What are the Symptoms of a Cyst on the Ovaries?

Ovarian cysts are pretty common among women who are in their reproductive years. Many resources in the Internet have listed the symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries. All in all, they total to 26, but this article will only tackle the most common of them.

No Symptoms

It might be ironic to say that sometimes, one of the symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries is not having one. In fact, a large percentage of women who have ovarian cysts go through life without knowing that they have this condition.

Abdominal Pain

Experiencing abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries. As the reproductive system is situated in the lower abdomen, any abnormality in that system causes some pain within the area. The pain becomes more severe if the cyst bursts or if its stem is twisted. In such conditions, you’d need to seek immediate medical attention.

Pain during Sexual Intercourse

Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse is yet another one of the symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries. The cyst provides pressure in the abdomen, and any movement in the said area maybe painful. This is aggravated as the cyst grows bigger.

Vaginal Discharge

In some cases, you may notice vaginal discharges. In most cases, these would be composed of blood stemming from the cysts. This is one of the rare symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Having irregular menstrual cycle is probably the one of the most rational symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries. The presence of the cyst interferes with the normal functions of the ovaries and the hormones that signal the menstrual flow. As a result, anyone who has an ovarian cyst may have a delayed or very early period or will have a very heavy or conversely, a very light menstrual flow.

Painful or Frequent Urination

The location of your ovaries would also lead to disturbances in the neighbouring organs. As such, having the frequent urge to urinate or experiencing painful urination is also symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries. The cyst adds pressure to the bladder causing you to feel like urinating all the time.

Other Rare Symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries

Some women who have ovarian cysts feel nauseous, experience weight gain, or report changes in their bodily mechanisms. These symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries are hormonal – and this is but rational as the development of ovarian cysts is usually hormonal as well.

If you re-read the article, you’ll notice that the symptoms are fairly generic and can also be manifestations of other illnesses. While that claim is true, it’s always better for you to be safe than sorry. If you’ve been experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms of a cyst on the ovaries, don’t hesitate to go to a doctor. You won’t lose anything if your doctor says nothing’s wrong with you. And if he or she indeed finds an ovarian cyst, he/she will always know of an appropriate treatment procedure for you.

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Tests And Diagnosis For Cysts On Ovaries

There are some women who discovered that they have a cyst on the ovary by accident during a routine pelvic exam. Lucky for them! It does not always occur in all cases that telltale signs and symptoms for cysts on ovaries appear. Some women only find out that they have ovarian cysts when the condition has already progressed, or worse, when it's already too late. It is because of this that further testing is performed for cysts on ovaries to determine whether or not they are cancerous. Here are some of the most common procedures used to look for cysts on ovaries.

Imaging

Doctors usually rely on ultrasound, MRIs, CT, and PET scans to visualize the cyst, the ovary, and its surrounding organs. The ultrasound, which creates an image using sound waves, can determine the size and the location of the cyst. The other three (MRI, CT, and PET scan) can give a more detailed image for cysts on ovaries and are used to determine if it has spread, and if it has, how far it has gone.

Hormones

Hormonal levels are also checked for cysts on ovaries. The hormones that are usually included in this testing are the estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. This is a very non-invasive method to look for cysts on ovaries that's preferred by both patients and doctors alike.

Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy testing is also done to search for cysts on ovaries. A positive result would probably indicate that it is a corpus luteum cyst which has developed from a ruptured follicle when the egg was released from the ovary. It is also necessary because the treatment approach for cysts on ovaries while a woman is pregnant is different from the treatment given to non-pregnant women.

Serum CA-125 Assay

This is a blood test for cysts on ovaries that will check for the protein levels of CA-125, a cancer antigen. This is used to assess the possibility of ovarian cancer and also to determine if a cyst on the ovary is cancerous or not. But still, this test is not so reliable since there are other cases that would cause CA-125 to be elevated like in endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Blood levels of CA-125 can also elevate in benign cysts.

Surgery

Doctors sometimes use laparoscopic surgery for cysts on ovaries to take a small sample of the cyst for biopsy. This will positively determine whether the cyst is cancerous or not. The doctor will also be able to directly visualize the cyst and its surrounding organs and be able to judge whether to take out the cyst or the entire ovary right then and there.

