What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are sacs of fluid that develop in or on your ovaries. In most cases, the cysts cause no harm and go away on their own.
Cysts are common, especially during your childbearing years. You may not even know you have one until you experience some of the symptoms.
What are the types of cysts?
There are several different types of cysts, including:
- Corpus luteum cysts: empty follicle sac that closes and fills up with fluid
- Follicle cysts: occurs when the sac for your egg, the follicle, doesn’t open to release the egg
- Cystadenomas: watery cysts that have the potential to grow large
- Endometriomas: cysts caused by endometriosis, a condition where the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus
- Dermoids: cystic cells you have from birth
Corpus luteum and follicle cysts are the most common types of ovarian cysts. Some women experience a severe overproduction of ovarian cysts, which is knowns as polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Symptoms vary, but some of the most common signs that might indicate ovarian cysts include:
- Dull or sharp pelvic pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal heaviness
- Difficulty emptying your bowel or bladder
- Painful intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Breast tenderness
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you want to come into Capital Women’s Care for a consultation and diagnosis.
How do I know if I have ovarian cysts?
The only way to diagnosis ovarian cysts is through an ultrasound. The doctor may be able to detect cysts during your gynecological exam but confirms with an ultrasound.
The noninvasive ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your cyst so the doctor knows its location, size, shape, and what may be inside your cyst.
How are ovarian cysts managed?
Most ovarian cysts disappear on their own. However, surgery may be indicated if the cyst:
- Doesn’t go away after several menstrual cycles
- Gets bigger
- Causes severe pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Looks unusual during the ultrasound
Surgery may also be necessary if you develop an ovarian cyst after menopause.
Ovarian cysts may be benign but require the right medical care. If you have ovarian cysts or experiencing symptoms, call the office or book an appointment online.
