Ovarian cysts are touted to be a common condition. Most women have chances of developing ovarian cysts at any point in their lives.
Often symptomless and painless, ovarian cysts are usually the sign of ovulation. Though, in certain cases they appear with severe symptoms and may need immediate medical attention and best-in-class ovarian cyst treatment.
However, before getting any treatment for ovarian cysts, it is essential to know about these cysts in detail, recognise the onset of its symptoms and choose the ovarian cyst treatment accordingly.
What is ovarian cyst?
Fluid-filled sac in your ovary is known as an ovarian cyst. During the ovulation process, these cysts can develop either inside or on the outer surface of ovaries. This medical condition is quite noticeable in women during their reproductive age.
Most cysts are tiny and can go away in between two to three menstrual cycles. However, there can also be large size cysts of around 2.5 cm. These cysts can lead to abdomen swelling, severe nausea, pain in pelvic or difficulty in passing bowels. Moreover, there are high chances of experiencing irregular periods, weight loss or pain during sex.
Therefore, in this case taking ovarian cyst treatment becomes a wise move. Certain big cysts may also need surgical treatment. Though, if not treated at the right times, ovarian cysts can become so big that it can cause several other problems like PCOD. Moreover, they can also enhance your risk of the condition of ovarian rupture.
Therefore, it is essential to take in consideration the noteworthy symptoms of these cysts and to go for ovarian cyst treatment on time.
Various Types of Cysts
Ovarian cyst treatment depends mainly on the type of cyst you are having. Categorically, these cysts can be of following type:
● Functional Cysts: These cysts are considered as the most common type of ovarian cysts. Women in their reproductive stage have more chances of getting these cysts. These cysts can disappear between three to four months.
● Dermoid cyst: Young women have a high risk of getting these cysts. These types of cysts mainly contain bone, hair, fatty tissue or even part of a tooth.
● Cystadenomas: These are the ovarian cysts that can develop on an ovary’s outer surface. These cysts can be filled with different types of fluids.
● Endometriomas: A woman having endometriomas can develop more than one ovarian cyst. In this medical condition, your uterine lining also called endometrium is found on the outside of a uterus. Though, in many cases, these cysts are also filled with blood.
A cyst can be of any type. Though, you may need to undergo ideal ovarian cyst treatment based on the type of cyst you have.
Who is at the risk of getting ovarian cysts?
Before starting ovarian cyst treatment, it is pivotal to know about the risk factors of ovarian cysts. Moreover, it is wise to note that anyone can develop ovarian cysts irrespective of age. However, chances of getting cysts enhances on the basis of:
● Age: Age is the utmost factor that highly affects your risk of getting ovarian cysts. These cysts are more common in women of reproductive age. Or, in the case of women who haven’t yet reached their menopause.
● Pregnancy Status: Ovarian cysts have high chances of formation during pregnancy.
● History of Getting Cysts: If you have the history of ovarian cyst, there are high chances that you can also get them in the future.
● Current Medical Condition: The chances of getting an ovarian cyst also increases if you have medical conditions like hormonal problems, endometriosis or pcos.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts are benign. It means they can go on their own without the need of any ovarian cyst treatment. However, certain cysts are quite large. And in the case of large cysts, some uncomfortable symptoms may appear.
Moreover, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of your ovarian cysts. These causes include;
● Menstrual Cycle: Functional cysts usually form during your menstrual cycle. Every month, a follicle can grow to release eggs. Cysts can be developed if the follicle doesn't release an egg. Moreover, hormone related problems can also increase your chances of getting these risks.
● PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome is defined as a hormonal disorder that can basically lead to development of small cysts. Though, these cysts are not very harmful. Hence, you may need not to go for any surgical intervention.
● Pregnancy: A cyst named corpus luteum has high chances of forming in the initial stage of your pregnancy. These cysts can be formed to support a baby and can go away in your second trimester. Though, ovarian cyst treatment is needed if they don’t go away on their own. These cysts can usually cause several symptoms like pressure in the abdomen or dull ache. But surgery is not recommended in this case.
● Infections: Certain pelvic infections can also enhance your chances of getting ovarian risks in case these infections spread to your ovaries. Depending upon the type and size of a cyst, you will receive ovarian cyst treatment
● Endometriosis: This is defined as a condition where tissue grows outside the uterus instead of growing inside. The tissue also has the chance of attaching to your ovaries. This can cause formation of an ovarian cyst called endometrioma. An ultrasound may be needed to check the appearance or symptoms of this cyst and to discover if you have endometrioma or not.
● Congenital Conditions: If skin layers are not formed as they could during the development of a baby in a uterus, a dermoid cyst has chances of its formation. This cyst could be identified during an ultrasound or a pelvic exam. Regular checkups would be needed to keep an eye on cysts. These cysts can become large. This, aggravating your risk of getting ovarian torsion - a medical condition where ovaries become twisted around its supported tissues.
● Abnormal Cell Growth: Cysts that get formed through abnormal cell growth are known as pathological cysts. These cysts include; dermoid cysts, endometriomas or cystadenomas. They are basically formed on an ovary’s surface. Though, these cysts can be cancerous and may have a characteristic type appearance. These cysts need special attention. Hence, ovarian cyst treatment in this case depends on various factors like age of a patient or size of a cyst.
Treatment of Ovarian Cyst
The first step of ovarian cyst treatment is to recognise its symptoms. Small cysts may not cause any symptoms. They are straightforward in most cases.
