How do symptoms differ between an ovarian cyst and a fibroid tumor?

Depends : Ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic and found incidentally by exam or sonogram. The same goes for fibroids. If a cyst is going to cause symptoms, it will usually be pain, not necessarily with the period. May also occur with intercourse. Fibroids most often cause heavy menstrual bleeding, and sometimes also painful periods. If large enough, they may cause bladder pressure, or constipation.