Ovarian Cyst and the types
The ovarian cyst is a sac that is filled with some semisolid or fluid material present on or inside one or both of your ovaries. Ovaries is the female reproductive organ which is responsible to make hormones like Estrogen and Progesterone in addition to holding excels for fertilization.
Ovarian cyst generally forms as a response to the change in your menstrual cycle and is also known as a functional cyst. There are less chances that an ovarian cyst forms for a reason unrelated to the menstruation cycle.
Functional cysts
The most common type of ovarian cyst are the functional ones, which are not related to any disease. The reason behind their near presence is ovulation. Diagnosis of this type of cysts provide you the information of well functioning of your ovaries. They are painless and harmless and shrink overtime within 60 days or less without any treatment.
- Follicular cysts – The egg is released by a small sac present in your ovaries known as follicle during your menstrual cycles. In case the follicle does not release the egg it forms a cyst filled with fluid and grows bigger known as follicular cyst.
- Corpus luteum cysts – On the release of an egg through the follicle a hormone producing group of cells is formed known as Corpus luteum. If the fluid gets collected in this Corpus luteum it causes it to grow in a form of Corpus luteum cyst.
Before making any decision in this case, you must visit and consult with your gynaecologist in Sharjah.
Other cysts
The cysts that are not in the response to your menstrual cycles can be an indication or a sign of a disease that needs proper monitoring and check-ups to prevent it from causing complications. Such cysts includes:
- Cystadenomas – Grown on the surface of the ovary these are filled with thin or thick water or mucus like substance.
- Dermoid cysts (teratomas) – These are the cyst consisting of cells that make up all types of tissues found in the human body. The tissues from hair, teeth, skin, and even brain tissues consist of the cells of the dermoid cyst.
- Endometriomas – Endometrial tissue is found in these cysts which is the same tissue that women bleed in their period blood.
- Ovarian cancer – Ovarian cancer cysts or tumours are generally solid masses of Cancer cells present on the ovaries.
Causes of the ovarian cysts
The leading cause of ovarian cyst is ovulation. However, some other causes can also include:
- Abnormal cell growth – Dermoids and Cystadenomas cysts form due to the result of atypical cell reproduction.
- Endometriosis – In the advanced stages of endometriosis such cysts form on the ovaries.
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) – Cysts can also be formed due to a severe pelvic infection that spreads to your ovaries.
Signs and symptoms of an ovarian cysts
The cysts that are smaller in size and caused due to the deflections in the menstrual cycle do not cause any symptoms and you may not even notice if you have a cyst or not. Larger cysts can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Pelvic pain or slight discomfort in your lower back
- Bloating or feeling of fullness that feels on one side of your body as compared to the other
- Painful periods
- Painful intercourse
If the symptoms linger on for a long time they may also indicate underlying conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Irregular periods and hormone related problems including infertility and obesity are the result of PCOS.
Diagnose of the ovarian cysts
If pregnancy is not the cause of the symptoms leading to ovarian cyst, then some of the following tests are performed to diagnose an ovarian cyst:
- Pelvic exam – A physical exam where your health professional in a gynaecology clinic will feel inside your pelvis for any lumps.
- Ultrasound – Using the ultrasound waves images of bodies and internal organs is created that detects cysts on your ovaries including their location and if they contain fluid or solid substances.
- Laparoscopy – During this procedure, a camera is inserted through the incision in your abdomen to view your reproductive organ and pelvic cavity. If a cyst is diagnosed at this time it can be removed by a health professional skilled in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Treatment and prevention
Age, symptoms, and nature of the cysts are all relevant factors that can affect the decision for proper treatment.
Wait and watch approach
Functional cysts do not require any treatment, and a “wait and see” approach is likely suggested by your health professional. You may go through an ultrasound within a few weeks to diagnose if the cyst has been resolved on its own or not.
Medications
Medications such as birth control pills can be provided to stop ovulation to prevent formation of cysts in future.
Surgeries
If the size of cysts keeps on increasing surgery may be required to remove it. Laparoscopy and laparotomy are two procedures that can be done to physically remove the ovarian cysts.
Although prevention should not be your concern regarding ovarian cysts as they are harmless and resolve on their own, taking medications containing certain hormones such as birth control pills are effective in stopping ovulation and reducing the chances of developing cysts. You can also take a regular pelvic exam to keep the track.
Conclusion
If you have more concerns regarding ovarian cyst or you want to discuss pregnancy related to infertility treatment or IVF treatment, then contact your closest best gynaecologist in Sharjah to clear all your doubts regarding a safe and sound reproductive health.
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