Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are sac-like structures filled with fluid. They may be large enough to cause symptoms. Most cysts are benign, but they can also be cancerous. If they are cancerous, they can require surgery. The risk of ovarian cancer is higher with age. Fortunately, most ovarian cysts are not harmful and go away on their own. However, some ovarian cysts can be painful. If you have an ovarian cyst, you should be examined. There are several reasons why you might have one. The first reason is if it is large. Another reason is if you think it is cancerous.

Ovarian cysts can be very painful, especially if the ovary becomes torn. They can also produce heavy bleeding. This can lead to pain, nausea, and lightheadedness. Some ovarian cysts are caused by endometriomas. These are cells from the uterus that have attached to the ovaries outside the uterus.

Ovarian cysts come in two types: hemorrhagic and physiologic. Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are usually benign. They contain retrograde menstrual blood, tissue from an endometrioma, or other forms of endometriosis. They can appear in the lining of the abdomen and are sometimes confused with ectopic pregnancies. Most ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms, but some patients experience painful symptoms such as irregular periods and cramps. They can be diagnosed by an ultrasound.

Physiologic ovarian cysts are smaller than hemorrhagic cysts. They are smooth, translucent, and lined with stratified granulosa cells. They appear benign sonographically and are managed conservatively. They can regress within a few months. They are often caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a disorder of the reproductive system. PCOS causes the hormones in your body not to follow normal patterns. It can lead to fertility problems and may affect your health in other ways.

Depending on the size of your ovarian cyst, it can be difficult to remove it. If your ovarian cyst is large, you might need to undergo a procedure called laparotomy or a keyhole surgery. If you don’t want to have a major surgical procedure, your doctor may prescribe pills that you can take to move along the removal process. If the cyst is very painful, your doctor may prescribe medications for pain. The pain from a large ovarian cyst may make it hard for you to empty your bladder.

Some ovarian cysts can be recurrent. These cysts can be shaped like a grape or a soccer ball. The shape is determined by the number of cysts and the size of each. Some ovarian cysts may be able to shrink on their own. A woman who has a cyst for a long time should be tested for cancer.

Some ovarian cysts can rupture or twist, causing serious pain and bleeding. The symptoms of an ovarian cyst can include pressure, bloating, and abdominal swelling. These symptoms can be triggered by a number of factors, including pelvic infections and kidney disease. If a cyst is painful, it can be removed with medication or surgery.