What Is a Pelvic Cyst?
According to the Center for Specialized Gynecology, pelvic cysts are fluid-filled pockets that form in the pelvic region, most often on the ovaries. Symptoms of pelvic and ovarian cysts include irregular menstrual cycles, frequent urination, pelvic pain and nausea. Pelvic cysts are sometimes caused by incomplete ovulation and can also occur after surgical procedures. In many cases, pelvic cysts clear up without treatment, but certain cases require medical treatment.
Womenshealth.gov explains that functional pelvic cysts develop on the ovaries during the menstrual cycle and typically resolve without treatment. Endometriomas are cysts that form in women who suffer from endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. Endometriomas are painful during menstruation and are typically treated with birth control pills or surgery. Cystadenomas are painful cysts that develop on the outside of the ovaries and are filled with sticky gel or fluid. Cystadenomas can be surgically removed if they do not resolve within three months or if they cause severe pain.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ruptured ovarian cysts can cause sudden severe symptoms such as fever, extreme pelvic pain and vomiting, as well as signs of shock that include clammy skin, rapid breathing and dizziness. It is extremely important for women experiencing symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst to seek immediate medical treatment, as ruptured cysts can cause internal bleeding.
