Symptoms and Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are small pockets, which form on the outer layer or on the inside a woman’s ovaries, typically containing fluid. Ovarian cysts often present at some point during the life of many women. Some women experience little to no discomfort and the cysts go away on their own without any treatment, while other women exhibit severe symptoms and discomfort signaling a more serious condition such as a rupture.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Through the course of monthly ovulation, it is normal for the ovaries to grow follicles, which produce the necessary hormones for an eggs release. The follicles are cyst-like and typically disappear after ovulation. However, follicles turn into functional cysts when they keep growing instead of going away. There are two different types of functional cysts:

1. Follicular Cyst – typically, follicles burst upon the eggs release brought on by the brain signaling a burst of luteinizing hormone and afterwards the follicle goes away. However, when the brain does not signal the increase in luteinizing hormone, the follicle does not bust and the egg cannot release. At this point, the follicle keeps growing and turns into a cyst that will usually go away after several more ovulations.

2. Corpus Luteum Cyst – these cysts form once the luteinizing hormone causes the egg to release from the follicle. Once the egg releases, the body produces large quantities of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, preparing for egg fertilization. The follicle has changed and called a corpus luteum, which under normal circumstances will disappear. However, if after the egg releases the opening of the follicle closes, trapping the estrogen and progesterone inside forming a corpus luteum cyst. These cysts will go away after several weeks or will continue to grow and can possibly rupture.

There are less common cysts seen in women of varying ages that may or may not present symptoms and often times are only detectable by an OBGYN during a pelvic examination. These cysts include:

* Endometriomas – these cysts are a direct result of endometriosis where tissue growing outside the uterus attaches to the ovary forming the cyst.

* Cystadenomas – comprised of ovarian tissue and mucous, these cysts have the potential for growing very large, 12 inches or more, causing severe pain and twisting of the ovary.

* Dermoid cysts – this is another cyst with the potential to grow very large causing severe pain and twisting of the ovary. These cysts form from cells that are responsible for egg production. As a result, it is common that these cysts contain skin, hair, and even teeth.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Often times, ovarian cysts do not present any symptoms while at other times, they mimic the symptoms of other health problems such as ovarian cancer or ectopic pregnancy. If you notice changes in the way you feel or how your body is functioning, you should consult with your doctor to get a definitive diagnosis. Some of the symptoms that you may experience with ovarian cysts include:

*  Pelvic Pain

*  Pregnancy symptoms such as breast tenderness and nausea

*  Bloated stomach

*  Irregular Menstrual Cycles

*  Pressure on the rectum and painful bowel movements

*  Pain during intercourse

*  Severe pain in the abdomen

*  Pelvic pain with fever and vomiting

Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

There are many factors taken into consideration when determining the treatment for ovarian cysts. Your doctor will access your specific situation and will look at a combination of your symptoms, the size of the cyst(s), and your age when making treatment suggestions. Some possible treatments include:

* Taking birth control pills – birth control pills help to reduce the likelihood of new cysts forming and they reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

* Monitoring – requires follow-up ultrasounds of smaller cysts to see if they are growing, usually being checked every three months. If symptoms worsen, checkup frequency will be monthly.

* Surgery – this treatment applies to cysts that are very large and lasting more than three months. Depending on circumstances, a cystectomy will remove the cyst and leave the ovary intact, while other times one or both ovaries will require removal. In the event a cyst is cancerous, it may become necessary to perform a hysterectomy, which involves removal of both the ovaries and uterus.

Every woman’s body reacts somewhat differently to monthly menstrual cycles. Because ovarian cysts are not completely preventable, it is important to pay attention to your body and report any changes or symptoms to your doctor that last beyond two menstrual cycles.

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DISCLAIMER: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a guarantee of any success.  This informations has been previously researched but you should do your own research to expand your knowledge. This should not be consider as medical advice.