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What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Cysts?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

The most common symptoms of uterine cysts are abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods, or heavier than average periods. Other symptoms which may occur include an enlarged uterus, fertility issues, and trouble urinating. Many times uterine cysts are discovered during an examination for another condition. There are many women who do not experience symptoms.

Uterine cysts are growths of tissue which occur on or in the uterus. They are noncancerous and usually not life-threatening unless they grow especially large. Some cysts will eventually burst and others may spontaneously go away on their own. Others may require surgical removal in order to avoid complications.

Symptoms of uterine cysts may include fertility issues.
Symptoms of uterine cysts may include fertility issues.

If uterine cysts are very small, they are often asymptomatic. When symptoms of uterine cysts do occur, abdominal pain and cramping are the most common. Bleeding between menstrual periods and heavier than normal bleeding during periods are also potential symptoms. Many times these symptoms are very subtle, so cysts often go undiagnosed for extended periods of time. Since symptoms of uterine cysts can also be symptoms of uterine cancer, it is important that any woman experiencing these things consult with a gynecologist for a thorough examination.

Symptoms of uterine cysts may include pain during urination.
Symptoms of uterine cysts may include pain during urination.

Occasionally the first noticeable symptoms of uterine cysts will be an inability to urinate, urgency, or pain upon urination. These can also be symptoms of urinary tract infection, but when they occur with uterine cysts, additional symptoms are generally present. Occasionally, lower back pain and digestive upset may also occur.

Treatment for uterine cysts may vary based on the severity of symptoms of uterine cysts that a woman experiences, the nature of the growth, and whether or not the cyst may cause problems with any other systems within the body. Small cysts which are not causing severe pain or blocking or affecting any other organs may be left alone. Many cysts go away on their own without treatment. Large or painful cysts may be removed surgically.

Surgery may be required to remove uterine cysts.
Surgery may be required to remove uterine cysts.

Any cyst which is suspected to be uterine cancer will typically be removed and biopsied. It is not always possible to tell whether a growth within the uterus is a cyst or cancer without removing it. Both uterine cysts and uterine cancer occur most often in women over the age of 45. Cysts may also occur in younger women, and they may result in infertility. It is often during fertility-related exams that young women discover they have cysts. Growths may also occur on the ovaries.

Discussion Comments

anon1006809

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on what a burst cyst may feel like and some advice to help when it does happen. This was more helpful than you know 8 years later. Thank you, thank you.

Instion

The pain from a burst cyst is really horrible, but will subside after a few hours. When the pain first starts it may feel like you have to move your bowels, but refrain from doing this as it will only worsen the pain. If you are unfamiliar with uterine cysts and pain, it may feel like the appendix is bursting, however appendicitis pain starts below the navel and focuses on the lower-right side above the hip bone.

Try to work through the pain of a burst cyst with a warm bath.

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    • Symptoms of uterine cysts may include fertility issues.
      By: revleha
      Symptoms of uterine cysts may include fertility issues.
    • Symptoms of uterine cysts may include pain during urination.
      By: yurmary
      Symptoms of uterine cysts may include pain during urination.
    • Surgery may be required to remove uterine cysts.
      By: olly
      Surgery may be required to remove uterine cysts.
    • Lower back pain is sometimes a symptom of uterine cysts.
      By: Maridav
      Lower back pain is sometimes a symptom of uterine cysts.
    • An enlarged uterus can be a sign of a uterine cyst.
      By: blueringmedia
      An enlarged uterus can be a sign of a uterine cyst.
    • If left untreated, a uterine cyst may cause persistent pain.
      By: Alliance
      If left untreated, a uterine cyst may cause persistent pain.
    • Pelvic pain and cramping are common symptoms of uterine cysts.
      By: michaeljung
      Pelvic pain and cramping are common symptoms of uterine cysts.
    • If uterine cysts are small, they are often asymptomatic.
      By: Marin Conic
      If uterine cysts are small, they are often asymptomatic.
    • Uterine cysts may cause prolonged menstrual bleeding.
      By: Vlad Ivantcov
      Uterine cysts may cause prolonged menstrual bleeding.