How to Know if I Have Ovarian Cysts

There are various types of ovarian cysts, but in most cases, they are part of a normal process in the menstrual cycle. When this happens, the cysts are called functional cysts. In a normal cycle, the ovaries increase in size, and a follicle grows inside one of them and releases the ovum at ovulation. However, if the follicle continues to grow, a functional cyst develops. There are two types:

• Follicular cysts: These happen when the follicle fails to release the egg, causing a fluid-filled cyst. Usually, these disappear after 2 or 3 menstrual cycles.
• Corpus luteum cysts: These occur after the egg is released, when the opening through which it came out closes and fluid accumulates within the follicle. Although these usually go away in a few weeks, they may grow larger and cause bleeding or twisting of the ovary.

It is important to distinguish functional cysts from tumours in the ovary. Some cysts are associated with hormonal imbalances, such as those linked to polycystic ovary syndrome, or with other conditions such as endometriosis. Most functional cysts are benign and resolve on their own, although a healthcare professional may recommend monitoring them.

If you want to know more about cysts, it's important to know that they can be very small and do not usually cause major problems. You may not be aware, but there could be a cyst growing inside you right now. Some cysts are discovered during a pelvic examination or imaging test for another reason. That's why it is important to attend routine health checks and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

An ovarian cyst may cause symptoms as it gets bigger. It may rupture, or the ovary may twist around the tissues that support it, a condition known as ovarian torsion. These complications can cause sudden pain and require urgent medical attention. When symptoms do appear, the symptoms of an ovarian cyst could be the following:

• Constant abdominal pain, which can spread to other parts like the back or legs.
• Abdominal swelling and a feeling of heaviness.
• Pelvic pain during menstruation.
• Menstrual irregularities.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Breast tenderness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Rectal pressure or pressure in the bladder.

These symptoms can also have other causes, so their presence alone does not confirm that you have an ovarian cyst.

If you experience the above symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your doctor, especially if they persist or get worse. You should seek urgent medical care if you notice severe pain accompanied by any of these symptoms:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Increased respiratory rate
• Weight loss for no apparent reason

To diagnose ovarian cysts, the specialist will perform a pelvic examination and may request various tests to determine what kind of cyst it is and what the most appropriate treatment is. Ultrasound is normally used to confirm the diagnosis, but it may be supplemented by other tests, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or flow studies. Blood tests may also be necessary to assess the possibility of ovarian cancer. The ultrasound can help show the cyst's size and appearance, while follow-up tests may be recommended depending on the results.

The treatment of ovarian cysts can be very different from one woman to another, and is determined based on the patient's age, the size and characteristics of the cyst, and the cause of the symptoms.

Generally, functional cysts, which we discussed in the first section, do not require specific treatment because they tend to disappear spontaneously after a few weeks (8 to 12). Of course, medical follow-up will be necessary to verify that the cyst does not grow and eventually disappears. For women who often have ovarian cysts, their doctor may recommend taking oral contraceptives to prevent new ones from forming, although this method does not reduce the size of existing cysts. The doctor may recommend repeat imaging to check whether a cyst is changing or resolving.

When an ovarian cyst is not functional or grows considerably after 2 or 3 menstrual cycles, the specialist may consider surgery to remove it. The techniques that can be used are laparoscopy and laparotomy. The choice depends on factors such as the cyst's size and appearance, as well as the patient's health.

It's very important to go to the gynaecologist regularly and have any recommended examinations. This can help monitor ovarian cysts and identify changes that may need further assessment. Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous, but a specialist can advise whether a cyst needs additional testing or treatment.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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