What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluids or semisolid materials, that form on one or both of your ovaries. The ovaries are located on each side of your uterus and is about the size and shape of an almond. Eggs develop and mature in the ovaries before being released during each monthly cycle.
Ovarian cysts are common and most of the time harmless although there are times when it may result in complications. Regular pelvic exams are important to detect ovarian cysts early.
There are two main types of ovarian cysts:
- Functional ovarian cysts: Cysts that develop as part of the menstrual cycle and are usually harmless and short-lived.
- Pathological ovarian cysts: Cysts that develop due to abnormal cell growth, much less common compared to functional cysts.
What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?
In most cases, ovarian cysts causes no symptoms and you may not even know you have a cyst. For larger, abnormal cyst, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Pelvic pain or a dull ache in lower back
- Feeling full (bloated), particularly on one side of the body
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful and/or irregular periods
- Trouble passing motion or needing to urinate frequently
- Breast tenderness
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain
- Pain in your abdomen
- Nausea and/or vomiting
What causes Ovarian Cysts?
Some possible causes of ovarian cysts include:
- Hormonal problems: Hormones aid in women's ovulation and may cause functional cysts.
- Endometriosis: May result in the development of an endometrioma. The endometriosis tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. This cyst may be especially painful during intercourse and a woman's monthly period.
- Pregnancy: The most common type of ovarian cyst during pregnancy is the corpus lutem cyst, which forms to support the pregnancy in early stages and is usually harmless. It may remain until late in the pregnancy and if so, needs to be removed.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: Severe pelvic inflammations may spread to the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
What are the risk factors of Ovarian Cysts?
Anyone with ovaries may develop and ovarian cyst. However, you chances may increase based on factors such as your:
- Age: Ovarian cysts are more common in those who have not gone through menopause.
- Pregnancy status: Cysts are more likely to form during pregnancy, particularly corpus lutem cysts.
- History of ovarian cysts: If you had an ovarian cyst, you are more likely to develop another one.
- Current medical condition: If you suffer from endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or other hormone disorder, your likelihood to develop ovarian cysts increases.
What complications do Ovarian Cysts have?
Most cysts do not cause serious complications. Some serious complications are:
- Ovarian torsion: A cyst may grow so big that it distorts the shape of your ovary, increasing the likelihood of it twisting. The twisting can prevent blood flow to your ovary. Symptoms of ovarian torsion include extreme pain, nausea and vomiting.
- Ruptured ovarian cysts: Functional cysts can rupture, causing severe pain, dizziness or weakness. The bigger the cyst, the greater the chance of rupturing.
- Cancer: Ovarian cysts that develop after menopause are more likely to be cancerous. Regular pelvic examinations are recommended.
How are Ovarian Cysts diagnosed?
Imaging Tests
Your healthcare provider will conduct a pelvic exam to feel for lumps or changes. An ultrasound may also be conducted to detect cysts on your ovaries.
Laparoscopy
A procedure performed with a camera being inserted into a cut in your abdomen to view your reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. Cysts diagnosed then can be removed on the spot.
