Ovarian cysts

What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary.

Most women have them at some point. The majority are harmless, cause no discomfort, and disappear without treatment within a few months.

Symptoms

Most cysts go unnoticed. However, if a cyst is large or ruptures, symptoms may include:

• Pelvic Pain: A dull or sharp ache in the lower back or thighs.
• Menstrual Irregularities: Pain shortly before your period begins or ends.
• Dyspareunia: Pain during intercourse.
• Bowel/Bladder Issues: Pain during bowel movements or a frequent need to urinate (if the cyst presses on the bladder).
• Fullness: A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.

⚠️ EMERGENCY WARNING
Seek immediate medical help if you have sudden, severe abdominal pain accompanied by:

• Fever and vomiting.
• Cold, clammy skin.
• Rapid breathing.

This could indicate Ovarian Torsion (twisting of the ovary) or a Ruptured Cyst.

Types & Causes

Most cysts develop as a result of your menstrual cycle (Functional Cysts). Others are unrelated to normal function.

1. Functional Cysts (Normal)

• Follicular Cyst: Happens when the follicle (sac) holding the egg doesn't break open to release the egg. It keeps growing into a cyst.
• Corpus Luteum Cyst: Happens when the follicle releases the egg but then reseals and fills with fluid.

These are usually harmless and disappear on their own within 2-3 cycles.

2. Other Cysts (Pathological)

• Dermoid Cysts: Can contain tissue like hair, skin, or teeth (rarely cancerous).
• Cystadenomas: Filled with watery or mucous material.
• Endometriomas: Caused by endometriosis, where uterine tissue grows on the ovary.

Complications

• Ovarian Torsion: Large cysts can cause the ovary to move and twist, cutting off its blood supply. This causes extreme pain and tissue death.
• Rupture: A cyst that bursts can cause severe pain and internal bleeding.

Diagnosis

If a cyst is suspected during a pelvic exam, doctors use:

• Ultrasound: To determine the size, location, and composition (fluid-filled vs. solid).
• Pregnancy Test: To rule out pregnancy (a corpus luteum cyst is common in early pregnancy).
• CA 125 Blood Test: Measures a protein linked to ovarian cancer. Used mostly for women at high risk.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your age, symptoms, and the size of the cyst.

1. Watchful Waiting

If you have no symptoms and the ultrasound shows a small, fluid-filled cyst, doctors usually recommend waiting 1-3 months to see if it goes away on its own.

2. Medications

Birth Control Pills: Hormonal contraceptives prevent ovulation, which stops new functional cysts from forming. Note: They will not shrink existing cysts.

3. Surgery

Surgery is recommended if the cyst is:

• Large or growing.
• Causing pain.
• Solid (not just fluid).
• Persisting through 2-3 menstrual cycles.

Cystectomy: Removing only the cyst (leaving the ovary intact).
Oophorectomy: Removing the entire affected ovary.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.