At Modern OBGYN Care, our patient-focused OB/GYNs, Dr. Marcela Torres and Dr. Miguel Torres, often see women who are surprised to learn that seemingly unrelated, subtle symptoms could actually indicate ovarian cysts that require treatment.
In today’s blog, our Pembroke Pines, Florida, team discusses what ovarian cysts are, how our doctors diagnose them, and the subtle signs that could mean it’s time for treatment.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on or inside the ovaries. They’re common and often form as part of the normal menstrual cycle. In many cases, these cysts are harmless and resolve on their own without treatment, usually in one or two menstrual cycles (six to eight weeks).
At Modern OBGYN Care, our doctors diagnose ovarian cysts using a pelvic exam and ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging allows your provider to see the size, shape, and characteristics of a cyst, which helps determine whether it appears simple and benign or if further evaluation is needed.
Although it’s rare for ovarian cysts to be cancerous, it can occur and is more likely after menopause. So, in certain cases, our doctors may also perform specific blood tests if ovarian cancer is a potential concern.
Even before you have an exam or imaging, your body may give subtle signals that something isn’t quite right.
Many ovarian cysts don’t cause sharp or sudden pain. Instead, the signs can be mild, gradual, and easy to attribute to other causes such as digestion, stress, or normal cycle changes. Paying attention to patterns and persistent symptoms can make a big difference in guiding your diagnosis and treatment path.
Ovarian cysts can cause some surprising symptoms — and often, these issues may be confused with other problems. These are some subtle signs that a cyst could require treatment, especially when they happen simultaneously.
One of the most common early signs is a dull ache or sense of pressure in the lower abdomen, often on one side. It’s different from typical period pain, and it may come and go.
Some women experience pain that shoots from the pelvic area into the lower back or tops of the thighs. Because this type of pain is so far away from the ovaries themselves, it’s often misattributed to other issues.
Ongoing bloating that feels different from typical digestive discomfort can be another clue that an ovarian cyst is present or growing. You may notice a sense of fullness or swelling that doesn’t improve with dietary changes.
Certain ovarian cysts can cause significant hormonal shifts. This can, in turn, lead to irregular periods, between-period spotting, or dramatic changes in period bloodflow.
If you’re getting full faster than usual or noticing a decreased appetite, it may be because you have a growing ovarian cyst that’s starting to pressure the stomach or other abdominal organs.
An ovarian cyst can press against the bladder. This can cause a persistent feeling of pressure, making you urinate more often even if your fluid intake stays the same.
Although many ovarian cysts are not dangerous, symptoms that persist, worsen, or interfere with your daily life need evaluation. Sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially if it happens alongside nausea or dizziness, requires immediate attention. It could be a sign of a complication like ovarian torsion (a twisted ovary).
If your doctor at Modern OBGYN Care determines that you have a problematic ovarian cyst, you have treatment options, ranging from watchful waiting to medication, birth control pills, or surgery.
Listening to your body is the most important thing you can do when it comes to ovarian cysts. If something feels off or different from your norm, call 754-217-4181 to book an appointment with Modern OBGYN Care to find answers and peace of mind.
