What is an Ovarian cyst?
OVARIAN CYST is the growth of a sac within an ovary, which is filled with fluid or solid material. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, saclike growths on the ovaries. An ovarian cyst can occur and regress, undetected, during a normal menstrual cycle. Ovarian cancer usually is described as the silent killer, but this is not always true. In polycystic ovarian disease, physical examination demonstrates bilaterally enlarged polycystic ovaries. Tests reveal slightly elevated urinary 17 -ketosteroid levels and anovulation (shown by basal body temperature graphs and endometrial biopsy). These cysts usually disappear within one or two menstrual cycles and the woman is rarely aware of them.
Ovarian cyst Facts and Information
Ovarian cysts are growths that form on the ovaries, the two small organs on either side of a woman’s uterus that produce an egg each month. The polycystic ovarian disease is part of the Stein-Leventhal syndrome and stems from endocrine abnormalities. Ovarian cysts are very common in women during their reproductive years.
Types of Ovarian cyst
There are also other types of cysts:
Endometriomas.
These cysts develop in women who have endometriosis when tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. The tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. These cysts can be painful during sexual intercourse and during menstruation.
Cystadenomas.
These cysts develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. They are often filled with a watery fluid or thick, sticky gel. They can become large and cause pain.
Dermoid cysts.
The cells in the ovary are able to make hair, teeth, and other growing tissues that become part of a forming ovarian cyst. These cysts can become large and cause pain.
Polycystic ovaries.
The eggs mature within the follicles or sacs, but the sac doesn’t break open to release the egg. The cycle repeats, follicles continue to grow inside the ovary, and cysts form.
Causes of Ovarian cyst
The cause of an Ovarian cyst is basically unknown. Granulosa-lutein cysts, which occur within the corpus luteum, are functional, nonneoplastic enlargements of the ovaries caused by excessive accumulation of blood during the hemorrhagic phase of the menstrual cycle. Here are the list of
- Hormonal imbalances
- Ovarian cancer
- Metastatic cancer
- Smoking
- Early menarche
- Infertility
Treatment and Cure of Ovarian cyst
Since ovarian cysts are typically isolated events that resolve on their own, surgery may not be appropriate. Oral contraceptives inhibit FSH, which stops ovulation, thereby giving the ovaries a rest. Treatment of the polycystic ovarian disease may include the administration of such drugs as clomiphene citrate to induce ovulation, medroxyprogesterone acetate for 10 days of every month for the patient who doesn’t want to become pregnant, or low-dose oral contraceptives for the patient who needs reliable contraception. Consult an obstetrician-gynecologist consultation when suspecting an ovarian-, uterine-, or pregnancy-related emergency.
Ovarian cyst and Pregnancy
Ovarian cysts are growths that form on the ovaries, the two small organs on either side of a woman’s uterus that produce an egg each month. In addition, be alert to changes in your monthly cycle, including symptoms that may accompany menstruation that isn’t typical for you or that persist over more than a few cycles. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any concerns relating to menstruation. Ovarian cysts are very common in women during their reproductive years.