But these cysts can’t be ignored. You may have a small cyst but may still get bloating or abdominal pain. Large cysts may cause severe symptoms and are usually diagnosed with the help of a CT scan or an ultrasound.
You may experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms which will be evaluated while you undergo ovarian cyst treatment:
● Bloating, pressure or swelling in your abdominal pain
● Dull pain in lower abdomen
● Dull pain in your lower back
● Frequent urination
● Too low or too high vaginal bleeding
● Pelvic pain
● Pain during sex
● Unexplained weight gaining
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts
Diagnosis of an ovarian cyst is extremely important to start ovarian cyst treatment in the right direction. A cyst in an ovary is found with the help of an imaging test or pelvic exam.
Based on the size of your ovarian cyst and if the cyst is solid or filled with fluid, a healthcare provider recommends several tests. These tests are helpful in determining the type of cyst and choosing the right ovarian cyst treatment.
Some of the diagnosis tests are:
● Pregnancy Test: Positive test may indicate early pregnancy. In pregnancy, Corpus Luteum cysts are most likely to occur.
● Pelvic Ultrasound: Transducer is used for sending and receiving high frequency sound waves. They help in creating accurate images of a uterus or an ovary on ultrasound. This image can be used to confirm size and location of a cyst.
● Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy [ slim, lighted tool] is inserted into the abdomen with the help of an incision. With this laparoscopy, your medical provider can clearly see ovaries and cysts [ if it exists]. In case a cyst is found, the surgical procedure can be recommended as a part of your ovarian cyst treatment
● Tumor Marker Test: Cancer antigen [ protein blood levels ] gets elevated in case of ovarian cancer. If a cyst is solid, you may be at the high risk of getting ovarian cancer. Hence, further blood tests and cancer antigen tests might be recommended to rule out all the possibilities.
Best Ovarian Cyst Treatment
Treatment for an ovarian cyst mainly depends on the type and size of your cyst. Some ovarian cysts are too small and can disappear or dissolve in a few months. They may not show any symptoms. Hence, any type of ovarian cyst treatment may not be needed.
Watchful Waiting
This policy is highly suggested to follow in case the cysts are too small and they are not causing any pain. You may not get any treatment at first. However, you need to go for an ultrasound scan a few months later to check if the cyst exists or not.
If you are at the stage of menopause, blood tests and ultrasounds are recommended after every four months as a part of your ovarian cyst treatment.
If no cyst appears in the scan, further treatment would not be needed. Though, if the cyst still exists, you may need to go for treatment.
Medicines
There are no specific medications for ovarian cysts. Though, in case of severe pain, your doctor may prescribe certain medications. Birth control pills and hormonal treatment can also be recommended as part of ovarian cyst treatment.
Surgery
There can be large ovarian cysts that may need surgical intervention. Moreover, surgery is also advised if there are chances of cysts being cancerous.
Generally two types of surgeries are recommended as a part of ovarian cyst treatment. These surgeries include; laparoscopy and laparotomy.
Laparoscopy
Most ovarian cysts need laparoscopy for cyst removal. This is defined as a keyhole surgery where the surgeon makes small cuts in the tummy. This blows gas into your pelvis and allows a surgeon to easily access ovaries.
A laparoscope is used and passed into the abdomen so as to see all internal organs. Then, he removes the ovarian cyst by making small cuts in the skin.
After your cyst is removed, dissolvable stitches are used to close the cuts. This surgery is preferred as part of your ovarian cyst treatment as it involves less pain and fast recovery.
Laparotomy
Ovarian cyst treatment is an ideal option in case of large cysts. In this surgery, a surgeon will first make a big cut into your belly. This is helpful to reach your ovaries and cysts in a better way.
In case of large and cancerous surgeries that may cause some serious issues, this type of ovarian cyst treatment is recommended.
Conclusion
Cysts are not a serious medical condition or something that can send shivers down your spine. However, ovarian cysts, whether big or small, can't be ignored.
Sometimes they can cause pain and don’t go away. In this case, get immediate medical help so that an ideal ovarian cyst treatment would be started in the right direction.
FAQ
How common are large ovarian cysts?
Several medical studies show that about 8% premenopausal women have chances of developing large cysts. In this case right ovarian cyst treatment like surgery would be an ideal option.
Can a cyst stop my period?
A cyst might not stop your period but it may cause irregular periods. If a cyst is there, periods may come late.
Can a woman become pregnant with cyst?
Yes, a woman can become pregnant with a cyst as they don’t generally make it harder to conceive. However, if a cyst is mainly caused by some underlying condition, you may have fertility problems. In this case, you may need wise ovarian cyst treatment.
How much size of cyst is considered normal?
A small cyst of 1-3 cm with simple appearance is considered normal. These cysts may not pose any symptoms or may not require any ovarian cyst treatment.
Can any ovarian cyst raise the chances of cancer?
Most ovarian cysts are considered benign. They are not cancerous. It is a rare case for cancer to become the cause of a cyst for premenopausal women.
Which vitamin is good for ovarian cyst?
Generally vitamin C is good for ovarian cysts. It is considered as a vital nutrient to boost immune activity. Ideal working of the immune system can destroy abnormal cells and may reduce chances of ovarian cysts.
Can medicines help in dissolving cysts?
Medicines are basically used as a part of ovarian cyst treatment to reduce pain. Hormonal medicines and birth control pills are helpful with management of symptoms. Though, it may not dissolve an ovarian cyst?