not cancerous, however, women past the menopausal years have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

If you experience any of the more severe symptoms described above, you need to meet your doctor for specific analyses. If you feel weakness, have increased temperature, vomiting, or intense pain in lower abdomen go to see your physician.

Depending on the doctor; he may recommend waiting to see if cysts and symptoms go away spontaneously. Sometimes a surgical operation is needed. Depending on the size of the cysts usually either laparoscopy or laparotomy is used.


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Ovarian cysts shouldn't be taken lightly. To get more information about ovarian cyst treatments and prevention visit www.PCOSandFibroids.com