By performing these tests and procedures for cysts on ovaries, your doctor will be able to properly diagnose the cyst and learn its size, shape, composition, and whether or not it’s cancerous. This would also greatly help in appropriately managing and treating the cyst, and ultimately, give you the peace of mind that you need.

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What Do You Do When You Find A Cyst on Ovaries?

What do you do when you find a cyst on ovaries? For sure the first reaction would be shock and disbelief. Then comes the anxiety towards its risks to your health and you begin to wonder if your life would end soon. But when those initial responses subside, what do you actually do to a cyst on ovaries?

Women all over the world who have been afflicted with this illness have sought ways to rid themselves of a cyst on ovaries for good. It is lucky that modern technology have made it possible to expand the treatment options for women.

The Symptoms

Finding the right treatment for a cyst on ovaries vary from one case to another. There are factors in which one treatment would be good for a certain case, but it won’t be appropriate for another.

One factor that affects the treatment for a cyst on ovaries is the symptom. There are women who do not present a single symptom, but then find out that she has a cyst on ovaries. For this, pain relievers will obviously not be prescribed since pain isn’t present. There are some women, however, who experience a whole lot of pain, and for this, they will need pain medications.

Pre or Postmenopausal

It would also matter if the woman is premenopausal or postmenopausal in treating a cyst on ovaries. If the woman is premenopausal and she isn’t complaining of any symptoms that affect her daily activities, then the cyst will only be closely observed for about a month and given the chance to go away on its own. If the woman with a cyst on ovaries is postmenopausal, on the other hand, and she presents inconvenient symptoms with the chance of malignancy, then it should be removed.

The O.C.

The treatment for a cyst on ovaries also includes the use of hormonal contraception. Combined oral contraceptive pills are packed with hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. These pills help prevent the formation of cysts by preventing ovulation, and in theory, it could also reduce the size of an existing cyst.

Surgery

When the a cyst on ovaries is unresponsive to conservative treatment, causes a great deal of pain, keeps on growing, doesn’t go away on its own after two months, and looks cancerous over the ultrasound, then it is a candidate for surgery.

With the advancement of technology, women do not have to worry about huge surgical scars on the abdomen from the removal of a cyst on ovaries. Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions where a thin lighted instrument is passed through. This instrument is then used to visualize the cyst and remove it.

Follow-Up Care

Just because a cyst on ovaries has been removed doesn’t mean that its treatment is over. Continuous follow-ups with the doctor should be made regularly to ensure that it stays out. Gynecologic examinations should also be done at regular intervals, especially for women who have a history of ovarian cysts.

So what do you do when you find a cyst on ovaries? Treat it right away and do the necessary changes in your lifestyle to make sure it doesn’t come back.

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Undergoing an Operation for the Removal of Cyst on Ovaries: The Nitty Gritty of the Decision

Most ovarian cysts are simple and they disappear as time goes by. This category is collectively known as functional cysts. Other types, however, need to be taken out. The removal of cyst on ovaries becomes necessary especially if it’s getting larger and it has been negatively affecting the woman’s daily functioning. Removal of cyst on ovaries among pregnant women is also needed and this procedure is very delicate.

Reluctance

It is common for women to be reluctant in subjecting themselves to surgery, especially if this has something to do with their reproductive system. Although most surgeries catering to the removal of cyst on ovaries are minimally invasive, the fear of the unknown and being “under the knife” causes a number of second thoughts.

Going through surgery for the removal of cyst on ovaries is no easy decision. To get a better view of the cyst, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopy – wherein a small cut is made in the navel and a needle is inserted. Usually, if the cyst is small enough, the removal of cyst on ovaries is done by draining its contents.

In the event that a simple laparoscopy creates possibilities of the cyst bursting or of its contents spilling, then a more complicated operation will be carried out. This is called a laparotomy. This technique requires a larger incision on top of the pubic hairline.

