Cysts in the ovaries are a common cause of women seeing their doctors. Fortunately, many of these cysts do little harm and many go away on their own. In a few cases, complications can occur that can cause severe pain and suffering if not managed correctly.
What are ovarian cysts?
An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one of the ovaries. The ovaries are small organs in the pelvis that make female hormones and hold egg cells. Many women have ovarian cysts at some time. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority disappear without treatment within a few months.
Types of ovarian cysts
There are different types of cysts, many of which are normal and harmless (benign). The two main types of ovarian cyst are:
• functional ovarian cysts – cysts that develop as part of the menstrual cycle and are usually harmless and short-lived. These are the most common type.
• pathological ovarian cysts – cysts that form as a result of abnormal cell growth. These are much less common.
Ovarian cysts can sometimes also be caused by an underlying condition such as endometriosis.
The vast majority of ovarian cysts are non-cancerous (benign), although a small number are cancerous (malignant).
Cancerous cysts are more common if you have been through menopause.
What causes ovarian cysts?
The exact cause of ovarian cysts is not known at this time. Ovarian cysts may affect both ovaries at the same time, or they may only affect one ovary.
What are some signs and symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Many women might have an ovarian cyst and not experience any symptoms. Many ovarian cysts are discovered on a routine visit to the gynecologist. Symptoms generally tend to occur when the cyst ruptures or the blood supply to the ovaries become impaired as a result of the cyst. Some cysts also undergo torsion resulting in severe pain. When symptoms occur they might include the following:
• pelvic pain – this can range from a dull, heavy sensation to a sudden, severe, and sharp pain
• pain during sex
• difficulty emptying your bowels
• a frequent need to urinate
• heavy periods, irregular periods or lighter periods than normal
• bloating and a swollen tummy
• feeling very full after only eating a little
• difficulty getting pregnant – although fertility is usually unaffected by ovarian cysts
If a woman has sudden, severe pelvic pain she should immediately contact either her doctor or the emergency room at the hospital.
Diagnosis
In some cases diagnosing an ovarian cyst might be challenging, but following a detailed history and clinical examination the diagnosis is usually made – and an ultrasound scan of the pelvis can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor should always rule out pregnancy, as ectopic pregnancy can present with similar symptoms. Various blood tests might be taken to rule out hormonal disorders.
Treatment
Functional ovarian cysts generally go away without treatment. Your gynecologist may give you medications containing hormones (such as birth control pills) to stop ovulation and prevent future cysts from forming. If you do not ovulate, you will not form functional cysts. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a cyst. There are various surgical ways for removing ovarian cysts. The type of surgery used depends on the size of the cyst and how the cyst appears on the ultrasound scan.
When should you see your doctor?
If you have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and was advised to hold off on surgery, you should monitor your symptoms closely and contact your gynecologist if you experience any of the following:
• Your menstrual periods are late, irregular, or painful.
• Your abdominal pain does not go away.
• Your abdomen becomes enlarged or swollen.
• You have trouble urinating or emptying your bladder completely.
• You have pain during intercourse.
• You have feelings of fullness (bloating), pressure, or discomfort in your abdomen.
• You lose weight for no apparent reason.
• You feel generally ill.
Conclusion
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface. The vast majority of ovarian cysts in pre-menopausal women are benign and cause few problems. In some cases, complications can occur resulting in severe symptoms requiring urgent medical attention. Ovarian cysts occurring in women after their menopause are more likely to be associated with other diseases including cancer. Some ovarian cysts can be detected during a routine pelvic exam, but most are now diagnosed by an ultrasound scan of the pelvis. There are various options for managing an ovarian cyst – depending on the size of the cysts and other associated medical conditions.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-eight years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
