Bloating That Doesnt Go Away
For bloating to be potentially worrisome, it generally needs to have lasted for more than two weeks in a month, says Monique Swain, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.
If bloating doesnt go away after making simple diet swaps or going to the bathroom, speak up. If bloating is persistent and does not vary with changing eating habits or bowel movements, it is a good idea to seek medical care, adds Alex Hewlett, DO, associate professor of medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Change In Bladder Function
Typically, when women experience urinary problems, such as pain when urinating or urgency, they frequently think its a urinary tract infection. Often, it is.
But bladder-related issues can also signal a gynecologic or reproductive problem, like ovarian cancer.
Specific urinary symptoms associated with ovarian cancer include the following:
- Feeling pressure or pain in the bladder
- Frequent urination
- Sudden, urgent need to urinate
If these urinary symptoms are new to you and last more than several days, thats a problem, says Ahmed. Talk to your OB/GYN or primary care physician and let them know you are concerned about both bladder problems and issues with your reproductive system.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Ovarian Cysts
If you think you may have an ovarian cyst, make an appointment with your OB/GYN. They will do a pelvic exam. They sometimes can feel the cyst. Some women dont realize they have a cyst until they have a pelvic exam. If your doctor finds a cyst, they will do some tests to know more about it. The tests usually include
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What Is An Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts can be asymptomatic to the point that a woman never realizes she has them. Ovarian cysts can go away on their own, and some are completely harmless or even “functional”. Others, of course, may cause pain, pressure, and need intervention before they cause more complex issues.
An ovarian cyst is a pocket, or sac, of fluid, gas, or even a semi-solid substance that grows in or on a females ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are benign meaning they are not cancerous. If they are large, there may be some symptoms that affect the urinary tract and the reproductive system.
If larger ovarian cysts are located in the proximity of the bladder, they may put pressure on it, which in turn will give a woman discomfort and even pain. This discomfort has the ability to mimic the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes, the pressure bestowed upon the bladder can actually cause a UTI, thus confusing the situation even more.
Ovariancysts are either simple or complex. The ovarian cysts referred to as simple hold only fluid, while those deemed complex are filled with fluid and solid components.
Warning Signs Of Ovarian Cysts You Should Not Ignore
Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid-filled sacs that form within your ovaries. Many women develop ovarian cysts at some point in their lives. These cysts typically form during ovulation, which is the time during your monthly cycle when one of your ovaries releases an egg.
Ovarian cysts sometimes cause pain and other symptoms, but sometimes they dont cause any symptoms at all. Often cysts form and then go away on their own in a few weeks or in one to three months.
Although most ovarian cysts are benign meaning they are not cancerous in rare cases cysts are a sign of ovarian cancer. For this reason, its always wise to tell your doctor about any symptoms that might suggest the presence of ovarian cysts.
Dr. Susan Crockett and her team of health care providers at Virtuosa GYN recommend calling our office for a checkup if you experience any of the following 10 warning signs of ovarian cysts.
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What Causes Ovary Pain During Menopause
Perimenopause is a period of up to about a year when your periods will start to taper off. Youll still have some cramps and bleeding. This signifies that your periods arent quite over with. Complicating the matter is the fluctuations of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This can add to your pain and discomfort. Youll likely experience other menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and mood swings or irritability.
There are several conditions that can cause pain in the ovaries during or after menopause. Endometriosis is a condition that causes tissue thats normally only found in the uterus to grow in your ovaries or pelvis. Each time you get a period this tissue will swell and cause pain. While most women stop after menopausal symptoms appear, some women report continuing to have symptoms of endometriosis. If you take hormone therapy, estrogen will make the symptoms worse.
Cancer of the uterus or ovary can cause abdominal pain, but this will also be accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, abdominal bloating, vaginal bleeding, and fatigue.
Uterine fibroid can also be a source of abdominal pain. These growths, usually non-cancerous form in the wall of the uterus. Most fibroid begin earlier in life, but it is possible for them to form in women during their 50s. Although fibroid usually stop growing or shrink, many women report problems after their periods have stopped.
Get A Diagnosis Not A Self
Its also important to consider whether the uterus and other organs of the gynecological system could be causing bladder pain, Siddiqui says, as they are close to the bladder. Pelvic floor dysfunction, such as tightness or spasms of the pelvic muscles, commonly occurs with bladder pain and may make bladder pain worse, she explains. Pelvic pain can also be caused by endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ovarian cysts. Additionally, gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel diseases can sometimes be the source of pelvic pain, notes Mayo Clinic.
