Ovarian Cyst Symptoms to Treatments: A Guide to Understand

Ovarian Cyst: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

As per a 2024 survey, almost 1 in 4 Indian women are affected by ovarian cysts. They are common growths that appear within or around one’s ovaries and are usually symptomless, harmless, and eventually disappear on their own without medical intervention.

However, ovarian cysts can occasionally result in issues that need to be addressed by your provider. You can lower your risk of developing cystic issues by undergoing routine pelvic exams. If you suspect you have ovarian cysts, then keep on reading this article.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a little sac that develops on or inside one or both of your ovaries and is filled with semisolid substances or fluid. They come in a variety of forms, the majority of which are benign and noncancerous.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts are not always present. Unless your doctor discovers it via a pelvic ultrasound or pelvic exam, you probably will not be aware that you have one.

Ovarian cysts can occasionally result in complications. You can resolve any issues with such a cyst by scheduling routine pelvic checks and discussing the symptoms you may be having with your healthcare professional. These cysts are rather common, particularly in those who have not yet experienced menopause.

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What are the ovarian cyst symptoms?

Smaller cysts can be asymptomatic. You might not even be aware that you have a cyst in these situations. Bigger cysts could result in:

• Bloating in your midsection or a feeling of fullness
• A persistent discomfort in your back or pelvic pain
• Periods that are painful or erratic
• Frequent urination or difficulty pooping
• Dyspareunia, or sex-related pain

Furthermore, each person's experience with an ovarian cyst is different. You might experience:

• A slight ache or a sensation of fullness
• Absolutely no pain
• Pain or discomfort that fluctuates without cause
• Experiencing discomfort throughout specific phases of your period
• Pain that might be characterised as dull or acute

Persistent ovarian cyst symptoms may be a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is characterised by irregular menstrual periods and a spike in androgens, which can lead to weight gain, cystic acne, and difficulties conceiving.

What are the Types of Ovarian Cysts?

The majority of ovarian cysts are functional. During your menstrual cycle, they develop in reaction to the changes in your body. Following are its major types:

1. Functional Ovarian Cysts

These are the most prevalent kind of ovarian cysts, which are unrelated to any disease. Ovulation is their main cause, and these cysts may indicate that the ovaries are operating normally. If functional cysts are left untreated, they normally go away in 60 days.
Simple cysts are another name for functioning cysts. Among them are:

• Corpus Luteum Cysts : The corpus luteum is a tissue that produces hormones after a follicle releases an egg. Typically, it disappears if conception is unsuccessful. However, occasionally, it fills with fluids and develops into a cyst rather than dissolving.
• Follicular Cysts : Every month, as part of the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from a tiny sac in the ovary, which is called a follicle. When the follicle fails to release an egg, it gets filled with fluid, resulting in the formation of a follicular cyst.

2. Other Ovarian Cysts

Not every ovarian cyst develops as a result of your menstrual cycle. Although they do not necessarily indicate a sickness, your doctor might want to keep an eye on them to make sure they do not lead to any complications. Other varieties of ovarian cysts consist of:

• Endometriomas : These cysts, which are usually indicative of endometriosis, get filled with menstrual blood.
• Teratomas or Dermoid Cysts: Cells found in dermoid cysts resemble the tissue found in your skin, hair, or teeth. They are noncancerous, rubbery, and smooth.
• Cystadenomas : Your ovary's surface is where these cysts develop. They can contain a thicker, mucous-like fluid or a thinner, waterier one.
• Ovarian Cancer Cysts : These kinds of cysts are dense clumps of cancer cells. Although they can occur at any age, they are more prevalent during menopause.

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What are the ovarian cyst causes?

The most common reason for ovarian cysts is ovulation, a natural process which takes place during your menstrual cycle. Other reasons are as follows:

• Endometriosis : If your endometriosis is in an advanced stage, you may develop endometriomas on your ovary, also known as chocolate cysts.
• Aberrant Cell Division :  Cystadenomas or dermoid cysts can develop as a result of abnormal cell proliferation.
• PID, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder :  Cysts can develop in your ovaries as a result of severe pelvic infections.
• PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome :  Your ovaries may develop several little cysts as a result of PCOS.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Ovarian Cysts?

