Everything You Should Know About Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts affect many women all over the world. Despite the fact that this condition is not considered dangerous, it can lead to curious complications. In some cases, women with ovarian cysts requite immediate medical attention. In this article, we will tell you everything you should know about ovarian cysts.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sack that grows on the ovaries. In most cases, they develop and disappear on their own during the menstrual cycle. However, certain cysts can remain in the ovaries for a long period of time. You should also know that some women may develop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance and may lead to infertility.

There are several types of ovarian cysts. The most common of them are follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Endometriomas, dermoids, and cystadenomas are less common but still can develop in women. Despite the fact that ovarian cysts don’t lead to cancer, you should always monitor your condition because ovarian cancer can develop cystic areas.

Causes of ovarian cysts

The most common causes of ovarian cysts include hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, endometriosis, and certain infections. Hormonal fluctuations that occur in a woman during the menstrual cycle can lead to the development of ovarian cysts. Moreover, certain hormonal medications can also contribute to ovarian cysts. 

When the woman becomes pregnant, her ovaries may develop cysts that help support the pregnancy. If a woman has endometriosis, she can also have cysts that are called endometriomas. You should also know that pelvic infections (when they reach the ovaries) can also lead to the development of ovarian cysts.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts can appear and disappear asymptomatically. In some women they can remain for several months while in others, cysts can be eliminated during one menstrual cycle. However, there are a lot of women with ovarian cysts that experience severe symptoms such as:

• Pelvic pain

• Pain during sex

• Severe menstrual cramps

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Despite the fact that symptoms may vary from woman to woman, it is important to monitor your condition. If you were diagnosed with ovarian cysts, you should regularly visit your gynecologist in order to avoid more serious complications.

Possible complications

If the cyst becomes too large, it can lead to ovarian torsion. This is a condition in which the ovary twists around. Ovarian torsion causes severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. You should understand that this condition is quite dangerous since the twist can interfere with the normal blood supply. Over time, it may lead to tissue necrosis. 

Another complication of an ovarian cyst is its rupture. When the ovarian cyst bursts it causes sudden and extremely severe pain. Moreover, the rupture can cause internal bleeding and increase your risk of getting an infection. In this case, a woman requires immediate medical attention since the ovarian cyst rupture can be a life-threading condition. 

Treatment options

There are surgical and non-surgical treatment options that help manage ovarian cysts. Non-surgical options are usually used if the cyst is not quite large. In this case, a gynecologist may prescribe OTC painkillers that will help ease painful sensations. Another common treatment option is hormonal birth control. Since ovarian cysts can be caused by hormonal imbalance, hormonal medication can improve your condition. 

The most common surgical treatment options for ovarian cysts include laparoscopy and laparotomy. Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that is aimed to remove the ovarian cyst. The surgeon performs that cyst removal through the small incision. Laparotomy is performed through the large incision. During the procedure, the removed tissues are studied immediately. If there are cancerous changes, a hysterectomy can also be performed.