“How are ovarian cysts detected?”
I have menstrual pain, but just a little above the normal amount. I'm wondering if this could be due to ovarian cysts. How would you know if you had an ovarian cysts?
1 Answer
As a general rule I have found over the years that pain experienced on or just before or after your cycle is more likely a uterine issue. However, some cysts are detected on a pelvic exam. Patients might not even know they are there. The cysts have to be of a certain size to detect. Usually golf ball size or above. Some cysts might cause pain such as a hemorrhagic cyst after ovulation but not usually a recurrent or ongoing issue. Cysts from endometriosis can cause pain but usually before the menstrual cycle. Women on birth control pills (especially if medium dose) usually don't have cysts but there can be exceptions. If a women is premenopausal having small follicle type cysts is to be expected. But getting back to your original question the best way to detect cysts is via an ultrasound which should be done if your provider feels a mass in the ovarian area or a patient is having pain. Hope that helps.
