Most women suffer from ovarian cysts at some point in their lifetime. It may even be possible for some women to get cysts monthly without them even knowing about it, as they would never experience any symptoms.
An ovarian cyst is harmless and is a common occurrence among menstruating women. However, the problem arises when the cysts become larger and start to affect the menstrual flow and cause pain during periods. Here is the complete guide to understanding ovarian pain and ovarian cyst treatment.
Symptoms of ovarian cysts
Usually, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, if the ovarian cyst is larger than a regular cyst, then the woman might experience the following signs or symptoms:
- Heaviness in the abdomen
- Bloating
- Vomiting or nausea
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pelvic pain usually comprising of a sharp or dull ache in the lower back region
Types of ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst can be of different types. The cyst may look or even function differently depending on the method of its formation.
Follicular cysts
In most cases, the follicular cyst generally goes away on its own in three months or less. During ovulation, the ovary releases the egg from a tiny sac known as the follicle. Sometimes, the follicle does not release the egg for ovulation, despite growing it, which causes the development of a follicular cyst. A follicle cyst can also occur if the mature follicle falls on itself rather than closing gradually. Follicle cysts can grow up to two or three inches in diameter. The woman probably will not experience any pain with this kind of cyst, but the cyst can cause severe sharp pain in the ovarian region when it bursts or ruptures. And the woman would require an ovarian cyst treatment by a private gynaecologist.
Corpus luteum cysts
During ovulation, after one of the ovaries releases the egg, that particular empty follicle then shrinks down to its position. But sometimes the follicle closes and collects fluid inside its sac, gradually developing into a cyst. This fluid-filled follicle is termed as corpus luteum cyst. Usually, this type of cyst occurs in only one of the ovaries at any given time and doesn’t produce any symptoms. In certain cases, however, the cyst may cause pain as it bleeds.
Non Functional cyst
The nonfunctional cyst could grow on the ovaries irrespective of whether you are ovulating or not. Non Functional cysts can be of different types, such as:
- Endometriomas: Endometriomas is a cyst that develops due to an ailment known as endometriosis. In this ailment, the endometrial tissues that line the inner walls of the uterus grow outside of the uterus. These tissues are also known as endometriomas. Endometriomas cyst is generally filled with reddish-brown or dark blood. Endometriomas could become as large as eight inches in diameter.
- Dermoid cyst: This type of cyst is sometimes referred to as teratomas. This cyst is formed through the embryonic cells and contains different tissues, such as skin, hair or teeth. A dermoid cyst is not typically cancerous. It could grow up to six inches in diameter. This type of cyst generally affects younger women.
- Cystadenomas: This type of cyst grows on the surface lining the ovary. They are generally filled with mucous or serous fluid.
- Polycystic ovaries: This condition occurs in women suffering from PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome. If you are suffering from PCOS, then you may develop tiny cysts on the ovarian walls. Generally, these cysts don’t cause any pain.
Ovarian cyst treatment
The best part is that almost all ovarian cysts go away as naturally as they had appeared, without you even knowing that you had them. However, if in some cases, an ovarian cyst is detected that fails to go away, then the doctor will recommend the following ovarian cyst treatment for ovarian cyst removal.
- Wait and watch: Waiting may seem hard, but unless the cyst does not go away on its own, is massive, or causing discomfort, waiting is probably the best thing to do. Be in touch with your private gynaecologist so that they can constantly monitor your condition, especially when you are experiencing severe pain.
- Birth control pills: Sometimes, birth control pills stop the cysts from growing further, and many doctors are happy to prescribe them. However, they may cause some side effects. Have a comprehensive discussion with the doctor before deciding upon this treatment.
- Surgery: Certain larger cysts or cysts in menopausal women are at a higher risk of becoming cancerous. Hence, they may have to be removed through ovarian cyst surgery. The doctor could use laparoscopic surgery for effective ovarian cyst removal.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure and allows for swift healing. However, if the cyst is cancerous, then the doctor will recommend a specialist gynaecologist oncologist for ovarian cyst surgery.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then go ahead and seek medical assistance from your doctor. There are chances that you may be experiencing ovarian pain.
If you are searching for a private gynaecologist in London, then you must visit the Well Women Clinic today.
