Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can cause pain or bleeding if they rupture. They can be caused by irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Treatment may involve hormonal drugs or surgery. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to a doctor.
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in one or both ovaries. Ovarian cysts are usually small, but some can grow quite large. An ovarian cyst can cause pain or bleeding, especially if it ruptures. Hormonal drugs or surgery are typical treatment methods. Some potential causes of an ovarian cyst include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and hormonal imbalances.
Normally the female body produces one egg every month. During ovulation, a cyst-like structure called a follicle develops. This follicle normally ruptures when the egg is released. When the follicle doesn’t rupture as it should, a type of cyst known as a functional cyst can develop. These are the most common types of ovarian cysts and typically resolve without any medical intervention.
Ovulation failure can be among the potential causes of a cyst. Hormonal imbalances or being severely overweight or underweight can sometimes prevent ovulation, potentially leading to a type of cyst known as a follicular cyst. These cysts typically disappear on their own within a few months. Most women do not experience any discomfort related to follicular cysts. Women who experience pain generally report that the pain is worst during the normal ovulation period.
Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of an ovarian cyst. Endometriosis is a medical condition that causes the type of tissue that grows inside the uterus to grow in areas outside the uterus. The cysts caused by this condition often grow quite large and can cause tremendous pain and infertility.
A condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome is also among the causes of an ovarian cyst. The exact cause of this disease is unknown and is found in healthy women as well as women with hormonal imbalances. Polycystic causes multiple cysts to grow on the ovaries, often leading to severe pain and infertility. Women with this condition are considered to be at higher than normal risk for cervical cancer.
While most causes of an ovarian cyst aren’t life-threatening, cysts can cause pain, infertility, and an increased risk of more serious conditions. Any unusual symptoms or extreme pain around the time of ovulation or menstruation should be reported to your doctor. Further tests may be ordered to check for an ovarian cyst and then to determine the possible cause. Hormone therapy may be prescribed, or in some cases, surgery to remove the uterus, called a hysterectomy, may be required.
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