Can a cyst cause painful intercourse?
On One Hand: Cysts and Painful IntercourseThe symptoms of an ovarian cyst include pain in the pelvic region during intercourse (dyspareunia), as well as around menstruation and during bowel movements, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Bartholin’s glands, located on each side of the vaginal opening, also can develop cysts. These cysts may also cause dyspareunia.On the Other: Other Causal ConditionsThe Mayo Clinic notes that while dyspareunia can be the result of an ovarian cyst, it is also an indicator of several other conditions, including endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. A Bartholin’s gland cyst is easier to identify as the cause of dyspareunia due to its location near the opening of the vagina.Bottom LinePainful intercourse can be the result of an ovarian or Bartholin’s gland cyst. However, it is common for an ovarian cyst to present no symptoms, so dyspareunia is not an effective diagnostic for ovarian cysts.