If none of these conditions are present and women have ongoing bladder pain, they are typically treated for bladder pain syndrome, which refers to painful conditions of the bladder where other causes such as UTI and cancer have been excluded,” says Siddiqui.
The bottom line for women to keep in mind: Dont self-diagnose your bladder pain. Addressing and treating the issue can offer relief for body and mind.
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Learn More About Ovarian Cysts
Although many ovarian cysts go away on their own, some require surgical removal. Dr. Crockett and her team at Virtuosa GYN have extensive experience with the surgical methods used to remove ovarian cysts.
If youre experiencing any of the symptoms listed here or if you need other gynecological care call Virtuosa GYN for an appointment. Our team of womens health care providers can help you with all of your gynecological needs.
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Changes In Your Reproductive System
Bladder pain in women may also be a result of thinning vaginal skin, says Karl Luber, MD, a urogynecologist and a founder of the female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship program at UCSDKaiser Permanente in San Diego.
This is called atrophy and it’s most common when menopause deprives the tissues surrounding the vagina of estrogen, he explains. Oral estrogen doesnt help, but a vaginal estrogen cream may ease symptoms.
Talking with your doctor about bladder pain and discomfort can help determine where the problem really lies, Dr. Luber says.
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Interstitial Cystitis: A Severe Form Of Bladder Pain Syndrome
More than three million American women live with pelvic pain related to interstitial cystitis, a condition in which the bladder wall becomes irritated and inflamed, according to the NIDDK. Interstitial cystitis is a severe form of bladder pain syndrome, Siddiqui says.
Bladder discomfort from interstitial cystitis may range from tenderness to severe pain, according to the institute. Another clue that interstitial cystitis is the culprit: Menstruation tends to worsen bladder pain.
Interstitial cystitis is not caused by a urinary tract infection, although the symptoms may worsen if you have interstitial cystitis and get a UTI. While the cause is not understood, according to the NIDDK, certain events or factors seem to trigger flares in symptoms. These include stress, changes in diet, allergies, and taking certain drugs, among other things.
Treatment options for interstitial cystitis include distending the bladder, taking oral medication, physical therapy, and using electrical nerve stimulation to alleviate pain, but there is no known cure. In severe cases, where other treatments havent worked, sometimes surgery is an option.
Changes In Bathroom Habits
Another clue that bloating could be a sign of ovarian cancer is a change in your bathroom behavior. Out-of-the-ordinary bowel or urinary issues can be a tip something is wrong.
For example, you might suddenly need to go to the bathroom more urgently if a mass is big enough and pressing on the bladder, says Dr. Swain.
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How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed
Unlike other types of cancer, theres currently no screening test to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage.
Theres also no single test to detect ovarian cancer. Instead, your doctor will use several tests to look for a tumor in your ovaries and then test it to determine whether its benign or malignant .
The diagnostic tests most often used to detect ovarian cancer include:
- A pelvic exam. Your doctor will feel your lower abdomen and pelvis to check for changes to the size and shape of your ovaries and uterus.
- Transvaginal ultrasound. This involves inserting an instrument into your vagina which uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus.
- CA-125 blood test. This test detects higher levels of a protein that is sometimes produced by tumors.
- Biopsy. If a tumor is detected, a surgeon will remove a small sample of tumor tissue. The tissue will be tested to determine if its cancerous.
Key Advice For Persistent Pelvic Pain
In what can be a confusing time for women, Dr Manwaring offers five key pieces of practical advice for women with persistent pelvic pain.
Women across Australia are at the centre of everything we do. We aim to provide high-quality health information that’s engaging and useful and we can’t do this without your help.
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Treatments For Utis And Ovarian Cysts
The common treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics. A simple infection, one that encompasses the urethra and bladder only, will be treated with three to seven days of antibiotics such as amoxicillin. For a more complex UTI, one that involves the kidneys, patients will receive seven to fourteen days of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is cleared out completely. If the patient is too ill to take medication by mouth, too dehydrated, or the infection has spread to the blood and become sepsis, then hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics and fluids will be absolutely necessary.
However, if the cysts rupture and there is intense or rising pain, and dizziness, then the patient must seek medical aid. Either immediately go to a doctor or an emergency room, especially if there is bleeding involved.
Most normal symptoms of an ovarian cyst are treated conservatively. Usually, only over the counter or prescription pain medication is necessary until the cysts are gone. Surgery is only used if the cyst turns out to be a tumor, there is excessive bleeding, or another life-threatening event occurs because of the ovarian cysts.
How To Be An Advocate For Yourself
A delayed ovarian cancer diagnosis could endanger your life.
