All About Ovarian Cysts – The symptoms causes prevention and treatment of ovarian cysts
In this article, you’ll learn and discover the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of ovarian cysts.
Ovarian cysts are sacs or pockets filled with some fluid in ovaries or on their surfaces. Women have two ovaries, which release eggs, commonly known as ova, in monthly cycles during the childbearing years. Ovarian cysts are quite common among women. In most cases, ovarian cysts cause little or no discomfort at all, and they are generally harmless. However, in some rare cases, ovarian cysts can cause some serious symptoms. According to Rosh Maternal and Fetal Medicine, it is imperative for you to have a reliable OB/GYN services provider for regular pelvic exams to ensure that any signs of ovarian cysts are treated as early as possible.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms, and they can go away on their own within several months. However, large or ruptured ovarian cysts can cause symptoms such as:
- Bloating
- Heaviness or fullness in the abdomen
- Pelvic pain- a sharp or dull ache in the lower abdomen
You should see your OB/GYN immediately if you experience a severe sudden pelvic or abdominal discomfort or pain accompanied by vomiting or fever.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts occur as a result of the menstrual cycles. These ovarian cysts are known as functional cysts. The two main types of functional cysts are corpus luteum cysts and follicular cysts. Follicular cysts develop when follicles continue to grow instead of rupturing and releasing their eggs. On the other hand, corpus luteum cysts occur when follicles that have released eggs, also known as corpus luteum, grow into cysts. Functional cysts are generally harmless, and they are likely to go away without treatment.
Other types of ovarian cysts include dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas. Compared to the functional cysts, these types of ovarian cysts are more likely to cause discomfort. For instance, they can get large enough to move the ovaries out of position and even cause painful twisting.
Some risk factors for developing ovarian cysts include:
- Having hormonal problems
- Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Severe pelvic infections
- A previous ovarian cyst
Prevention
There is no known way of preventing ovarian cysts. However, you can keep yourself safe by getting regular pelvic exams and ensuring that any emerging problems with the ovaries are addressed as early as possible.
Treatment
Treatment of ovarian cysts depends on the age of a patient, the size of the cysts, and the symptoms that a cyst is causing. Some of the treatments that a doctor can suggest include:
- Watchfully waiting for the cyst to go away on its own
- Medication, such as hormonal contraceptives
- Surgery to remove a large cyst
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that ovarian cysts are quite common among women. Although most of the ovarian cysts are harmless, there are others that can cause significant discomfort and complications. Luckily, ovarian cysts can be treated in a number of ways.
