What you need to know about Ovarian cysts?
What you need to know about Ovarian cysts?
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside a woman’s ovaries which are much more common than you think. They simply come and go during the reproductive cycle without an incident. An estimated 10 % of women develop ovarian cysts.
What are the types of ovarian cysts?
Follicles are cyst-like structures that develop on your ovaries as part of your usual menstrual cycle. These follicles grow in the ovaries each month and produce estrogen and progesterone hormones to stimulate the release of an egg during ovulation. In some cases, the follicle continues to grow into a functional cyst.
You may also develop a corpus luteum cyst, which occurs when the follicle releasing the egg starts producing hormones, and fluid begins building up in the follicle.
Outside of these cysts, women can develop Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a hormonal disorder that causes your ovaries to become larger and cysts develop.
The other types include:
- Endometriomas caused by endometriosis
- Dermoids and cystadenomas caused by abnormal cell reproduction
When do they become problematic?
Sometimes, though, they can grow too large or rupture and cause severe pain. In rare cases, they could become cancerous. The risk of cancer is only 1%.
Symptoms of problematic cysts
Most ovarian cysts come and go without causing problems. If you experience these symptoms, the cysts may become problematic and seek medical advice.
- Pain in lower abdomen
- A feeling of fullness in your abdomen
- Bloating
- Painful sex
- Frequency and urgency for urination
If you have acute severe pain, this is a medical emergency and it is possible that the cyst may have twisted or ruptured. The pain may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Then you should go straight to the Emergency Department of the nearest Hospital.
Luckily, ruptured and twisted ovarian cysts are not that common. In most cases, symptoms develop gradually.
Take Home Message
- Ovarian cysts are common.
- There are several types of problematic cysts
- Cancerous ovarian cysts are rare.
- The cysts are often asymptomatic
- The ovarian cysts in general, do not affect fertility unless they stem from PCOS or endometriosis.
- The ovarian cysts are easy to diagnose and treatable.
When should I seek Medical Help?
We hope we have given enough information about ovarian cysts.
If you wish to know more about the ovarian cysts and treatment, please contact Rockingham Women’s Health Centre on 0895918943 to book an appointment or www.rockinghamwomenshealth.com.au
