Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid and they are formed if the egg is not released during the woman’s menstrual cycle. They are very common among women of all ages. The most typical types of cysts are follicular cysts. They are usually harmless and generally disappear after ovulation.
Corpus Luteum cysts are less common. They develop after the egg is released during the menstrual cycle. They are more common in smokers. Endometriomas, also known as chocolate cysts, are the third type of ovarian cysts. They can cause adhesions and lead to extreme pelvic pain.
If a woman suspects that she has ovarian cysts, and they are starting to bother her, it is wise to meet a physician. Common symptoms include irregular menstruation, pain during sex, and pain in the abdomen and pelvic areas.
Diagnosing a cyst is usually done through trans-vaginal ultrasound. Other methods can also be used such as CT or MRI. Once diagnosed a physician will determine which ovarian cyst treatment is best for the specific patient.
One typical treatment for ovarian cysts is to start taking birth control pills. In this way, a hormonal imbalance can be corrected. Also, painkillers may be prescribed to relieve the pain when it starts.
Sometimes a surgery is required. In the case where both ovaries are full of cysts, the only option might be the removal of both ovaries (oophorectomy).
Also, in those cases where the cyst is over six centimeters, or doesn’t disappear over time, a surgery may also be required.
Anytime a mass appears and it is thought to be cancerous a physician will have the ovary removed. This might include a young girl who has never had a menstrual period or an older woman who has already been through menopause.
After removing the ovary it will be tested for malignant cells. Other ovary is often tried to save that the patient is able to have children in the future.
Surgery should always be the last option in treating ovarian cysts since all cyst removals involve some risks. In an ovarian cyst removal bowels and bladder are at risk of getting damaged. It can also cause some complications, such as infections and serious pain due to scar tissue that may develop. This is the reason why the whole ovary is sometimes removed in more serious cases.
Laparoscopy is a small operation and it doesn’t take long to recover. The patient can often go home within the day after the operation. This technique can be used if the cysts are small enough.
A traditional laparotomy may be used if the mass is too large or cancer is suspected. This requires a longer recovery. The patient may be in the hospital anywhere from 4 to 7 days and it will be at least 4 to 6 weeks before any heavy lifting can be done.
Generally, ovarian cysts are harmless. However, if they cause some problems for a woman they usually can be treated by an OB/GYN.