
By catching ovarian cyst symptoms early, you can get the intervention you need, when you need it.
Ovarian cysts are common, affecting most women at least once in their lifetime. While they aren’t cancerous in most cases, they can lead to complications if left unchecked.
Ovaries supply your body with fresh eggs, giving you a 5-day monthly window to make a little miracle. They flank the uterus in the lower abdomen and are also responsible for producing oestrogen and progesterone for keeping your fertility mechanism working optimally.
Sometimes, one or both ovaries develop fluid-filled sacs called cysts. While the idea of growths on your ovaries might set off alarm bells in your head, seek comfort in knowing that in most cases, these cysts are harmless and present few or no symptoms. What’s more, they’re so common that most women develop them at least once in their lifetime.
Ovarian cysts manifest in a plethora of forms. However, the most commonly appear as functional cysts, which can further be broken down into follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
Follicle cysts are produced when an egg fails to rupture from its follicle during a menstrual cycle. When this happens, the fluid trapped inside the follicle gives rise to a cyst on the ovary.
Follicle cysts usually resolve on their own after releasing an egg. However, in some cases, a cyst may remain unruptured, causing more fluid to build up inside. This can lead to the development of a corpus luteum cyst.
Dermoid cysts are bulbous ovarian growths composed of hair, fat and tissue.
As benign cysts, cystadenomas develop on the outer surface of the ovaries. Although they are noncancerous, they usually warrant treatment to prevent potential complications.
When uterine tissue begins to grow outside the uterus and cloaks the ovaries, it leads to the formation of cysts known as endometriomas.
Some women develop multiple small ovarian cysts, as the result of a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The condition causes the ovaries to swell and can potentially lead to infertility.
In many cases, ovarian cysts serve as silent visitors, refusing to make their presence felt. However, they can become more noticeable as they grow larger.
Here’s a bunch of symptoms you should watch out for:
If you notice more serious symptoms like fever, dizziness, sharp pelvic pain and rapid breathing, visit your doctor immediately to scope out your symptoms. While these may be harmless, they could also be a sign of a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion, which can both lead to complications without timely intervention.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and disappear on their own over time. However, if you are diagnosed with a malignant cyst or a cyst with an inherent risk, you may be advised treatment for your condition. Birth control pills are an effective treatment if you have recurrent ovarian cysts, as they prevent ovulation and impede the development of new cysts. Surgical cyst removal methods include laparoscopy and laparotomy.
If you are diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, you should know that it’s not your fault. Ovarian cysts develop organically, and can’t be prevented. Take them in your stride and know that you’re in good company, with most women world over having been in your boat at some point in their lives (often, without their knowledge). With the right medical guidance, you can manage cysts in a healthy way and keep complications at bay for the long haul.
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The best treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the size, symptoms and type. Most cysts are harmless and, over time, disappear on their own. But if diagnosed with a cyst with an inherent risk, surgical removal options like laparotomy and laparoscopy are advised. For recurrent ovarian cysts, birth control pills are an effective treatment.
Follicle cysts form when eggs don't break free from their sacs; corpus luteum cysts happen when the structure created after egg release doesn't dissolve and collects fluid or blood; dermoid cysts are composed of skin, hair, and fatty tissue; cystadenomas are harmless, non-cancerous growths; endometriomas develop from uterine tissue growing on the ovaries; and polycystic ovaries contain many tiny cysts that may interfere with fertility.
Yes. Functional ovarian cysts disappear on their own with no treatment. If the cyst is functional, a wait-and-watch approach is followed. A follow-up ultrasound within a few weeks or months to check whether the cysts have changed. This is the first treatment approach, as most ovarian cysts are benign and small.
Yes. An ovarian cyst can cause a sore hip or leg. While most people attribute hip pain to overuse, it could be because of the pressure on the pelvic nerves by the ovarian cyst. When cysts cause hip pain, it typically happens on one side and is severe. It may move to the abdomen and groin if the cysts burst.