Ovarian Cyst - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Treatment

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac-like structure that develops on one of your ovaries or its surface. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of their uterus. Eggs or ovum develop and mature in the ovaries and are released in monthly cycles. Most ovarian cysts have little or almost no discomfort and are harmless, while some require medical treatment. Ovarian cysts are common, and most of the time, they do not show any symptoms.

1. Hormonal imbalance can lead to the chances of developing an ovarian cyst.
2. Endometriosis is a common condition that causes the endometrial cells to grow beyond the uterine walls. Endometrial cells can attach to your ovaries and form cyst.
3. Infection in the pelvic region can lead to the formation of a cyst.
4. Previously if you have experienced a cyst, you are likely to develop another.
5. Corpus luteum cyst: fluid accumulates inside the follicle, causing the corpus luteum to grow into a cyst.
6. Corpus luteum cysts can sometimes continue growing into a woman’s pregnancy.
7. Polycystic ovary syndrome: A condition that causes lots of small and harmless cysts.

Mostly, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, if they don’t settle on their own or if they get bigger, you will have the following symptoms:

1. Sharp pain in your lower abdomen region
2. Heaviness or fullness in your abdomen
3. Irregular menstrual cycle
4. Heavier or lighter bleeding during your menstrual cycle.
5. Abdominal bloating
6. Pain in the lower back
7. Vomiting and nausea
8. Pain in thighs
9. Frequent urination
10. Difficulty emptying the bladder
11. Pain during intercourse

An ovarian cyst can be found during a pelvic exam. Depending on its size, whether it's fluid-filled, mixed, or solid, a gynaecologist will likely recommend tests to determine its type and treatment.

1. Pelvic ultrasound: Your doctor might recommend a pelvic ultrasound that uses sound waves to create images of the body.
2. Hormone level test: A hormone level test is done to ascertain any hormone-related complications.
3. Blood test: If you are menopausal, your doctor may recommend a test for measuring the number of cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) in the blood.
4. Pregnancy test: A positive pregnancy test might suggest that you have a corpus luteum cyst.

Treatment usually depends on your age, the size, and the type of your cyst. Your doctor might suggest.

1. Watchful waiting: In most cases, you can wait and keep re-examining if the cyst goes away within months. If you are asymptomatic and an ultrasound shows that you have a small, simple, fluid-filled cyst. Your gynaecologist might recommend that you get follow-up ultrasounds to see if your cyst changes in size.
2. Medication: Your gynaecologist might recommend hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills to keep cysts from recurring. However, birth control pills won’t shrink any existing cysts.

1. Provides relief from pain and other symptoms like bloating, bleeding, and the pressure of the cyst pushing against other parts of the pelvis.
2. When removed laparoscopically, avoids excess amount of bleeding or scar formation
3. In pregnant women, an Ovarian cyst tends to grow, twist and rupture causing ovarian torsion in a fetus. Removal of an ovarian cyst in such cases helps in smooth pregnancy

If you are diagnosed with a cyst, and you experience the below symptoms, see your gynaecologist as soon as possible:

1. Sudden sharp pain in your lower abdomen
2. Vomiting or fever
3. Heavy bleeding
4. Nausea
5. Severe and sudden pain in your pelvic region

Risks if not treated in time

Sometimes an ovarian cyst can rupture leads to:

1. If cysts keep growing large, they can make the ovary twist and move, which is very painful and known as ovarian torsion.
2. Sudden and severe abdominal pain
3. Pain with vomiting and fever
4. Weakness and dizziness
5. Heavy bleeding with severe pain
6. If a cystic mass is cancerous, your gynaecologist might remove your ovaries with possible chemotherapy or radiation.

Disease progression

Types of cyst:

1. Follicle cyst: When the egg is ready, the follicle breaks open and releases it. If the sac does not open, it causes a follicle cyst.
2. Corpus luteum cyst: When the egg is out, the empty follicle usually shrinks and is ready for the next egg. It becomes a cyst when it closes, and fluid collects inside. It might bleed and cause pain as it grows.
3. Dermoid cysts: Sac-like growth on the ovary containing hair, fat, or other tissue.