subject: Ovarian Cysts in Women [print this page] Ovarian Cysts in Women Ovarian Cysts in Women
Being aware of your body is the most proactive and efficient way to maintain your overall health and well-being. Women, especially, are strongly encouraged by their Obstetrics/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) to have their annual screenings and pelvic examinations to detect abnormal changes in their bodies. Statistics have shown that almost 80% of all women will acquire an ovarian cyst at some point in their lives, but most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless.
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac of blood or tissue that forms on or inside the ovary and are especially common during a woman's childbearing years. Ovarian cysts typically vary in size, from the size of a walnut to the size of a softball. The majority of ovarian cysts disappear within weeks to a few months. However, the best way to protect your health is to understand the symptoms and type of ovarian cysts that can potentially be a serious problem if not treated early.
Recognizing the different types of cysts is essential to how to treat these growths in the ovaries. There are two major types of ovarian cysts that normally grow. Functional ovarian cysts are easily the most common of all varieties and generally develop during menstruation. Cysts of these types are simply treated and may cause little or no problems. The Corpus luteum cyst tends to be the larger cyst and is more likely to rupture causing an increase in abdominal pain. Doctors are not the only ones who benefit in knowing the different types of cysts and how they differ from one another.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ovarian cysts are quite similar to those of other medical conditions, so it is very important to monitor changes in your body and notify your OB/GYN if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
Pain during bowel movements
Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness similar to that experienced during pregnancy
Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
Further complications can develop if the cyst bleeds, ruptures, twists or places pressure on other body organs, such as the bladder. In the event that this occurs, prompt diagnosis and treatment from your doctor can minimize pain, the chances of infertility and experiencing shock.
Treatment
Normally treatment is not required for many ovarian cysts that are not cancerous or cause serious symptoms. However, several factors including your age, whether you are having menstrual cycles, the size and type of the cysts and your symptoms are determinants of your treatment for ovarian cysts. Your OB/GYN doctor may suggest one of the following:
Watchful waiting. Some cysts cause no problems and may shrink or disappear over time.
Birth control pills. This stops ovulation which reduces the chance of new cysts developing in future menstrual cycles.
Surgical cyst removal. If the cyst is large, causes pain or continues to grow, your doctor may suggest surgery to remove it and avoid the risk of ovarian cancer.
These are the most prevalent treatments for ovarian cysts. The earlier the cysts are detected, the less severe the recommended treatment. Seeking medical attention is always a good idea as doctors can help manage the symptoms and offer expert advice before the ovarian cysts become a threat to your health.
Doctor appointments can sometimes be brief so it is very important that you are prepared to ask your doctor important questions concerning your health. Ovarian cysts can be harmful if they are not treated properly, so do not hesitate to ask your doctor to repeat information or ask follow-up questions for clarification. Although there is no definite way to prevent the growth of ovarian cysts, regular pelvic examinations are a preventive way to track any changes in your ovaries. Be alert and notify your local OB/GYN to ensure your overall health.
