What is the cause of a ovarian cyst?

Answer 1

The causes of nonfunctional ovarian cysts are not yet fully understood. Many factors are believed to play a role in the development of cysts, including a woman's general state of health, weight, diet, personal history, and lifestyle. The mind/body connection may also be a factor with cysts, as stress and anxiety may be prominent factors. Some alternative practitioners and psychotherapists believe that unexpressed creativity and repressed emotions like guilt and anger may be linked to problems in the ovaries.

Some cysts can be asymptomatic (without symptoms), while others can cause swelling, aching, sharp pain, and bleeding. Pain from cysts may last from a few minutes to a few days. Other symptoms of cysts include late or missed periods, feelings of pressure or weight in the lower abdomen, and constipation and problems urinating due to internal pressure from cysts. Ruptured cysts can cause intense pain, and produce symptoms resembling those of appendicitis, infection or ectopic pregnancy. Medical attention should be sought at once for the following symptoms: * sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen * persistent pain on the right side of the abdomen accompanied by sickness, fever, or vomiting * abdominal pain along with vaginal discharge, fever, or swelling * Intermittent bursts of pain in the lower abdomen during intercourse, bowel movements, or exercise.