Ovarian cysts can have few or many symptoms, with functional cysts being the most common type. Other types can contain different tissue and cause pain. Rupturing cysts are a medical emergency. Treatment depends on the type and size, with hormone medications used to regulate menstrual cycles.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled bodies that form on the ovaries, and there are many types that can have few or many symptoms. Many women will occasionally get an ovarian cyst and most are unlikely to notice as the cyst will generally recede on its own without any treatment. Other cysts can grow large, become painful, and run the risk of rupturing, which can damage the ovary and is a medical emergency.
The most common types of ovarian cysts are called functional cysts and occur when something goes wrong during ovulation. An ovary produces a follicle each month, which is similar to a cyst, and this releases an egg. Sometimes the release does not occur and a follicular cyst can occur, where the follicle continues to expand. Another form of functional cyst is the corpus luteum cyst, where an egg is released but then the follicle becomes blocked, allowing fluid to build up within an enclosed space. These cysts can grow much larger than follicular cysts and can rupture, although others can simply dissolve on their own.
Other forms of ovarian cysts can contain different types of tissue. Dermoid cysts can develop when a cyst contains material such as teeth or hair. Women who have endometriosis are at risk for endometrial cysts, which contain endometrial tissue (lining the uterus) and can spread the disease to the ovaries. Cystadenoma cysts are created on the outside of the ovaries and become very large.
Symptoms can really depend on the size and type. Small cysts can come and go without warning, but some people may notice other disruptions in their menstrual cycles which could indicate an inability to ovulate and cyst formation. Most commonly if women with cysts may experience pain in one or more of the following areas or times: pelvis, bowel, during bowel movements, at the beginning or end of periods, during intercourse.
Rupturing ovarian cysts are a very serious condition and rupturing symptoms mean people should seek medical help right away. Rupture symptoms might include extreme, severe pain in the pelvis, which may be accompanied by fever. Some women vomit or feel like vomiting due to the degree of pain a ruptured cyst can cause.
There are many treatments for these cysts and these can depend on the type and size. Most cysts are not cancerous, although very occasionally they can be, but the risk of cancer in general tends to be extremely low. With small cysts, especially those found during a medical exam, your doctor may simply wait a month or two and check again to see if the cyst is still present, has shrunk, or enlarged. Larger cysts, especially rapidly growing ones, are at risk of rupturing, and a doctor may decide to have the cyst surgically removed via a variety of methods.
It is often the case that the way female hormones work can affect the likelihood of getting more frequent cysts. When women get cysts regularly, doctors may suggest regular treatment to avoid them. Regular treatment tends to mean hormone medications to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
