What to Know About Ovarian Cyst and How to Treat It?

Ovarian cysts are generally harmless and treatable. They may, however, be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Ovarian cysts are fluid accumulations in the ovaries. The cause of ovarian cysts are many, but abnormal hormonal fluctuations and stress are thought to play a role. An ovarian cyst can continue to grow and may rupture which can lead to a surgical emergency. We'll look at what an ovarian cyst is, what causes them, and what treatment options are available for these benign gynecologic lesions.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can be found on either one or both ovaries. They can happen at any time in your life, but they are more common in women between the ages of 18 and 50. Fortunately, most ovarian cysts do not require surgical removal and are not caused by cancer. Cysts can vary in size from less than one centimeter (one-half inch) to greater than 10 centimeters (4 inches).

Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst

Functional ovarian cysts are usually painless and do not cause any symptoms. However, they may become painful after a few days. A ruptured ovarian cyst could result in severe pelvic pain that may require ER visit and emergency surgery. If it's a small cyst that ruptures, the pelvic pain could be managed with pain medications and rest. Ovarian cysts can also cause a sudden change in your menstrual cycle.

Ovarian Cysts and Their Causes

Ovarian cysts form as a result of a number of factors. Cysts can also be classified as corpus luteum cysts, functional ovarian cysts, hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, dermoid cysts, severe pelvic infections, endometriosis, non-cancerous cysts or ovarian cancer.

Functional Cysts

Functional cysts are cysts that form during ovulation, when the ovaries release an egg. They are also known as benign ovarian cysts. They are not cancerous and thus may not harm your health. The two most common functional cysts are follicular and corpus luteum cysts.

• Follicular CystS
• This occurs when the small sacs in the ovaries known as follicles fail to release an egg during your monthly menstrual cycle. Instead, they are filled with fluid. These cysts usually resolve without treatment.
• Corpus luteum cyst
• The corpus luteum is made up of hormone-producing cells that form after follicles successfully release an egg during ovulation. These cysts usually resolve once you have your period. Sometimes, they become engorged with blood, resulting in a hemorrhagic cyst. This can grow and rupture or it can resolve on its own without intervention. If you happen to become pregnant, this corpus luteum cyst persists to support the pregnancy.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

This is a common condition where the ovary has many small cysts. It that affects about 10% of reproductive-age women. PCOS is distinguished by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance. PCOS is thought to be caused by a mix of genetic and hormonal factors.

Dermoid Cyst

Dermoid cysts are usually benign, in rare cases, they can be cancerous. They are made up of tissue cells from various body parts, including teeth, skin, and hair. They do not resolve on their own and usually need to be removed for correct diagnosis.

Endometrioma

Endometriosis cysts form when cells that are similar to those found inside the uterine walls begin to form outside the uterus. As these tissues develop, they attach to the ovaries and form cysts.

Severe Pelvic Infection

Severe pelvic infections may spread to involve the ovaries and fallopian tubes. As a result, pus-filled cysts called abscesses can form close to the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer cysts, otherwise known as tumors, can be solid or fluid filled masses filled with cancerous cells.

Complications Arising From Ovarian Cysts

Some conditions may be experienced as offshoots of ovarian cysts, and they include:

• Ovarian Torsion: a condition in which cysts become large and cause twisting of the ovaries, preventing blood flow to them and eventually damaging the ovaries. Ovarian torsion is accompanied by severe pain, vomiting, and nausea and requires emergent surgery.
• Ruptured Ovarian Cyst: a condition in which a large functional cyst ruptures, resulting in symptoms such as severe pelvic pain and fluid or blood in the abdomen. If the cysts is small and the fluid is not a lot, this can be managed with medications as the body will reabsorb the fluid/blood. If however, the cyst is large and the fluid/blood is a lot, then emergent surgery is required to clear it out.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cysts and Their Pros and Cons

The majority of ovarian cysts will resolve on their own and will not require treatment. Others are treatable with medications such as birth control, so you will need to seek medical attention. Cysts in the ovary are generally not harmful and do not grow to be very large. They will, however, require treatment if they become large, rupture, or cause experience pain

Medications

Ovarian cysts typically shrink in size for 7–10 days before resuming growth. Several medications are used to treat ovarian cysts, and your doctor will prescribe some if necessary after performing a pelvic exam.

Surgery

Some ovarian cysts can be surgically removed. In these cases, the cyst is removed and the ovary is repaired.

Is It Safe to Treat an Ovarian Cyst at Home?

Ovarian cysts are not typically dangerous or life-threatening unless they are enlarged, they twist the ovary or they rupture.

However, if you have any of the above symptoms or if a cyst becomes painful, you should see a doctor right away. Cysts that do not cause symptoms will most likely shrink over time and can be treated with medication. If a cyst becomes painful, seek medical attention right away.

When to See a Doctor for an Ovarian Cyst

You should see a doctor if a cyst causes pain or an increase in symptoms. If a cyst is large or growing rapidly, you should see a doctor. Most ovarian cysts, however, do not require immediate treatment and will often shrink on their own within a few weeks.

You should see a doctor if your cyst does not respond to treatment or if it causes symptoms such as pain. Furthermore, many conditions can result in ovarian cysts, so it is critical to be evaluated by a trained gynecologist for these other conditions.

Are You in Need of Gynecology Services in Homewood, IL, but Don’t Know Where to Turn? DARDUR Gynecology Is Here to Help!

At DARDUR Gynecology, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience and exceptional gynecologic care. We are here to meet your requirements and provide you with the best possible service. If you are experiencing ovarian cyst symptoms or other female reproductive health issues, Visit or call us today to schedule an appointment.

‍