Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs on the ovaries that commonly are present in women of reproductive age. Research has shown that nearly all women eventually get at least one ovarian cyst of some kind. Women need to know about types, causes, symptoms, treatment possibilities for ovarian cysts.

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are subdivided into functional or pathological. Functional cysts, including but not limited to follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts, are the most common type of cyst. Functional cysts include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts which form every month. Follicular cysts are cysts that form after an ovarian follicle fails to release an egg and corpus luteum cysts are after an ovarian follicle releases an egg but does not dissolve as it should.

Pathological cysts however occur less often and may need medical attention. Cystadenomas, which are the development of the tissue of the ovary, can become very big; endometriomas, associated with endometriosis; dermoid cysts, which contain hair, skin and even teeth.

Causes and Risk Factors

Ovarian cysts arise because of hormonal imbalances, most often due to the menstrual cycle. The development of functional cysts depends on hormonal fluctuations. The development of cysts is more likely to happen under certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition which results from multiple cysts on the ovaries and an irregular menstrual cycle. Other risk factors include endometriosis, pregnancy and a family history of ovarian cysts.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Virtually all ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and unlikely to produce objective symptoms. But some women may have pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular periods. Complications, like a ruptured cyst or ovarian torsion can cause severe symptoms like sudden, severe pain, fever and vomiting — and these require immediate treatment with a gynecologist in Lahore.

Ovarian cysts are usually diagnosed with imaging tests. Your doctors most commonly use ultrasound to see the cysts and see how big they are and how they look. Blood tests such as the CA-125 test may screen for ovarian cancer for women with complicated cysts and women at high risk for ovarian cancer. In some cases additional evaluation may be carried out with an MRI or CT scan.

Treatment Options

• Watchful Waiting

Treatment for ovarian cysts will vary, depending on which type and whether they are symptoms. For small, functional cysts causing few, if any symptoms, this sometimes calls for watchful waiting. And many cysts will resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles so most doctors will recommend regular follow up appointments to monitor your cysts.

• Medications

Medications like hormonal birth control can be prescribed by healthcare providers for them to prevent cysts from forming. Other common medicines can also help with discomfort with over the counter pain relievers.

• Surgical Options

Your doctor may need to remove cysts if they are large, persistent, or suspected to be cancerous. Removal of smaller cysts is usually done using laparoscopy: a minimally invasive procedure. Larger surgical procedure, the laparotomy, is needed for more complex cases if they are to undergo thorough examination and removal of the cyst.

• Alternative Treatment and Lifestyle Changes

Most of these treatments are effective but some women may wish to try alternative medicines or lifestyle changes to cope with symptoms. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques helps working towards overall reproductive health. Nevertheless, it still needs to be addressed whether or not the alternative treatments are carried out safely and efficiently.

Problems and When to Ask for Help

Most ovarian cysts are harmless but can get complicated. Severe pain can result from ovarian torsion, when a cyst twists the ovary, and treatment is necessary immediately. In addition, cysts can burst resulting in internal bleeding and may become infected requiring emergency care.

If you have sudden severe abdominal or pelvic pain and other symptoms such as fever, see a gynecologist in Karachi right away. The way that recognizing complications could be the difference between preventing more serious health problems.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

Prevention of ovarian cysts entails scheduling regular gynecological checks and some knowledge of personal risk factors. On the other hand, you could also keep your risk for cyst formation low by being healthy and doing so through a balanced lifestyle, such as by eating healthy and exercising regularly. Family and genetic history will help you take proactive measures to prevent diseases.

Conclusion

Ovarian cyst is a common benign condition in many women. Women who have an understanding of their nature, causes, symptoms, and treatment options take control of their reproductive health. Women suffering symptoms should not be afraid to seek medical advice as early intervention can prevent complications and well being. Being open to and staying informed about reproductive health will pave a healthier future.