Because there isnt a regular screening test to detect early ovarian cancer, and the symptoms overlap with other conditions, good treatment outcomes may depend in part on your ability to self-advocate. This may be especially important if youre part of a group thats often because of bias.
Self-advocacy isnt always easy. It can be hard to talk about your symptoms, especially if you:
- are a shy or reserved person
- dont know or fully trust your healthcare team
- feel frozen by depression or anxiety
- dont know what to ask for
- are younger or less educated than your doctor
- have experienced discrimination or disbelief because of your sex, gender identity, race, or income
- have never had to advocate for yourself in a medical setting before
ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED
Please hear these words of encouragement: Your symptoms are real. Your health is worth fighting for. Its okayits more than okay, its criticalto ask for what you need.
Most people arent born with good self-advocacy skills. Theyre developed through practice as though you are building a muscle.
involving women with ovarian cancer shows that self-advocacy has powerful effects, including:
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Causes Of Pressure On Bladder
Causes of pressure on the bladder can consist of:
1. Cystitis
Probably the most typical reason for bladder pressure is cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. This is typically triggered by germs that cause a urinary tract infection . The infection then goes up the ureters into the bladder and kidneys where bladder spasms develop the feeling of pressure. Your doctor will recommend prescription antibiotics to treat cystitis.
2. Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland in males. The prostate gland can likewise end up being irritated without evidence of infection. This gland is located below the bladder, so when it becomes inflamed, the bladder can likewise be affected. This disorder is handled by routine massage of the prostate gland and/or a course of prescription antibiotics.
3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are developments in a womans uterus that can result in pressure on the bladder. Fibroids can be dealt with in a variety of ways. Your doctor might first attempt treatment with hormones. If the fibroids do not disappear and remain to put pressure on the bladder, your doctor may desire you to see a cosmetic surgeon for surgical elimination of the fibroids.
4. Ovarian cancer
5. Urinary system infection
6. Bladder cancer
7. Other causes
When To See Your Healthcare Provider
If youre experiencing bladder pain or pelvic discomfort that wont go away or is getting worse, reach out to your healthcare provider. Your provider can properly diagnose whats going on UTI or not and come up with a treatment plan that helps you feel better ASAP.
In-person office visits can be booked using your app or the One Medical website. If youd like to consult with a provider urgently in real time to help you make a plan, on-demand video chats can be requested from your One Medical app.
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Pain Worse After Ultrasound
dragon1004
Strictly speaking I don’t belong in this group as I was told yesterday that I do not have a cyst. However, I’m sure you’ve all had a pelvic ultrasound at some point so may have an answer?!!
I have had lower right pelvic pain, albeit mild, on and off for over a year and GP finally sent me for a scan – they looked at ovaries and uterus and told me yesterday that I have no problems with either one. I also have a recent prolapse which I am seeing GP about tomorrow, suspect it’s my bladder. Will also be discussing further investigations of the possible cause of my pain now that cysts have been ruled out!
Since the US, which obviously involved a full bladder and much prodding, my pain is worse and I feel quite bruised, not centrally where the probe was but over on the right where my original pain is. Not sure if it’s that my bladder has been aggravated by being so full , or that the US has caused some inflammation or bruising. Can’t remember having this problem when I was pregnant.
Any ideas or experience anyone please??
0 likes, 4 replies
Germ Cell/stromal Cell Tumors
Germ cell tumors and sex cord stromal tumors, the types of ovarian cancers often found in younger women, may have the symptoms described above but may have additional symptoms as well.
Masculinization
Tumors that produce male-type hormones may result in masculinization, with signs such as a lowering of the voice and male pattern hair growth. These symptoms are often found in the subtype of stromal ovarian tumors called Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.
Vaginal Discharge or Bleeding
Vaginal discharge and/or bleeding similar to a period may also occur. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of stromal cell tumors and is associated with estrogen secreted by these tumors.
Symptoms of bleeding before menarche , after menopause, or mid-cycle in women of reproductive age should be brought to a healthcare provider’s attention as there are many potential causes.
Precocious Puberty
Early puberty may also occur due to estrogen-secreting tumors and is most often seen with germ cell and stromal cell tumors. Symptoms may include early breast development, development of pubic hair, or early menses in girls.
Severe Pelvic Pain
Mild pelvic pain and pressure are common early symptoms of ovarian cancer, but a pain that is severe could herald an ovarian tumor in a different way.
Ovarian tumors, especially germ cell and stromal cell tumors, can cause the ovary to twist around the fallopian tube .
Pelvic Mass
Ovarian tumors and cysts can become quite large before they cause symptoms.
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