Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries. These cysts are common and often occur without causing any symptoms. In fact, many women will have ovarian cysts at some point in their lives, especially during their reproductive years. While most ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and go away on their own, it is important to understand the types of cysts, how they can affect your health, and when to seek medical attention.

The ovaries are two small organs located on either side of the uterus that produce eggs (ova) and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms on or inside an ovary. Cysts can vary in size from tiny to large enough to cause noticeable symptoms.

There are different types of ovarian cysts, and most of them are harmless and do not cause significant problems. However, some cysts may cause pain or other symptoms and require medical attention.

Common Types of Ovarian Cysts

Functional Cysts: These are the most common type of ovarian cysts and are related to the normal menstrual cycle. There are two types of functional cysts:
- Follicular cysts: These occur when the follicle (the sac that contains the egg) fails to release the egg during ovulation, causing the follicle to continue growing.
- Corpus luteum cysts: These develop after the egg is released during ovulation, but the follicle doesn’t dissolve as it should and instead fills with fluid.
Functional cysts often resolve on their own within a few weeks or months and rarely cause any problems.
Dermoid Cysts: These cysts are made up of various types of tissue, such as hair, skin, or teeth, and are usually present from birth. While rare, dermoid cysts can grow large and cause pain or pressure if they twist or rupture.
Endometriomas: These cysts are associated with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Endometriomas form when this tissue attaches to the ovary and causes cysts to form. These cysts can be painful, especially during menstruation.
Cystadenomas: These cysts develop from cells on the surface of the ovary and can grow quite large. Though most are benign, some may need to be surgically removed if they become too large or cause discomfort.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder in which multiple small cysts develop on the ovaries. While these cysts are typically harmless, PCOS can lead to irregular periods, infertility, and other health issues like weight gain or excessive hair growth.

Symptoms

Most ovarian cysts do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, if a cyst becomes large, ruptures, or twists (a condition called ovarian torsion), it can cause symptoms such as:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort (often on one side)
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in menstrual cycle (e.g., missed periods or heavier periods)
- Lower back pain
- Nausea or vomiting (in the case of a ruptured cyst)
If you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially if accompanied by fever or vomiting, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as this could indicate a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion, both of which require prompt treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most ovarian cysts are harmless, you should seek medical attention if you experience:

Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Fever
Pain during intercourse
Changes in your menstrual cycle or missed periods

These symptoms may indicate a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion, both of which require prompt medical care.

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst or if a cyst is suspected during a routine pelvic exam, your doctor may recommend further testing to confirm the diagnosis. Common diagnostic tools include:

Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of the ovaries and can help determine the size, shape, and type of cyst.
Blood tests: Blood tests, including measuring levels of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), may be used to rule out pregnancy or to check for other potential problems, such as a condition called ovarian cancer (although ovarian cancer is rare in women with cysts).
Pelvic exam: A manual pelvic exam can help your doctor feel the size and shape of any cysts or masses in the ovaries.

Treatments

In most cases, ovarian cysts do not require treatment and may go away on their own within a few months. However, treatment may be necessary if the cyst is causing symptoms or complications. Common treatment options include:

Watchful waiting: If the cyst is small and asymptomatic, your doctor may recommend monitoring it with follow-up ultrasounds to ensure it is not growing or causing problems.
Hormonal contraceptives: Birth control pills or other hormonal treatments can help regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent the formation of new cysts, particularly in cases of PCOS.
Surgery: If a cyst is large, persistent, or causing severe pain, surgery may be recommended. In many cases, cysts can be removed laparoscopically (through small incisions), a minimally invasive technique that has a faster recovery time. In some cases, if the cyst is suspected to be cancerous or if there is a risk of torsion, the ovary may need to be removed (oophorectomy).

Conclusion

Ovarian cysts are common and usually not cause for concern, but understanding their potential effects on your health is important. Most cysts go away on their own without treatment, but some may require medical attention if they cause pain or other complications. If you experience symptoms of an ovarian cyst or have concerns about your reproductive health, consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate care. Early detection and management can help ensure the best possible outcomes.