What are the symptoms of uterine cysts?
Jul 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the symptoms of uterine cysts vary depending on factors such as the size, location, nature of the cyst, and whether there is an accompanying infection. Common symptoms may include abdominal mass, abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities, pressure symptoms, and abnormal vaginal discharge. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a qualified hospital. A detailed analysis is as follows:
Generally, the symptoms of uterine cysts vary depending on factors such as the size, location, nature of the cyst, and whether there is an accompanying infection. The main symptoms may include abdominal mass, abdominal pain, menstrual abnormalities, pressure symptoms, and abnormal vaginal discharge. If discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely diagnosis and treatment at a reputable hospital. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Abdominal Mass
When a uterine cyst gradually enlarges to a certain extent, patients may feel a firm, movable mass in the abdomen. Usually, the mass is more easily palpable when the bladder is full in the morning, as the full bladder pushes the uterus upward, bringing the mass closer to the abdominal wall. The size of the mass varies; smaller ones may only be detected during gynecological examinations, while larger ones may occupy part of the abdominal cavity, causing noticeable abdominal distension.
2. Abdominal Pain
Smaller uterine cysts generally do not cause significant abdominal pain, but when the cyst becomes large or undergoes torsion, rupture, or infection, patients may experience severe abdominal pain. With cyst torsion, pain typically starts suddenly and is severe, often localized to one side of the lower abdomen, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. When a cyst ruptures, the fluid inside spills into the abdominal cavity, irritating the peritoneum and causing sudden, severe lower abdominal pain. If the cyst is accompanied by infection, besides abdominal pain, systemic symptoms such as fever may also occur.
3. Menstrual Abnormalities
Uterine cysts may affect the normal function of the endometrium and the contraction of the uterus, leading to menstrual irregularities. Patients may experience increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, or irregular menstrual cycles. If the cyst is located near the endometrium, it may interfere with the implantation of the fertilized egg, increasing the risk of infertility or miscarriage.
4. Pressure Symptoms
Larger uterine cysts may compress surrounding organs, resulting in corresponding pressure symptoms. When the cyst compresses the bladder, patients may experience frequent urination, urgency, or difficulty in urination; compression of the rectum may lead to difficulties in defecation or constipation; if the cyst compresses blood vessels and nerves in the pelvic cavity, it may cause discomfort such as lower limb edema and lumbosacral pain.
5. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Some patients with uterine cysts may experience increased vaginal discharge. If the cyst is accompanied by infection, the discharge may appear purulent, have an odor, and sometimes contain blood streaks. This is due to inflammatory exudation of local tissues caused by infection, leading to changes in the characteristics of the discharge.
These symptoms do not necessarily all occur simultaneously, and some symptoms may be very mild and easily overlooked. Therefore, it is recommended that women undergo regular gynecological examinations to facilitate early detection and treatment of uterine cysts.
