What are ovarian cyst symptoms?

Many women with an ovarian cyst will not notice any symptoms, and the cyst is found during investigations for something else, such as a pregnancy ultrasound.

If you have a functional cyst that has formed as a result of your menstrual cycle, you may find your periods are irregular until the cyst resolves two to three months later.

Other possible symptoms of an ovarian cyst include:

Pain in your abdomen or pelvis

Pain during sexual intercourse

Pelvic pain between menstrual periods

Bloating

Uncomfortable or painful bowel movements

Symptoms of an ovarian cyst complication

A complication from an ovarian cyst can happen suddenly, with severe symptoms.

Ovarian torsion arises from one of your ovaries twisting either partially or fully, which reduces or cuts off the blood circulation to this ovary. The symptoms of ovarian torsion include sudden and severe pain in your lower abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. Ovarian torsion should be urgently assessed by a gynaecologist, who can perform laparoscopic surgery to try and save the ovary. A ruptured ovarian cyst presents similarly to ovarian torsion, with intense abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. You may also experience some spotting, dizziness, or feeling faint. If uncomplicated, a ruptured ovarian cyst can be managed with pain relieving medications. But for women who have ongoing pain or other complications, laparoscopic surgery may be the most suitable treatment.