The ovary is an organ that is most prone to a number and variety of cysts in the body of a woman. The ovarian function of producing hormones and releasing eggs is directly related to the formation of cysts. Usually they occur in the reproductive age of a woman but they can occur in girls or women of any age.

An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch that develops in or on the ovary more often during ovulation. These contents are in the form of liquid but they could be solid or a mixture of liquid and solid materials. Even though ovarian cysts are small about the size of a pea or a kidney bean, they grow to the size of softball or even larger. Large ovarian cysts are quite remarkable because the ovary itself is about the size of a walnut.

Ovarian cysts are very common and most of these results in changes in the normal function of ovary and not from new growths.

Indications of an ovarian cyst

There are many kinds of ovarian cysts and since their size and number also varies they cause a variety of symptoms. Many cysts even do not cause any symptoms and can be discovered during a regular gynecological check up. However, abdominal pain is the first indicator of an ovarian cyst and if the cyst is large you may face pain or feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. These cysts can also bring lower abdominal pain during intercourse.

Other possibility of such pain might be the stem that forms on some cysts and becomes twisted that also stops the normal flow of blood and causes intense burns of pain. If a cyst ruptures, it can cause severe lower abdominal pain along with weakness, nausea or vomiting.

A cyst can also cause other symptoms and can press on the rectum leading to constipation or on the bladder creating an urge to urinate. You should not ignore any of these symptoms as they could also be the signs of a gastrointestinal disturbance or any bladder infection.

Results such as irregular periods and infertility – Ovarian cysts can cause irregular periods in a condition called polycystic ovaries whereby the hormonal system regulating the ovaries is disturbed and may cause to form a large number of cysts.