Your doctor will initially give you a pregnancy test to rule out conception as the reason for your symptoms. Then, to identify an ovarian cyst, they might employ the following tests:

• Pelvic Examination : To check whether there are lumps or changes, your healthcare professional will feel inside the pelvis.
• Laparoscopy : This surgical procedure helps healthcare providers to observe your pelvic cavity and reproductive organs. They make a small incision in the abdomen, insert a lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope), and may remove the cyst in case they find one.
• Ultrasound : Sound waves are used in this imaging process to produce pictures of your pelvic system. It can identify the locations of ovarian cysts and determine whether they are mainly solid or fluid.

What are the ovarian cyst treatment options?

Your symptoms, the kind of cyst, and its cause will all affect how you are treated. The cyst may be monitored over time, treated with medicine, or removed surgically. Being older and whether you have entered menopause may also affect your course of treatment.
To avoid ovulation and stop cysts from forming in the future, your doctor may prescribe hormone-containing drugs, such as birth control tablets.

Ovarian Cyst Surgery

If a cyst is growing larger and showing symptoms, surgery may be necessary to remove it. The size of a cyst and its appearance on the ultrasound determine the sort of surgery that will be performed. Among the various methods employed are:

●  Laparoscopic Surgery

This procedure involves inserting a laparoscope through a small incision in the abdomen and viewing the pelvis and reproductive organs, which enables doctors to find ovarian cysts and remove them surgically.

●  Laparotomy

In case the ovarian cyst is very large or there are chances of complications, doctors may perform a laparotomy. It is an open abdominal surgery requiring a larger incision to gain access to the peritoneal cavity.

Additionally, your healthcare provider may speak with a gynaecological oncologist or cancer specialist regarding your best course of therapy if they suspect a malignant cyst.

When to Remove an Ovarian Cyst?

A few criteria are used by medical professionals to decide whether to remove an ovarian cyst:

●  Specific Symptoms

If the cyst is causing you pain, interfering with your menstruation, or contributing to your inability to conceive, your doctor might advise removal.

●  Cyst's Size

Since bigger cysts tend to be uncomfortable, your doctor might advise removing one that is more than 10 centimetres.

●  Cyst's Type

Functional cysts usually remain tiny and disappear after a few cycles of menstruation. Your doctor is more likely to advise removing other kinds of cysts since they grow bigger and do not resolve on their own.

●  Suspicion of Cancer

If there is any suspicion that a cyst is malignant, your doctor might wish to remove it, particularly if you have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

In addition, your healthcare provider will take into account your age, medical history, and desire to become pregnant. If you have any queries concerning the removal of an ovarian cyst, make sure to consult your provider.

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What Happens If Ovarian Cysts Are Left Untreated?

Depending on the cause and nature, certain ovarian cysts resolve by themselves over time and don't require medical intervention. Others are indicators of more serious medical issues that need to be treated or removed right away.

Talk to your healthcare practitioner about all of your treatment choices and find out what they suggest depending on your diagnosis.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ovarian Cysts?

If any of the following happen, give your healthcare provider a call:

●  The ache in your abdomen does not go away.
●  Your periods are unpleasant, irregular, or late.
●  You experience discomfort, pressure, or heaviness in your abdomen, i.e., bloating.
●  Your belly gets big or begins bulging.
●  You experience considerable pain when having sex.

If you observe any symptoms of ovarian torsion or a rupture of the ovarian cyst, get medical care right away:

●  Clammy, cold skin
●  Breathing quickly and feeling dizzy or faint
●  Abrupt, intense stomach pain that is followed by fever or vomiting

For those with ovarian cysts who are premenopausal, the prognosis is favourable. The majority of cysts go away after a few months. However, recurrent ovarian cysts can also occur in premenopausal women and those with hormone abnormalities like PCOS.
If a growth or cyst forms on the ovaries following menopause, a doctor may advise surgery to remove it. This is due to the increased risk of ovarian cancer or a malignant cyst following menopause.