Introduction
Ovarian cysts are a common concern among women, often causing anxiety due to misconceptions about their severity. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, you’re probably wondering about its implications for your health, fertility, and treatment options.
Fortunately, ovarian cysts are typically non-cancerous and often resolve on their own, with many women experiencing no symptoms at all. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes, types, symptoms, and treatments for ovarian cysts.
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus, and they are involved in the release of eggs each month as part of the menstrual cycle. The ovary also produces hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which are necessary for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Ovarian cysts are quite common and, in many cases, do not cause significant health issues. They can form as a result of normal changes in the menstrual cycle or due to other factors like hormone imbalances. While some cysts may cause pain or discomfort, many women experience no symptoms at all.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
There are several different types of ovarian cysts, with the most common being functional cysts, benign cysts, and, more rarely, ovarian cancers.
1. Functional Cysts (Physiological Cysts)
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst. They occur as part of the natural process of ovulation. These cysts include:
- Follicular Cysts: These form when the follicle, a small fluid-filled sac that contains an egg, does not release the egg as it should. Instead, the follicle continues to grow, forming a cyst.
- Corpus Luteum Cysts: After ovulation, the follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces hormones necessary for pregnancy. If the corpus luteum fails to shrink and disappear as it should after menstruation, it can become a cyst.
Functional cysts are usually harmless and often resolve on their own within 2-3 months. They rarely require treatment unless they grow large or cause significant symptoms.
2. Benign (Non-Cancerous) Ovarian Cysts
In addition to functional cysts, there are other benign cysts that can form on the ovaries. These include:
- Dermoid Cysts: These benign growths contain various types of tissue, such as fat, hair, skin, and sometimes teeth. Dermoid cysts are most commonly found in young women but can occur at any age. They tend to grow slowly and may not require removal unless they reach a certain size or cause complications.
- Cystadenomas: These are benign tumours filled with a watery or mucus-like fluid. Unlike functional cysts, cystadenomas may continue to grow over time and may need to be surgically removed if they reach a size that poses a risk of twisting the ovary or bursting.
- Endometriomas: Also known as “chocolate cysts,” these cysts form when endometrial tissue (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus and attaches to the ovaries. These cysts can cause pain and may affect fertility, but they are generally non-cancerous.
- Hydrosalpinx – A condition where the fallopian tube becomes blocked and fills with fluid, potentially impacting fertility.
- Paratubal or paraovarian cysts – Cysts that form near but not within the ovary.
3. Cancerous Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cancer is rare, especially in women under the age of 50. While most ovarian cysts are not cancerous, if you are aware of having a cyst, it’s important for your doctor to monitor the cyst and evaluate its characteristics through ultrasound or other imaging tests. If there are concerns about the possibility of cancer, you may be referred to a specialist called a gynaecological oncologist.
What about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS-related cysts are actually follicles containing immature eggs, not true ovarian cysts.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
The causes vary depending on the type of cyst:
Functional cysts
Hormonal imbalances affecting the menstrual cycle can lead to follicular or corpus luteum cysts.
Non-cancerous cysts
Conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic infections (including sexually transmitted infections) can contribute.
Cancerous cysts
These develop due to ovarian cancer.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Many ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms and are discovered incidentally during a routine ultrasound or pelvic exam. However, some cysts can lead to symptoms, including:
Pelvic Pain
Mild or sharp pain in the lower abdomen, especially during or after sex.
Abdominal Pressure
A feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen, which can put pressure on nearby organs, like the bladder or intestines, leading to frequent urination or difficulty passing stools.
Irregular Periods
A cyst may cause menstrual cycles to be longer or shorter than usual.
Pain During Menstruation
Ovarian cysts can cause menstrual pain, which may vary in severity.
Sudden, Severe Pain
A cyst may rupture or twist (ovarian torsion), causing sudden and severe pain, nausea, and dizziness.
Important Note: If you experience sudden or severe pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, as these conditions may require urgent treatment.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
If you suspect you have an ovarian cyst, the first step is to visit your doctor, who will take a detailed medical history and may conduct a physical exam. To confirm the presence of a cyst and determine its type, your doctor may recommend the following tests:
Pelvic Ultrasound
This imaging test uses sound waves to create pictures of the ovaries and any cysts. A transvaginal ultrasound, where the probe is inserted into the vagina, provides clearer images of the ovaries.
Pregnancy Test
In some cases, a pregnancy test may be necessary to rule out an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) that can mimic the symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
Blood Tests
While rare, ovarian cysts can sometimes cause certain blood tests to become abnormal. Your doctor will determine if these tests are necessary.
Treatment Options
The management of an ovarian cyst depends on the type of cyst, its size, and whether it causes symptoms. In many cases, cysts will resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, if a cyst is large, persistent, or causing significant symptoms, then treatment may be needed.
The specific treatment approach depends on the type, size, and symptoms of the cyst, as well as whether you have gone through menopause.
Monitoring cyst on ovaries
Most cysts resolve without treatment. Your doctor may recommend follow-up ultrasounds over a few months to ensure it is not growing or causing complications.
Ovarian cyst surgery
Surgery may be needed if the cyst:
- Persists beyond 3 months
- Is larger than 6 cm
- Continues growing
- Causes significant pain or pressure
- Has features suggesting it may be cancerous
Surgical options include:
- Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) – Used for smaller cysts, with faster recovery.
- Laparotomy (open surgery) – Necessary for larger cysts or suspected cancer, requiring a longer hospital stay and recovery period.
Whenever possible, the surgery will try to remove only the cyst, preserving the ovary. If removal of the ovary is necessary, the remaining ovary typically maintains hormonal balance and fertility. Postmenopausal women may be advised to remove the ovary and fallopian tube as a precaution against cancer.
Oral Contraceptives
While the birth control pill does not treat existing cysts, it can help prevent the formation of functional cysts by stopping ovulation. It may also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consult your GP or gynaecologist if you suspect you have an ovarian cyst or experience symptoms.
Pelvic pain and irregular periods can sometimes be dismissed as “normal”; however, persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.
If you feel your concerns are not being addressed, seek a second opinion. You have the right to understand your condition and treatment options. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor(s) for clarification or further tests.
Conclusion
Ovarian cysts are common and often resolve on their own, but some can cause discomfort or lead to complications. Understanding the different types, symptoms, and treatment options can help you take proactive steps toward managing your health. Regular monitoring and consultation with your healthcare providers is key to managing ovarian cysts and ensuring your health remains a priority.
If you have concerns about ovarian cysts or are experiencing symptoms, you can contact our team at Bloom Women’s Health. We’re here to provide expert care and support tailored to your needs.
Want to Learn More?
Click to read more about Endometriomas (‘chocolate cysts’)
Read our article on Endometriosis: An Overview of Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn more about PCOS in our article Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
