Most ovarian cysts are small and do not causes symptoms. When symptoms are present, the most common is pain or a sense of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. The pain can be sharp, intermittent, sudden in onset and severe. It may be caused by:

• Rapid growth of the cyst. This puts pressure on the ovaries causing pain.
  
  
• Rupture of the cyst. A large cyst is associated with moderately severe, sharp, boring and constant pain that increases while the cyst enlarges to the point of rupture.
  
  
• Twisting of the cyst around its blood supply. A twisted ovary can be severely painful as the blood supply to the ovary diminishes.

Other symptoms may include:

• Abdominal bloating or distention
  
  
• A dull ache in the lower back and thighs
  
  
• Pelvic pain during movement or sexual intercourse
  
  
• Painful or irregular menstrual periods, including a lengthened or shortened menstrual cycle or an absence of menstruation (amenorrhea)
  
  
• Weight gain
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Breast tenderness
  
  
• Problems passing urine completely
  
  
• Pain during bowel movements

Patients experiencing the following symptoms should seek medical attention immediately because they could indicate a potential emergency:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness
• Cold, clammy skin