Ovarian cysts definition and facts
- Ovarian cysts are closed, sac-like structures within the ovary that are filled with a liquid or semisolid substance.
- Ovarian cysts may not cause signs or symptoms. Larger cysts are more likely to cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, sometimes radiating to the low back, is the most common symptom
- Feeling of bloating or indigestion
- Increased abdominal girth
- Feeling an urge to have a bowel movement or having difficult, painful bowel movements
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Pain in the lower right or left quadrant of the abdomen on one side
- Nausea and vomiting
What
are the ovaries
and how big are they?
The ovary is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women that are
located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is
about the size and shape of a walnut. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and
the female hormones estrogen and
progesterone.
The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the
development of female body characteristics such as the breasts, body
shape, and body hair. They also regulate the
menstrual cycle and
pregnancy.
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are closed, sac-like structures within an ovary that
contain a liquid, or semisolid substance. "Cyst" is merely a general
term for a fluid-filled structure, which may or may not represent a
tumor or neoplasm (new growth). If it is a tumor, it may be benign or
malignant.
