Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Vaginal Discharge?

>> Wednesday, March 13, 2013

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Vaginal discharge can be a perplexing problem. Especially when you know something has changed, but all your tests at the doctor's office are negative for an infection. It's not always explained or even obvious why we are having changes, and most of the time the symptoms come and go - so it can be confusing.

Many women know that ovarian cysts can cause pain but do not realize that they can cause all sorts of other symptoms. Not sure why you're having low pelvic pain and pressure? Suffering an increase in vaginal discharge? Maybe you are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cysts.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that are a result of ovulation. Each month, a woman produces many follicles, which are fluid-filled cysts that the egg matures in. These (and most ovarian cysts) are benign and harmless. Most cysts are a direct result of ovulation, and therefore very common. Thankfully, most cysts resolve themselves without intervention.

Once a single ovarian follicle ruptures and "pops" out the egg, all the rest of the maturing follicles from that cycle should shrink back and dissolve. But, sometimes one or more do not do this and, in fact, they keep growing. They have been known to get larger than a baseball! If this ruptures, it can cause internal bleeding and extreme pain. When a cyst ruptures, the pain can be so severe that many women pass out.

Most women will have an ovarian cyst at some point, but won't even know it exists because most of them are painless. They simply swell up, then leak the fluid back into your bloodstream on their own. There are other types of benign cyst that occur but it is impossible to know whether a cyst is benign or cancerous by how you feel. That is why it is important to see your doctor for blood tests and an ultrasound to determine if it needs to be removed or has malignant qualities.

The following symptoms could indicate the presence of ovarian cysts:
  • Constant pain. Take note of when you experience pain. Is it cyclical? Are you experiencing pain during the first half of your menstrual cycle, but it goes away just after the time you should be ovulating? If so, you may have a follicular cyst, which is considered a harmless, functional cyst. Do you experience pain in the latter half of your cycle? You may have a corpus luteum cyst, which is also related to ovulation, is also benign and is considered functional. But, if the pain is persistent and not cyclical, it's a good idea to get it checked out sooner rather than later.
  • Both benign and malignant cysts can grow to be very large. They may place pressure on internal organs and cause you discomfort and pain with sex.
  • Larger cysts can also place pressure on your bladder or colon. This leads to frequent trips to the bathroom. Large cysts can also obstruct the colon, causing narrow stools. Hormone-producing cysts can cause an increase in vaginal discharge and menstrual irregularities, such as spotting. Because cysts sit very close to the opening of the fallopian tube, they can discharge blood or fluid as they drain, and it will run down through the intrauterine cavity, through the cervix and into the vagina.
Most ovarian cysts resolve on their own with little or no pain and will go undetected. But it is always best to have your doctor check you if you are having any of these symptoms. Vaginal discharge can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and actually bring on more bacterial and yeast infections. WaterWorks is a great system to use to maintain feminine hygiene and clear any abnormal discharge or odor. It works best when added to you regular hygiene regime and used at least 3-4 times a week.

I hope this helps you understand your body better. Take care and be safe. Thanks for all your questions. It helps others when you ask your questions, because we are all learning and experiencing the same things.
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