In some cases, however, your surgeon may need to remove more than just the cyst or its contents. In some cases, what might be a simple removal of cyst on ovaries becomes very complicated leading to any of the following: (a) oophorectomy, the removal of one ovary (b) bilateral oophorectomy, the removal of both ovaries (c) salpingectomy, the removal of both ovaries and the fallopian tubes and (d) hysterectomy, the removal of your womb or uterus.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Before you agree to undergo an operation related to the removal of cyst on ovaries, you need to prepare yourself, first and foremost. The best way for such a healthy preparation is to know all sides of the story. Don’t be shy to ask your doctor questions pertaining to the long term effects of the removal of cyst on ovaries.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. What kind of procedure will the doctor be conducting – a laparoscopic fenestration or a laparotomy?

2. How long will the procedure last?

3. What are you expected to feel right after the removal of cyst on ovaries? Better yet, ask: what are you expected to feel before and during the operation?

4. Will there only be a removal of cyst on ovaries or will the ovaries and other organs be taken out too?

5. What changes are expected to be seen or felt right after the successful removal of cyst on ovaries?

6. Will the operation affect your sex life?

True, the decision on whether to undergo an operation or not is hard. It needs careful consideration and a lot of courage – not to mention money! So before you stress yourself out with the prospect of an operation, make sure, first and foremost, than the surgery is absolutely necessary.

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Ruptured Cyst on Ovaries: Don't Take Any Chances

The presence of a ruptured cyst on ovaries is a fairly common occurrence. It does not necessarily mean something that is life threatening, or something that should be treated by a doctor. In order to know if the ruptured cyst on ovaries should be a medical issue, one must get back to the basics and know what type of cyst it is.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are generally two classifications of cysts: the simple cyst and the complex cyst. The difference of both are in their make up, size, and etymology, or cause. Simple cysts are also called functional cysts and are often just a natural part of the menstrual process. Complex cysts, on the other hand, may grow from tissues that are foreign to the ovaries and are often a cause for some concern.

The Dangers and Symptoms of a Ruptured Cyst on Ovaries

If the ruptured cyst on ovaries is of the simple type, these types of cysts are very rarely life threatening and may be treated with medication, or not at all and be left to resolve itself. They can, however, cause some discomfort, bleeding, or even an unreasonable amount of pain.

If the ruptured cyst on ovaries is of the complex kind, not only are these types of cysts extremely painful, these can also endanger your life. When complex cysts rupture due to their considerable size (these can grow up to 12 inches in diameter), these can cause internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, and infection. You'll find yourself feeling faint and nauseous, and your breasts may feel tender and sore. Even the complete absence of - or at least, irregular - menstrual bleeding could be a symptom of a ruptured cyst on ovaries.

Diagnosing Cysts

The dangers that a ruptured cyst on ovaries pose are quite considerable, and most of the time, these cysts are caught before they actually do so. Cysts on the ovaries may be felt by your doctor during a physical pelvic exam. The next step in diagnosing the type of cyst (should the doctor deem it necessary) would be to view the cyst under an ultrasound, or an x-ray. If further testing is required to see the actual composition of the cyst, a tissue sample may be extracted.

Treatment

In the best case scenario, a ruptured cyst on ovaries will cause pain and bleeding that will resolve itself in a couple of weeks. Treatment with antibiotics also seem to help with the healing process and the prevention of infection. Painkillers are also an option, as well as bed rest.

There are cases, however when the ruptured cyst on ovaries may have to be removed surgically through a laparotomy (also known as open surgery), or laparoscopy, which is a less invasive procedure through small incisions.

Having a cyst on the ovaries doesn't mean it's something to panic about. Having a ruptured cyst on ovaries, however, is an entirely different story. Although it could very well be nothing, it doesn't pay to take any chances because it just might be something.

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Follicular Cysts on Ovaries Dissected

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs, and these are probably the most common problems related to the overall female reproductive health. Ovarian cysts actually come in five types, and the most common of these is the functional cyst. Follicular cysts on ovaries form one of the two kinds of functional cysts.

Understanding Follicular Cysts on Ovaries

As the name suggests, follicular cysts on ovaries result from an abnormality of the growth of the follicle. The follicle is basically the sac that contains fluid and an immature egg. Normally, as it releases this immature egg, the follicle has to rupture and shrink. A woman develops follicular cysts on ovaries if the follicle, for some reason, does not release the egg. If the follicle becomes too large, follicular cysts on ovaries also result.

