Ovarian cysts occur frequently in women of childbearing age and beyond. These growths are often considered a normal function of a woman's ovaries. However, sometimes these cysts can be quite painful. Rarely, ovarian cysts can be an indication of ovarian cancer.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists has published a pamphlet on ovarian cysts to help women understand what they are and how they occur. According to their pamphlet, ovarian cysts often develop during ovulation.
During ovulation, a woman releases an egg from one of her ovarian follicles. When a cyst forms, it is usually due to one of the following:
- Egg does not release. For some reason the egg gets stuck, either in the follicle itself or on the ovary. After time, it develops into a fluid filled sac.
- Egg releases but hormones create issues. Your egg may release, but the hormones involved in ovulation, such as estrogen dominance, may not go back to normal levels, causing a cyst to grow.
One cause is not any worse than another.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Sometimes, you may not even realize you have a cyst. However, if you have the following symptoms, you may want to get checked out by your physician.
- Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain (could radiate to your lower back and upper thighs)
- Bloating
- Irregular periods
- Urinary frequency
Go to the emergency room if you experience vomiting or fever accompanied by pelvic or abdominal pain.
Types of Cysts
Ovarian cysts are broken up into two categories: functional and complex. Functional cysts are usually under seven centimeters and are filled with fluid (could even be filled with blood or mucous). These cysts are usually not harmful or painful, unless they twist. Some can cause pain if they pop or rupture. However, it is not dangerous if a cyst ruptures. You may feel an increase of pain, but then your symptoms should be relieved.
Functional cysts include:
- Follicle Cysts: Cysts that occur when an egg is trapped in your follicle.
- Corpus Luteum Cysts: Cysts that occur after your egg is released.
Complex cysts usually have no free fluid and are solid masses. Don't be alarmed by the name. Usually, complex cysts are benign. However, complex cysts may be more likely to require surgical intervention.
Complex cysts include:
- Dermoid Cysts: Benign cyst that is a solid growth, sometimes contains teeth and hair.
- Cystadenomas: Ovary growths outside the follicle, not related to the normal ovulation process. Can cause much discomfort and can grow very large.
- Endometriomas: Cysts that occur when the lining of your uterus bleeds into your ovary sac - also known as a 'chocolate cyst.' Can be an indication of endometriosis.
- PCOS: Polycystic ovaries. Ovaries with multiple tiny cysts. This can impair fertility and cause painful and irregular periods.
Treatments of Ovarian Cysts
If you have a suspected cyst you will be sent for a transvaginal ultrasound to determine the size and type of cyst (functional or complex). Most often, your doctor will take a wait and see approach. Most cysts go away on their own after 1-3 period cycles. However, if a cyst does not go away on its own, increases in size, or causes many symptoms, your doctor may suggest that you have the cyst surgically removed through a laprascopy procedure. Not to worry, your ovaries will usually stay intact!
For complex cysts, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out ovarian cancer. However, ovarian cancer is rare in women under the age of 40 years old or pre-menopause.
When to Worry
Most cysts will go away on their own. Others may need to be surgically removed, but the recovery time is quick. In rare cases, a complex cyst may be an indication for ovarian cancer. Follow up with your doctor if your ultrasound reveals a complex cyst. Warning signs for ovarian cancer or other complications, according to the Mayo Clinic include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive free floating fluid in your uterus.
- Excessive enlargement of your abdomen
- Extreme pelvic or abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Changes in menstruation cycle
- You are over the age of 40
If you have a known cyst and experience an unbearable sharp pain in your pelvis or abdomen that does not subside within a few hours go to the emergency room. Do not wait to check in with your doctor if you experience vomiting or a fever, which could be a sign of infection. These are very rare.
Ovarian Cysts are a Part of the Female Experience
Unfortunately, most women will experience ovarian cysts at some point. Most times it will go away on its own and will not cause any symptoms. However, it is important to follow up with your doctor, especially if you experience any pain or atypical symptoms.
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