Tips for treating ovarian cysts and how you can prevent them

The following are possible risk factors for developing ovarian cysts:

History of previous ovarian cysts

Irregular menstrual cycles

Increased upper body fat distributio

Early menstruation (11 years or younger)

Infertility

Hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalance

Tamoxifen (Soltamox) therapy for breast cancerr
Oral contraceptive/birth control pill use decreases the risk of developing ovarian cysts because they prevent the ovaries from producing eggs during ovulation.

Ovarian Cysts Symptoms

Usually ovarian cysts do not produce symptoms and are found during a routine physical exam or are seen by chance on an ultrasound performed for other reasons. However, the following symptoms may be present:

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may start and stop and may be severe, sudden, and sharp

Irregular menstrual periods

Feeling of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure or fullness

Long-term pelvic pain during menstrual period that may also be felt in the lower back

Pelvic pain after strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse

Pain or pressure with urination or bowel movements

Nausea and vomiting

Vaginal pain or spotty bleeding from the vagina

Infertility

A health care practitioner should be contacted if the following symptoms occur:

Fever

Abnormal pain or tenderness in the abdominal or pelvic area

Nausea or vomiting

Weakness, dizziness, or fainting

Pallor or anemia (possibly from loss of blood)

Abnormally heavy or irregular menstruatio

Abdominal swelling or unusual increased abdominal girth

Abdominal pain if blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) are take

Increased facial hair similar to a male pattern

High or low blood pressure unrelated to medications

Excessive thirst or urinatio

Unexplained weight loss

A noticeable abdominal or pelvic massr
A woman with the following symptoms should go immediately to a hospital's emergency department:

Weakness, dizziness, or feeling faint, especially from standing

Fainting

Persistent fever

Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pai

High or low blood pressure unrelated to medications

Excessive thirst or urinatio

Unexplained shoulder pain combined with abdominal pai

Persistent nausea and vomiting

Functional ovarian cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst. They usually disappear by themselves and seldom require treatment. Growths that become abnormally large or last longer than a few months should be removed or examined to determine if they are a sign of a more serious condition.