What are ovarian cysts?

Do you feel a little discomfort, and wondering what could be the cause? Or you simply want to know if these discomforts are worth getting worked up? This article will give you the definition and basically everything you need to know about ovarian cysts.

What is an ovarian cyst?

It is a fluid-filled pocket or bag on an ovary surface or inside. There are two ovaries in a woman’s anatomy, and they are about the shape and size of an almond, which is on each side of the uterus.

Furthermore, women who are within the childbearing years release developed and mature eggs (ova) monthly. 

Does every woman get ovarian cyst?

Majority of women have ovarian cysts at some point in their lives, but not all women experience ovarian cyst. Besides, most ovarian cysts cause little or no discomfort in women, and they are harmless. Some ovarian cysts disappear within a few months without going for treatments.

Nonetheless, it is advisable to see your doctor as often as you can because ruptured cysts can cause painful symptoms. It is the reason women are advised to get regular pelvic exams; the symptoms can mean a potentially severe problem.

Furthermore, cysts are common in women with regular menstruations. Moreover, some women make a minimum of one follicle or corpus luteum cyst every month.

Ovarian cysts are not in postmenopausal women; however, ovarian cysts after menopause can lead to ovarian cancer.

You don’t need to be scared; you may not notice or feel that you have ovarian cyst unless you have a problem that induces the cyst to grow or if it comes in multiple forms. 

What are the symptoms of cysts?

Common symptoms of ovarian cysts are swelling or discomfort in one side of your lower stomach, pressure, and bloating. Moreover, you could experience some sharp or dull pains, and it appears and disappears.

Furthermore, you may need an emergency if you notice the following:

• Dizziness, feeling faint or weak.
• Fast breathing
• Pain with fever and throwing up
• Sudden severe stomach ache

It is vital to seek your doctor’s opinion if you think you have a cyst, irrespective of your age. Also, see your doctor if you feel any of the symptoms, it could be signs of other severe problem or a cyst.

What are the types of cysts?

As stated above, most cysts are part of the monthly cycle, and such cysts are follicle cyst and corpus luteum cyst.

Corpus luteum cyst: corpus luteum cyst happens when the egg is released, and the follicle does not shrink to help get ready for the next egg. Instead, it closes and gathers fluid in the sac. However, it may go away in a few weeks but may cause pain as it grows, and occasionally you bleed.

Follicle cyst, on the other hand, occurs when the sac does not open and causes a follicle cyst rather than for the follicle to break free and releases the egg. Follicle cyst may stay longer than the corpus luteum cyst; it often goes away in one to three months.

Furthermore, other cysts are nonfunctional; some women’s ovaries make a lot of small cysts, which is called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS makes it difficult to get pregnant. Also, other nonfunctional cysts may be signs of cancer.

As stated earlier, postmenopausal women suffering from ovarian cysts should see the doctor as soon as possible because they are likely to be cancerous.

What are the causes of cysts?

Some of the most common causes of ovarian cysts are:

Pregnancy

It is usual for ovarian cyst to develop in early pregnancies to support the pregnancy until the placenta forms. However, some cysts stay on the ovary until later in the pregnancy and may need to be removed.

It is worthy of note that these cysts are not cancerous and cannot harm the mother and the baby. Nonetheless, ovarian cysts that continue to grow during pregnancy can twist, rupture or cause problems during childbirth. 

Hormonal problems

Functional cysts can disappear without treatment, primarily when they are caused by hormonal problems or by drugs used to help a woman ovulate.

Endometriosis 

Women who have endometriosis can develop endometrioma; a type of ovarian cyst. The endometriosis tissue may likely attach to the ovary to form a growth. Unfortunately, these cysts are painful during periods or sex.

Pelvic infection

Ovarian cysts can be as a result of severe pelvic infections that have spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

How do can you prevent ovarian cyst?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent cysts, but regular pelvic examinations ensure that changes in the ovaries are detected on time 

Take note about changes in the monthly cycle, such as unusual menstrual symptoms, especially when it persists for more than a few cycles. Ask a local medical professional when you are not sure of the symptoms.

Useful treatments include products such as: Traditional Medicine