Ovarian cysts: This isn’t something you really choose to consider if you don’t have to. However, at least 10% of women suffer from ovarian cysts.
In simple terms, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop inside or on the surface of your ovaries. Many people with ovarian cysts don’t even realize they have them because they’re benign. cysts may be asymptomatic and most of the time they disappear on their own without treatment within a few weeks. menstrual cycles. Sometimes they can be a bit annoying but they eventually go away on their own. Sometimes they can get too big and/or rupture and/or cause a lot of pain. In very rare cases, they can become cancerous.
Although ovarian cysts are quite common and generally harmless, without proper knowledge they can sometimes lead to fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, and even medical emergencies. Recognizing and understanding the symptoms of cysts can go a long way in avoiding problems. Before they become serious – and perhaps even prevent their occurrence in the first place.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Although most ovarian cysts are benign and asymptomatic, if you have a larger one, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
– Intermittent pelvic pain
– Painful sexsometimes just with deeper penetration, or just on one side
– A dull or sharp pain in the area below your belly button to one side
– Fullness, pressure or heaviness in the abdomen
– Bloating
– Cramps
If any of these symptoms are sudden or severe, or if you also experience fever or vomiting, it is absolutely recommended that you seek medical attention immediately.
Types of ovarian cysts
Not all ovarian cysts are the same. There are several types, including the following:
Functional cysts
By far the most common type of ovarian cyst, functional cysts are most often harmless and form during a normal menstrual cycle. They are usually benign and often disappear on their own. The two subtypes of functional cysts are follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
– Follicular cysts occur when a follicle (a fluid-filled sac containing an immature egg) fails to release an egg during ovulationInstead of rupturing to release the egg, the follicle continues to grow, forming a cyst.
– Corpus luteum cysts develop after an egg is released during ovulation. The empty follicle, called the corpus luteum, normally shrinks. However, if it fills with fluid and does not break down, it can turn into a cyst.
Dermoid cysts
Dermoid cysts, usually benign, or mature cystic teratomas, can contain a variety of tissues, including hair, skin, teeth, and even parts of other organs like the eyes or thyroid tissue, which is strange but true. Dermoid cysts develop from germ cells, which are present at the time of your birth, believe it or not. In some cases, these germ cells become trapped and, over time, develop into cysts.
Endometriomas
Also called chocolate cysts, endometriomas form when endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries in a condition known as endometriosis. They contain old blood, which gives them their “chocolate” color. Whether or not treatment is needed depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the cysts, whether they are painful, and your fertility goals.
Cystadenomas
Cystadenomas tend to develop on the surface of the ovaries. They are characterized by the presence of a cystic sac filled with fluid or mucus. Most cystadenomas are benign, although they can sometimes grow large enough to cause discomfort, pain, or other complications.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common hormonal imbalance that affects It is estimated that 8 to 13% of women of childbearing age. This condition causes multiple small cysts to form on the ovaries, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens (male hormones), and a higher risk of diabetes, among other health and fertility problems. Considered to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, PCOS is the most common cause of anovulation and a leading cause of infertility. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and medications.
Possible complications
Although it does not happen very often, complications can arise even with benign ovarian cysts.
These include:
Ovarian torsion
A cyst that is too large can cause the ovary to shift, increasing the risk of painful torsion. When this happens, you may experience sudden, severe pelvic pain, nausea, and vomiting. Ovarian torsion can also reduce or stop blood flow to the ovary. Torsion is considered a medical emergency.
Ruptured cyst
A cyst that bursts or ruptures can cause severe pain and bleeding inside the pelvis. The risk is higher for large cysts. Vigorous activity that affects the pelvis, such as vaginal intercourse, can also increase the risk of rupture. But whether or not a rupture is considered an emergency depends on your symptoms. For example, if you have sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or fainting, see a doctor immediately. On the other hand, if you have sudden pain that goes away quickly with little or no bleeding, you may be able to monitor the situation closely at home.
Treatment of ovarian cysts
Many doctors take a wait-and-see approach, especially with functional cysts. You may be asked to wait a few weeks (or after your period) and come back for an ultrasound to see if the cyst has gone away on its own. It can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months for a cyst to go away, but you should feel relief from any symptoms you have as it heals.
If you have crossed menopauseYour doctor may recommend an ultrasound and blood tests just to rule out any malignancy, since postmenopausal women have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
If you have a persistent or recurring ovarian cyst, a large cyst, or if you are experiencing severe symptoms, surgical removal may be the answer. However, surgery for ovarian cysts is considered a last resort and is usually only recommended if tests reveal a risk of cancer.
Prevention of ovarian cysts
According to doctors, there is no way to prevent most ovarian cysts. However, regular pelvic exams can definitely help ensure that any changes in your ovaries are detected as early as possible.
It may also be helpful to monitor changes in your menstrual cycle. Note any unusual symptoms, especially those that last more than a few cycles.
If you’re looking for a way to address the root causes of a hormonal imbalance and can’t find the help you need within the healthcare system, there’s growing evidence that a range of different natural health practitioners – from acupuncturists to osteopaths and naturopaths – can help manage the symptoms of ovarian cysts, or even eliminate their occurrence altogether. Additionally, as a baseline, a high hormone diet and one stable sleep schedule can also go a long way in helping you achieve optimal hormonal health.
You can do it. <3