Ovarian cysts are a prevalent health concern afflicting many women across the world. Usually harmless and painless, these fluid-filled sacs are found either on the surface or inside the ovaries. Ovarian cysts often go undetected and may even disappear without the need for treatment, especially if they are smaller than 10 centimetres. However, at times, complications may arise, necessitating the need for medical attention. In this article, we have covered the crucial aspects of ovarian cysts by taking an in-depth look at the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment associated with this ailment.
There are various types of ovarian cysts that can occur. Let’s take a quick look at each.
Functional cysts are the most common type of cysts that occur, usually as a part of the ovulation cycle. Such cysts typically disappear on their own, usually after two to three menstrual cycles, without any sort of treatment. There are two types of functional cysts:
Follicular cysts typically affect women who are still within the reproductive age range. Such ovarian cysts occur when a follicle doesn’t release the egg like it’s supposed to and, instead, becomes larger and fills up with fluid. These are usually painless and non-cancerous, and they usually do not require treatment as they resolve on their own.
Corpus luteum cysts are yet another type of cysts that could occur during ovulation. Once the follicle releases the egg, it transforms into a bunch of cells called the corpus luteum, whose main job is to aid in the production of progesterone. However, at times, the corpus luteum may fill up with fluid and consequently grow larger and become a cyst. These cysts are usually benign and will not be an issue even during pregnancy.
While functional cysts occur due to women's ovulation process, there are other ovarian cysts that occur due to various factors unrelated to the menstrual cycle. These include:
Endometriomas are ovarian cysts that typically occur in women suffering from endometriosis. These cysts are filled with dark-coloured endometrial tissue
Usually non-cancerous, a dermoid cyst is a type of cyst that contains tissue, like skin, teeth, hair, etc.
A cystadenoma is a benign ovarian cyst that typically forms over the surface of the ovary. This cyst could grow large and be filled with fluid that could be thin and watery or thick and mucous-like.
These ovarian cysts are not filled with fluid like the ones listed above. Instead, these are solid masses of cancer cells.
Ovarian cysts are caused by various factors, such as:
Functional ovarian cysts are usually formed during the ovulation process.
Endometriomas are ovarian cysts that usually happen to women who are in the advanced stages of endometriosis.
Ovarian cysts, like dermoid cysts and cystadenomas, could potentially form as a result of abnormal cell growth.
Women suffering from pelvic infections or inflammations are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cysts.
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms: What You Should be on the Lookout for
In most cases, ovarian cysts are so small that they go unnoticed. However, the symptoms become evident once they grow larger in size. Here are a few ovarian cyst symptoms that require attention and follow-up with a healthcare provider:
● Nausea
● Pain or pressure felt in the pelvic region
● Abdominal bloating
● Painful sexual intercourse (Dyspareunia)
● Painful periods
● A dull ache felt in the lower back or even the thighs
● Frequent urination, with the failure to fully empty the bladder
● Frequent bowel movements
If a healthcare provider suspects a woman has ovarian cysts, they may recommend the following tests:
This is the first test that a healthcare provider will conduct. A pelvic exam will detect any obvious lumps or other formations.
An ultrasound scan of the pelvic region can detect the presence of ovarian cysts and their exact location. It can also check if the cysts are fluid-filled or solid masses.
A laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure that usually requires anaesthesia. Using it, the healthcare provider can view the pelvic cavity, reproductive organs, and any ovarian cysts that may have formed. They may even be able to remove the cysts during this procedure.
At times, the healthcare provider may also recommend undergoing additional tests, such as CT scans and MRI imaging, to reach a better diagnosis.
The CA-125 blood test is also conducted so as to rule out cancer.
Ovarian Cyst Treatment: Effective Solutions You Need to Know About
Once the tests confirm the presence of ovarian cysts, it will be time for the healthcare provider to chart out a course for successful ovarian cyst treatment. Given below are the usual treatments prescribed for patients diagnosed with ovarian cysts:
If the ovarian cyst is small and harmless, the healthcare provider may recommend a wait-and-see approach for a fixed period of time to check if the cysts, especially the functional kind, will resolve on their own.
Healthcare providers may prescribe medications, such as birth control pills, that will prevent ovulation. While this prevents the formation of new ovarian cysts, it will not help shrink existing ones.
If the cysts are too large or constantly growing, the next recommended course of treatment is surgical removal. While most cysts can be removed without removing the ovary, at times, the surgical removal of both may be recommended to prevent the formation of new and perhaps more harmful cysts. A laparoscopic (key-hole) surgery may be performed to remove smaller ovarian cysts, while a laparotomy might be needed for larger ones.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Don’t ignore any sort of ovary pain. Ensure to call your healthcare provider if the symptoms are persistent. It is best to seek prompt medical assistance in order to prevent the chance of any complications that may arise from the presence of ovarian cysts.
Ovarian cysts are usually harmless and not a cause for worry. Regular gynaecological check-ups and awareness of symptoms are vital for early detection and treatment, thus ensuring overall reproductive health and well-being.
Ovarian cysts can be caused by a number of factors. Functional cysts are usually caused by the ovulation process. Other ovarian cysts can be caused by abnormal cell growth or disorders like endometriosis.
Your healthcare provider will assess the presence of ovarian cysts by conducting a few tests, like a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, blood tests, etc.
To prevent the growth of new ovarian cysts, healthcare providers may prescribe hormone medications, like birth control pills.
After being diagnosed with ovarian cysts, several treatment paths may be explored. Initially, the healthcare provider may adopt a wait-and-see approach to check if the issue resolves on its own. The healthcare provider may prescribe ovulation-suppressing medications, like birth control pills, to prevent the formation of new cysts. Surgical removal is also an option in cases where the ovarian cyst is too large.
