Fluid-filled sacs that develop around the ovaries are called ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts develop as a normal part of the menstrual cycle as the ovaries prepare eggs to release into the fallopian tubes. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are generally harmless. Of course there are ovarian cysts like the ones that have ruptured, that could cause serious symptoms sometimes.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Cystadenoma Cysts: These are cysts that develop on the outside of the ovary. These types of ovarian cysts cause pain if they are very large.
Dermoid Cysts: These are ovarian cysts that are filled with a number of tissues such as hair and skin.
Functional Cysts: These are cysts that are filled with eggs that develop during menstruation. They disappear once the eggs are released.
Endometrioma Cysts: These are ovarian cysts that grow in or outside the uterus. They cause pain when they are particularly large.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease: These are cysts filled with eggs that are not released and instead continue to become larger.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are usually painful when they push on nearby structures, bleed or rupture. Pain in also possible if the cyst is twisted or causes the fallopian tube to twist.
The symptoms of ovarian cysts are:
* Irregular menstrual cycle
* Constant and dull pain in the pelvic area
* Pain during bowel movement
* Pressure on the bladder/rectum
* Pelvic pain during intercourse
* Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
* Pelvic pain that is experienced at the beginning and end of a menstrual period
Diagnosis
Ovarian cysts can be diagnosed using the following exams and blood tests:
* Ultrasound
* Pelvic Exam
* Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
* Doppler flow
* Ca-125 HCG
* Serum HCG
Treatment
The treatment of ovarian cysts depend on the type and size of the cyst, the age of the person and the symptoms:
* One method is to wait and have yourself re-examined in one to three months. If you are in your reproductive years and have no symptoms whereas an ultrasound shows that you have a simple fluid-filled cyst then it is likely that the doctor will recommend that you have pelvic ultrasounds at regular intervals to see if the cyst has changed in size. Another common treatment recommended for post menopausal women if a cyst is filled with fluid and is less than 2 centimeters in diameter is monitoring with ultrasound.
* Another method the doctor may suggest is the birth control pill. This is done to reduce the chances of new cysts developing in future menstrual cycles.
* If the cyst is large and does not look like a functional cyst or it is growing or persists, then the doctor may suggest removing it. There are surgical procedures that might be performed after understanding the condition.
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