Ovarian cysts are very common in women having monthly menstruation. Women often do not realize they have these cysts due to a lack of symptoms. These type of cysts often dissipate on their own without any ill effects on the body. Other cysts cause pain and complications and require further medical attention. Ovarian cysts more often affect women with abnormal menstrual cycles, who began menstruation as a pre-teen, or have a family history of these cysts. Hypothyroidism is another factor.
Once a month, a woman's ovaries release eggs to be fertilized. If that egg is not properly released, the ovary fills up with fluid and becomes a cyst. These cysts usually dissolve on their own within a couple months and are often not cancerous. A growth larger than 2 cm is termed an ovarian cyst. It is uncommon for women who have experienced menopause to have ovarian cysts. If they do, these cysts are usually removed. Complex ovarian cysts consist of solid materials as well as fluid and can become cancerous. The gravity on a complex ovarian cyst will determine the method of treatment.
These cysts are usually discovered during the yearly gynecological exam. In some cases, women experiencing abnormal symptoms prompt a visit to their family physician. Symptoms include either a dull or severe pain in the female organs and ribs that can last from just a few minutes to a few hours. Pressure and bloating can also be experienced due to the cyst pushing against its surroundings. Pain during or after intercourse and difficulty when urinating or having bowel movements may also occur. The breasts can be tender and sore at times other than menstruation. Cysts can bleed or rupture causing heavy, irregular periods or frequent spotting. Some women bleed much longer than their normal cycle. This excessive bleeding causes anemia, loss of iron, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, nausea, and headaches. Some women are also affected by weight loss or gain and unusual hair growth due to the imbalance of female hormones.
Depending on the size of the cyst, the family physician may at first monitor the cyst through monthly checkups to see if the growth shrinks and dissolves on its own. If it does not or if the sufferer is in too much pain or bleeding heavily, other tests will be required. These tests include an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and possibly hormone and blood tests to rule out conditions such as pregnancy.
Before surgery is recommended, the physician will often prescribe medication to ease the pain and swelling while monitoring the cyst. Sufferers also feel relief with a warm bath, heating pad, or warm compresses to relax the muscles and ease cramping. Oral contraceptives have been found to shrink cysts and reduce pain and swelling. These cysts will eventually dissolve while on the medication. It is also recommended to limit lifting and physical activity so as not to irritate sore and swollen muscles.
If cysts do not dissolve on their own in two to three months or if the sufferer is in too much pain or experiencing excessive bleeding, surgery may be needed to remove the cyst. A laparoscopy is the procedure for removing small cysts, and a laparotomy is for larger cyst removal. Upon removal, a biopsy will check for cancer. The ovaries do not always have to be removed with ovarian cysts.
There are no preventative measures to be taken to prevent ovarian cysts. It is important for women to undergo yearly gynecological exams and visit their family doctor if they experience any abnormal symptoms.