The other kind of functional cyst is the corpus luteum. Contrary to follicular cysts on ovaries, this type is the result of the follicle not disintegrating – that is to say, not going through the 'rupture and shrink' part of the process, also for some unknown reason - after the release of the egg. Instead, it fills itself up with fluid, reseals, and grows bigger.

Should You Let Functional Cysts Worry You?

Medically speaking, follicular cysts on ovaries are not a cause of extreme worry. Studies have shown that most functional cysts are benign – meaning, they are not cancerous – because of the fact that they are products of the normal processes involved in a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle.

The growth of follicular cysts on ovaries usually comes unnoticed. As such, women with this condition may go through life without knowing that there are abnormal entities growing within their ovaries. However, when these follicular cysts on ovaries grow bigger than the normal 2 inches in diameter, they may cause pain in the pelvic area, or the lower abdomen. At this point, it's almost impossible to ignore the telltale presence of follicular cysts on ovaries.

Treatment for follicular cysts on ovaries is also pretty simple and straightforward. Usually, doctors just calmly tell their patients to “wait and see.” Though this may not sound very scientific or medical, this is actually correct. Because follicular cysts on ovaries result from a normal bodily process, so will their disintegration. These cysts are said to “automatically” disappear after two to three menstrual cycles.

Sometimes, a prescription of oral medications may be necessary to either prevent ovulation, or to ease the pain associated with these ovarian cysts. In some instances, simple surgery may be required to remove these follicular cysts on ovaries.

But no matter how convincing the various information regarding the “harmlessness” of these follicular cysts on ovaries are, women still do not sleep soundly at night if they know that they have these masses growing within. This is a normal reaction, especially considering the stigma that comes with the the word “cyst.” Hopefully, these pieces of information would somehow ease the stress of those who were found to be carrying these more-often-than-not-harmless follicular cysts on ovaries.

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Large Cysts on Ovaries: Your Questions Answered

The existence of cysts in the ovaries are a given. Cysts are almost as much a part of being a woman as the menstrual cycle itself. Cysts form in the ovary during the development of the egg cell, and at any given time of your life as a woman, you will likely have a functional cyst in your ovaries. These are generally small, benign, and will resolve themselves without any outside help. However, these small cysts can – and often will - turn into a problem if (or when) they develop into large cysts on ovaries.

What are the Types of Large Cysts on Ovaries?

There are types of large cysts on ovaries that have different histories or causes, such as dermoid cysts, which come from non-differentiated cells that can develop into fully mature tissues like teeth, eyes, skin, hair, and so on; endometrionoma, or when the uterine cells start growing outside the uterus and grow on the ovaries; and cystadenomas that come from neoplastic materials, or abnormal cells. Large cysts on ovaries, therefore, are complex and can only be removed through surgery in most cases.

How Large is 'Large' Cysts on Ovaries?

Generally, in order to be classified as large cysts on ovaries, cysts must reach at least six centimeters, or two inches in diameter to be of medical concern. Cysts smaller than that will, of course, still be monitored to see if they will grow bigger, but until they reach the said size, surgery is not really an option.

The sizes of large cysts on ovaries, if left unchecked, can grow up to twelve inches in diameter. Aside from the complications that the sheer size of large cysts on ovaries can cause, there are also concerns about the risk of cancer, as well. These large cysts on ovaries are very painful because of their tendency to twist into themselves, a condition known as 'torque'. There is also the pressure of its bulk that builds up inside the body against other soft tissues or nearby organs; thus, obstructing normal bodily processes. The risk of cancer is apparent in large cysts on ovaries because of its propensity to grow and develop from abnormal tissues.

What to Do with Large Cysts on Ovaries?

With surgery being the most viable course of action in the treatment of large cysts on ovaries, a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, including age, habits, and genetics (to name a few) are done, as well as the growth and content of the cyst itself. This is done through a series of examinations, including physical exams, blood exams, ultrasound, and tissue sampling – all with the hope of determining if surgery really is necessary, or if other less invasive options are available, and even if it's safe to leave it alone completely.

Whatever the case, remember that it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult your doctor to find out for sure. When it comes to large cysts on ovaries, taking chances is simply not an option.

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