5 Causes, Symptoms & Treatments for Ovarian Cysts

What Is Ovarian Cyst?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. They can occur at any age but are most common in women of reproductive age. While most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own, some can cause pain and other complications. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for ovarian cysts.

Causes of ovarian cysts:

There are several possible causes of ovarian cysts, including:

1. Hormonal imbalances: Ovarian cysts can form when there is an imbalance of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle. This can cause the ovaries to produce too much fluid, resulting in the formation of cysts.
2. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, often on the ovaries. This can cause the formation of cysts.
3. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the ovaries may form cysts called corpus luteum cysts. These cysts usually disappear on their own after the first trimester.
4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause the formation of multiple cysts on the ovaries.
5. Pelvic infections: Infections in the pelvic area, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause the formation of ovarian cysts.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts:

Many women with ovarian cysts do not experience any symptoms and are not aware that they have them. However, some common symptoms of ovarian cysts include:

1. Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen: This can be a dull ache or a sharp pain that comes and goes.
2. Bloating or swelling in the abdomen: This can make your clothes feel tight and uncomfortable.
3. Changes in menstrual cycle: Ovarian cysts can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or spotting between periods.
4. Pain during sex: This can occur if the cysts are large enough to put pressure on the cervix or uterus.
5. Difficulty emptying your bladder: Large ovarian cysts can press on the bladder, causing difficulty with urination.

Treatments for ovarian cysts:

Most ovarian cysts are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if you are experiencing symptoms or if the cysts are causing complications, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:

1. Watchful waiting: In some cases, your doctor may recommend monitoring the cysts over time to see if they go away on their own.
2. Birth control pills: Hormonal birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent the formation of new cysts.
3. Medications: Hormonal birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent the development of new cysts. Pain relievers can also help relieve ovarian cyst pain and discomfort.
4. Surgery: If the cyst is large or causing severe pain, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it. In some cases, the entire ovary may need to be removed.
5. Laparoscopy: In this minimally invasive procedure, a small incision is made in the abdomen, and a tiny camera is inserted to allow the surgeon to view and remove the cyst.
6. Laparotomy: In this more invasive procedure, a larger incision is made in the abdomen, and the cyst is removed.

Prevention of Ovarian Cysts:

While there is no surefire way to prevent ovarian cysts from developing, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These steps may include:

1. Taking hormonal birth control pills: Birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent the development of new ovarian cysts.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing ovarian cysts, so maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce your risk.
3. Seeing your doctor regularly: Regular pelvic exams and ultrasounds can help detect ovarian cysts symptoms  early, when they are easier to treat.
4. Treating endometriosis: If you have endometriosis, it is important to work with your doctor to manage the condition, as it can increase your risk of developing ovarian cysts.
5. Avoiding smoking: Smoking can disrupt hormone levels and increase your risk of developing ovarian cysts symptoms.

It is important to note that while some women may be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cysts, such as those with a family history of the condition, most ovarian cysts are benign and do not require treatment.

In conclusion, ovarian cysts are a common occurrence in women and usually do not cause any symptoms or require treatment. However, if you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in menstrual cycles, it is important to see your fertility doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor may recommend monitoring the cyst, medication, or surgery, depending on the size and severity of the cyst. By maintaining a healthy weight, seeing your fertility doctor regularly, and managing any underlying conditions, you can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cysts.