Ovarian Cysts

July 26, 2023

4 min read

Most ovarian cysts are painless, benign, and cause no symptoms.

Although common and often seen as a sign of ovulation in women, ovarian cysts sometimes can point to an underlying condition and needs to be removed to avoid further complications.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. They are common and often painless and show no symptoms. Ovarian cysts often occur when the ovaries release eggs every month as a part of the ovulation process.

Ovarian Cysts Types

Ovarian cysts are functional when they aid the menstrual cycle in women of reproductive age. Two types of functional ovarian cysts are released during the menstrual cycle.

Follicular cysts

During the menstrual cycle, the egg grows in a follicular sac located in the ovary. Ordinarily, the follicle breaks open to release the egg. When that does not happen, the fluid inside the follicle can form cysts on the ovary.

Corpus luteum cysts

When the ovary releases an egg, the corpus luteum, a structure appears in the ovary that releases the hormone needed for pregnancy. Usually, the structure breaks down unless a pregnancy starts. When the corpus luteum fails to dissolve, it can become cysts on the ovary.

Other ovarian cysts are not part of the menstrual cycle and are non-functional. They include:

Cystadenomas: They form on the outer surface of the ovaries.
Dermoid cysts: They are sac-like growth containing hair, tissues, and fats, formed on ovaries.
Endometriomas: Also known as chocolate cysts, they form when the tissues that grow inside the ovaries develop outside the uterus and attach to the ovaries.

Ovarian Cyst Causes

Ovarian cysts can occur due to:

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS): It is a condition where the ovaries form many small cysts.PCOS can cause ovaries to enlarge and can cause infertility.
Severe pelvic infections like chlamydia cause cysts known as abscesses.
Pregnancy.
Non-cancerous growths.
Cancer in rare cases.

Risks of Ovarian Cysts

You can be at risk of developing ovarian cysts if you:

Are pregnant.
Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Have endometriosis.
Take fertility medications like clomiphene.

Complications in Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts can have complications that can be detected during a routine pelvic exam.

Rupture: Larger cysts can break open during vaginal sex or other activities, causing severe pain and bleeding.
Infected ovarian cysts: Ovarian cysts that form due to an underlying infection can develop abscesses. If an abscess bursts, it can spread bacteria throughout your body.
Ovarian torsion: Where cysts grow large, they can twist and turn the ovary, causing painful ovarian torsion.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are usually painless and have no symptoms. Some women may feel a dull or sharp pain or pressure in the side of the lower belly with the cyst. A ruptured cyst can cause intense pain.

Other symptoms may include:

Pain during the period
Pain in the thighs or lower back
Weight gain or unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Trouble emptying the bladder
Abnormal vaginal bleeding in rare cases

Ovarian Cysts Diagnosis

Your doctor can detect ovarian cysts through a routine pelvic exam. They will ask about your symptoms and medical history. On suspecting ovarian cysts, they can order other tests to confirm their nature and type.

Blood tests: blood tests can be done for hormone problems and cancer.CA125 blood tests are done to detect CA125 proteins for cancer detection.
MRI: Magnets and computers are used to generate a detailed picture of the area;
Pelvic ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create images of the uterus and ovary.
Pregnancy test: A positive pregnancy test would mean you have corpus luteum cysts.
Laparoscopy: A slim instrument with a light and a camera is inserted into the belly to get a clear picture of the abdomen and remove the cysts.
Biopsy: A tiny piece of the ovary is taken and examined for cancerous cells. A biopsy is done if any abnormal growth is found on the ovary.

Ovarian Cysts Treatment

Most ovarian cysts go away on their own, requiring no treatment. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers to treat pain or discomfort. They may prescribe birth control pills to prevent new cysts from appearing.

Ovarian cysts may need surgery where:

You have a large cyst.
The cyst continues to grow.
The cyst is causing pain or pressure.
You have endometriosis, and the cysts must be removed to treat fertility problems.

Ovarian cysts can be removed using:

Laparoscopy, where a small incision is made, and the cysts are removed using a slim instrument with lights and a camera
Laparotomy, where a bigger cut is made in the belly to remove cancerous cysts

If you have any questions or concerns about ovarian cysts, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you learn about your risk factors and recommend the best course of treatment for you.

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