According to eMedicine, ovarian cysts come in many different varieties. Some, called functional cysts, occur during the normal menstrual cycle. The ovaries grow cysts to hold the eggs, and the cysts then dissolve when the egg travels to the fallopian tube. There are two types of functional cysts:
Follicular cysts: These cysts do not dissolve to release the egg and continue to grow. They usually form at the time of ovulation and will cause temporary pain on the side that the woman is ovulating. This pain is also called mittelschmirtz. These cysts usually disappear in 1-3 months.
Corpus luteum cysts: These cysts form if the cyst does not dissolve to release the egg and fluid continues to build up inside of the sac. While some corpus luteum cysts go away within a few weeks, others are capable of growing up to four inches and may cause bleeding or severe pain.
Some other types of non-functional cysts include:
Endometriomas cysts: These cysts grow in women with endometriosis, when tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus and forms a growth along the ovary. These cysts are very painful.
Cystadenomas cysts: These cysts are full of fluid or gel and on the outer surface of the ovary, and are also very painful.
Dermoid cysts: The cells in the ovary are capable of making growing tissues form an ovarian cyst. These cysts can become extremely large and painful.
Polycystic ovaries: Sometimes eggs mature inside the sac but the sac does not release the egg, and the cycle repeats as follicles grow in the ovary and cysts form.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Not every woman experiences symptoms with ovarian cysts. Others may notice the following symptoms:
- Pain, fullness or pressure in the abdomen
- Painful menstrual periods
- Abnormal bleeding during menstrual periods
- Aching in the lower back and thighs
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain during urination or moving bowels
- Breast tenderness
If a woman has the above symptoms along with any fever, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, or severe abdominal pain, she should see her physician immediately.
Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are usually diagnosed during a pelvic exam or an ultrasound. An ultrasound will reveal the size, shape and location of the cyst. A doctor may also recommend a blood and urine analysis.
Treatment of Ovarian Cysts
Often, a physician will recommend waiting to see if the cyst will go away by itself, and possibly re-examine the patient within a few months. Birth control pills may be prescribed to prevent ovulation, thereby generally preventing cysts from forming. Women may also take Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen or prescription pain medication for cyst discomfort.
If the cyst does not go away by itself, or begins getting larger and causing significant pain, surgery might need to be performed. There are three types of surgery that are performed on ovarian cysts:
Laparoscopy surgery: This is done under general anesthesia by making a tiny incision to remove small ovarian cysts.
Laparotomy surgery: This is also done under general anesthesia, but through a larger incision to remove larger cysts. These cysts are usually checked for cancerous tissue.
Cyst and Ovary Removal: If a cyst has twisted and is causing severe pain, nausea, or vomiting, this emergency surgery may be necessary to correct it.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts
There are no specific causes of ovarian cysts, but women who have a history of past cysts, or women who have irregular periods, early menstruation, infertility, or hypothyroidism may be at a higher risk for developing these cysts.
Often functional cysts are a normal part of a woman’s experience during her childbearing years. Women who are past menopause and who experience ovarian cysts are at a higher risk for developing ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cysts might be very common, but they often cause significant pain and discomfort in women who suffer from them. If a woman thinks she may be suffering from an ovarian cyst, she should see a health care professional immediately.
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