Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence in women during their reproductive years. Most often the cysts are harmless and cause no symptoms.
How Ovarian Cysts Form
Women are born with two ovaries, on the left and right side of the uterus, which play a vital role in reproduction and the menstrual cycle in women. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the ovaries; it is where your eggs grow, and where estrogen production occurs. During a typical menstrual cycle, every woman of reproductive age may develop several small cysts in the ovaries. Only one or two of these cysts will mature, rupture, and produce an egg ready for ovulation.
When the cysts don’t break open, the resulting cysts, called follicle cysts, are usually reabsorbed by the body within a few months; they typically cause no symptoms and many women are unaware they even have them.
Cysts that release an egg typically shrink in preparation for the next menstrual cycle. When they don’t shrink, and instead grow due to a fluid buildup, they are called corpus luteum cysts. These also typically go away on their own but can sometimes grow quite large and may twist the ovary, causing pain.
When Ovarian Cysts Are a Problem
The type of ovarian cysts that form as a natural process of menstruation are usually benign and cause no problems. That said, when corpus luteum cysts are large they can cause pain and require medical attention.
Problematic conditions that cause ovarian cysts to develop include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs when the ovaries produce numerous small cysts. It can causes irregular periods, the growth of body hair, acne, and obesity. PCOS can make it increasingly difficult for women to become pregnant. Symptoms tend to appear at a young woman’s first menstrual cycle.
- Endometriosis-caused cysts occur when the tissue normally lining the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus; in this case, in the ovaries. These cysts may cause pain during sex and/or during your period.
- Malignant ovarian cysts – also referred to as ovarian cancer – is rare, but more common among postmenopausal women. When cancerous cysts form, you may experience pelvic pain in the lower abdomen on the side where the cyst is located. You may feel a pressure or experience bloating in the area. Women experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor immediately.
- Pelvic infections may spread to the ovaries and cause cysts to form.
It is important to routinely visit your gynecologist or OB/GYN doctor for a pelvic screening. A pelvic exam and ultrasound can identify if an ovarian cyst is present.
Treating Ovarian Cysts
Receiving treatment as early as possible can save your life, help you avoid serious complications, and preserve your chances of becoming pregnant.
If you have an ovarian cyst or more than one, your OB/GYN physician will monitor it closely. If it doesn’t go away on its own or with medication, your doctor may recommend that it be surgically removed. When surgery is required, a minimally invasive laparoscopy may be performed, involving just a small incision in the abdomen, or a more invasive laparotomy – depending on the size, quantity, and cause of the cysts.
To speak with a gynecologist who is knowledgeable about ovarian cysts, call University OB/GYN Associates at (315) 464-5162 to request an appointment or request an appointment online.
