Ovarian Cysts: Types, Causes & Symptoms
Ovarian cysts are sacs with fluid that develop on or inside the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are common, often present no symptoms, and usually heal without treatment in a few months.
However, the cysts can sometimes twist or burst, causing severe problems. This article discusses the different types of ovarian cysts, their causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and prevention.
What are the Different Kinds of Ovarian Cysts and Their Causes?
The different types of ovarian cysts and their causes are:
- Functional cysts
Small cysts called follicles develop on ovaries each month. These follicles produce estrogen and progesterone hormones. The follicles break open to release an egg during ovulation. Sometimes, a monthly follicle doesn’t break open and keeps growing. It turns into a functional cyst.
Functional cysts are of two types: follicular and corpus luteum. A follicular cyst develops when a follicle doesn’t rupture. In contrast, a corpus luteum cyst develops when a ruptured follicle gets blocked.
- Dermoid Cyst
A dermoid cyst develops from the reproductive cells that make eggs in the ovary. It can contain hair, skin and teeth. Dermoid cysts are caused when tissue collects under the skin.
- Cystadenoma
A cystadenoma develops on the outer surface of the ovary. It is typically filled with water or mucous-type material.
- Endometriomas
Endometriomas occur when tissues that usually grow inside the ovaries develop outside the ovaries. They are typically caused by a condition called endometriosis.
What are the Symptoms of Ovarian cysts?
Some common ovarian cyst symptoms include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Painful bowel movements
- Pelvic pain during or before a menstrual cycle
- Painful intercourse
- Lower back or thigh pain
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst include:
- Sharp or severe pelvic pain
- Fever
- Dizziness or fainting
- Rapid breathing
What are the Common Risk Factors of Ovarian cysts?
The factors that increase the risk of developing ovarian cysts are:
- Hormonal Issues
Some fertility medications can cause hormonal issues, which increase the risk of ovarian cysts.
- Pregnancy
Sometimes, a follicle formed during ovulation can stay on the ovary throughout the pregnancy and become large.
- Endometriosis
This condition can lead to the trapping of tissue under the skin, thereby increasing the risk of ovarian cysts.
- Severe Pelvic Infection
A pelvic infection, which spreads to the ovaries, is one of the main causes of ovarian cysts.
- History of Ovarian cysts
A history of previous ovarian cysts increases the risk of developing them.
- Age
Ovarian cysts are more common in women who haven’t gone through menopause.
How are Ovarian cysts Diagnosed?
Ovarian cysts are found during a pelvic exam or imaging tests. Depending on the size and type of cyst, some tests can be recommended by the health provider, such as:
- Pregnancy Test: A positive pregnancy test can indicate early pregnancy and denote the possibility of corpus luteum cysts.
- Pelvic Ultrasound: During a pelvic ultrasound, a wand-like device sends sound waves to and from the pelvis to recreate the images of the uterus and ovaries on the screen. From these images, a cyst can be confirmed. The ultrasound can also provide the location of the cyst and whether it is filled with solid or liquid material.
- Laparoscopy: During a laparoscopy, a slim instrument with light is inserted into the abdomen through a cut. It can help the doctor see the ovaries and locate the cyst.
- Tumor Marker tests: This blood test is recommended for someone with a solid cyst and a high risk of ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of a certain protein CA125 can indicate ovarian cancer.
How to Prevent Ovarian cysts?
Following some simple steps can help prevent ovarian cysts. These include:
- Routine gynecological exams.
- Alerting the doctor immediately when presented with the following symptoms of ovarian cysts:
- Changes to the menstrual cycle
- Loss of appetite
- Ongoing pelvic pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal fullness
While ovarian cysts are common and usually go away on their own, they can sometimes cause severe symptoms or even be an indication of ovarian cancer. To prevent serious complications, early detection and ovarian cyst treatment are desirable.
If an individual suffers from any symptoms of ovarian cysts given here, they should consult a doctor and get tested at Dr Lal PathLabs immediately.
FAQs
1. What are the complications of ovarian cysts?
Some complications associated with ovarian cysts include cyst rupture, which causes bleeding in the pelvis and painful twisting of the ovaries.
2. Can ovarian cysts reduce fertility?
Some ovarian cysts, when left untreated, can reduce fertility. It depends on the type of ovarian cyst. The presence of an endometrioma, a type of ovarian cyst, is an indication of a condition called endometriosis. Endometriosis can affect fertility.
