Ovarian cysts
What are ovarian cysts?

The female body is provided with two ovaries, one on each side of the pelvis, which are responsible for the production of female hormones and for the production of an ovum in each cycle of the female reproductive system.

An ovarian cyst is similar to a bag containing liquid that may be solid or semi-solid, situated on the surface or within the ovaries.

It is not infrequent to find an ovarian cyst during some period in the life of a woman: many of these cysts disappear after a few months (functional cysts), while others may give rise to discomfort, thereby causing concern and necessitating surgical extirpation (organic cysts).

What are their symptoms?

The most common are as follows:

  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Any type of pelvic discomfort: constant or intermittent pain, during sexual relations, spreading throughout the abdomen or to the lower extremities, associated with menstruation…
  • In more serious cases, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing
  • A sensation of swelling or of fullness in the abdomen
  • Pressure on the bladder or rectum, with difficulties in urination or defecation

Experience of any of these symptoms, either alone or accompanied by a rise in temperature, should require consultation of a specialist.