Hello,
Ovarian cysts are the normal function of the ovary. That's where the eggs develop, even though you may not be wanting to have a baby right now your ovaries do.
Every month 15-20 eggs get recruited and one becomes the dominant egg and that gets released. That is usually the one we will see on
ultrasound.
The inside of your belly (abdomen) is very sensitive to anything irritating (fluid, blood, infection) and can cause irritation. Every month the cycle of the cysts starts all over.
Lots of things inside your belly can cause pain. Bladder infections,
constipation, irritable bowel,
endometriosis.
If your symptoms are persistent and your doctor has tried different treatments then
laparoscopy can help with the diagnosis or sometimes can be normal.
If you get cyclical pain every month (starts around ovulation gets worse with your period) you could have endometriosis.
If your fallopian tubes are causing the pain they will usually be fluid filled on ultrasound called a
hydrosalpinx.
At 18 years old that would be not common. You should continue to f/u with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Stephanie Fugate, OB and GYN Specialist