What are the symptoms of Adnexal Masses?
Many women don’t have symptoms. The gynecologist often finds these masses during a routine exam. Depending on the cause of the mass, you may feel pelvic pain. Or you may have irregular menstrual periods. Some larger masses may cause pressure on the bladder or rectum. This can lead to an increase in the frequency of urination. It can also cause constipation. Abdominal swelling that makes clothes fit tighter can occur. This swelling is often accompanied by weight loss. Sometimes a mass may twist, cutting off the blood supply to the ovary. This is called ovarian torsion. It causes sudden severe pain. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen often. If you have symptoms—especially a group of them, or a prolonged period and they are severe—ask a doctor or nurse practitioner for an evaluation. You want to make sure there is not a serious problem like ovarian cancer that’s causing them. Most women with small adnexal masses will have no symptoms at all.
