If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst or are experiencing symptoms that make you wonder, “What do ovarian cysts feel like?” you’re not alone. Ovarian cysts are fairly common, and understanding their symptoms can help you navigate your health care journey with more confidence.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own, but others may cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to more severe pain. So, what exactly do ovarian cysts feel like?
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They form on or inside the ovaries. They occur when the normal follicle (a small sac that holds an egg) fails to release an egg or doesn’t dissolve after the egg is released. This can cause fluid to accumulate, resulting in a cyst.
There are different types of ovarian cysts. The most common ones are functional cysts, which form as part of the menstrual cycle and usually disappear on their own. Other types, like dermoid cysts and endometriomas, can be less common and may cause more noticeable symptoms.
“While many ovarian cysts are benign and don’t cause long-term problems, treatment may needed if normal cysts are reoccurring, not resolving, or affecting your daily life,” says Tyra Taylor, APRN-CNP, a women’s health nurse practitioner in our Greenville market.
If you wonder whether you require treatment, make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss your options.
What do ovarian cysts feel like?
Ovarian cysts can feel very different depending on factors like the size of the cyst, its location and whether it has ruptured or is twisted. Here’s a breakdown of the possible sensations:
Mild or no symptoms at all
If you ask, “What do ovarian cysts feel like?” you may be met with, “Sometimes, nothing at all.”
That’s because many women with ovarian cysts don’t experience any symptoms. Doctors often discover these cysts during routine pelvic ultrasounds or exams since patients often don’t show symptoms. Functional ovarian cysts, for example, are typically harmless and might not cause any noticeable discomfort.
In these cases, you might not feel anything different in your body. You may only realize you have a cyst after visiting your doctor for another issue, such as routine screening or another concern.
Pelvic pain or discomfort
One of the most common signs that you might have an ovarian cyst is pelvic pain or discomfort. This pain can range from mild to more intense. Depending on which ovary the cyst affects, you may feel it on one side of the lower abdomen. Women have reported feeling:
- A dull ache or pressure in the pelvic region, especially during or after sex
- Sharp, localized pain that may occur suddenly
- A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
The pain can also be cyclical. This means it may worsen around the time of your ovulation or menstrual cycle when the cyst changes in size or undergoes hormonal changes.
Pain during menstruation
It might worsen during your period if the cyst is hormonally active (as functional cysts often are). Some women experience pain that is sharper or more intense when they are menstruating. This can occur because the cyst responds to changes in hormone levels, which is especially common with cysts that form during ovulation.
Some women also report irregular bleeding or heavier periods when they have ovarian cysts, especially if the cyst is large or ruptures or resolves on its own.
Pain during physical activity
Certain activities or movements might exacerbate ovarian cyst pain, especially if the cyst is large. You might feel the pain more acutely when:
- Exercising or engaging in physical activity, particularly movements that put pressure on the lower abdomen
- Coughing or sneezing might trigger sharp, sudden pain if the cyst is large or located in a position where it is stretched or pressed
If the cyst is large enough, you might even notice a painful bloating sensation or a feeling of being overly full in the abdomen, even if you haven’t eaten much.
Rupture or torsion
One of the more alarming experiences with ovarian cysts is when they rupture or become torsioned. If this happens, the pain can be severe and sudden, often described as sharp, stabbing or cramp-like. You may also feel nauseous or lightheaded, which could indicate that the rupture is causing internal bleeding or irritation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen).
You may also experience severe pelvic pain, sometimes accompanied by fever, dizziness or vomiting. This could indicate the cyst has ruptured or become twisted, called ovarian torsion. These require immediate medical attention.
Pressure on the bladder or bowels
In some cases, large ovarian cysts may cause pressure on the bladder or bowel. This could lead to symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination or a feeling that you need to urinate urgently, even when your bladder isn’t full
- Constipation or difficulty passing stool, as the cyst might press against the intestines and disrupt normal bowel function
Back pain
Some women report lower back pain as a symptom of ovarian cysts. This type of pain is often a dull ache that can radiate from the pelvis to the lower back and may be aggravated by prolonged standing or sitting.
“Treatment may be needed if the cyst does not have a normal appearance, and further testing is needed to rule out types of cysts that don’t resolve on their own, such as dermoid cysts or endometriomas, or may be concerning for cancer,” Taylor says. “It’s always best to talk with your provider to determine what treatment, if any, is needed.”
How we can help
Ovarian cysts are a common condition, and while they may cause discomfort, they don’t usually require any treatment and will resolve on their own. Asking your provider what do ovarian cysts feel like can help you understand whether you need treatment, and if so, what kind.
If you experience any of the following, it’s important to consult your gynecologist:
- Persistent pelvic discomfort or pressure that doesn’t resolve
- Changes in your menstrual cycle, including heavier or more painful periods
However, if you develop these symptoms, visit your nearest urgent care or emergency department:
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain
- Pain accompanied by fever, vomiting or lightheadedness
Learn about the women’s health services we offer at Bon Secours.
