Ovarian Cyst: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

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Ovarian Cyst: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatment

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What is an ovarian cyst?

Ovaries are the female reproductive organs. They occur on either side of the uterus. They release ovum as well as hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.

When a fluid-filled sac develops in any of the ovaries, it is known as an ovarian cyst. Females develop at least one ovarian cyst in their lifetime. Most of them are harmless but some may give rise to complications.

The different types of ovarian cyst are:

Follicle cyst: When a follicle fails to break open, it can give rise to a cyst. Since follicles are formed in each menstrual cycle, this is the most common type of ovarian cyst.

Corpus luteum cyst: It is the type of ovarian cyst that ruptures around the time of menstruation when the follicle sacs fail to dissolve themselves. It may contain blood.

Dermoid cyst: It is the cyst that contains hair, fat, and other tissues.

Endometriomas: These are the tissues that abnormally grow outside the uterus instead of inside it and get attached to ovaries.

Cystadenomas: These develop on the outer surface of the ovaries and are non-cancerous.

How does an ovarian cyst occur?

During the menstrual cycle, ovaries release follicles. These follicles release eggs as well as female hormones. In most cases, these follicles disintegrate. But when they continue to grow, leading to an accumulation of fluid in it, it causes a cyst. If the cyst is follicular, it may contain blood. In some cases, it contains hair and fat too. In most cases, such cysts are not cancerous. If cysts are in large numbers, it leads to a polycystic condition which can cause infertility.

Who is prone to ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst can occur if you show any of these conditions:

What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst? How is ovarian cyst diagnosed?

Ovarian cyst shows the following signs and symptoms:

Diagnosis 

A doctor primarily does a physical examination of the pelvis to feel for the swelling caused by a cyst. If there are some obvious signs then he/she may suggest you go through ultrasound. Ultrasound helps in gauging the shape, size, mass, and location of the cyst. Also, a pregnancy test will be done to rule out the case of pregnancy. A hormone level test helps them in determining if it is a hormone related issue. Also, in menopausal women, a blood test is suggested. It is uncommon for menopausal women to get an ovarian cyst. Blood test helps in determining if the cyst is cancerous.

Complications of ovarian cyst

Usually, ovarian cysts are easily treatable. But sometimes they do give rise to complications like:

Treatment for ovarian cyst

Most ovarian cysts go away within three months. If your cyst persists longer, the doctor may suggest you have OTC pain relief medicines. Also, birth control pills prevent ovulation. This prevents the chance of more cysts. But if the cyst is unusual and life-threatening, the doctor may opt for surgical removal of just the cyst or the whole ovary. Usually, they opt for laparoscopy and laparotomy for smaller and larger cysts respectively.

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Questions answered by trusted doctors

Verified User
Ovarian cyst
I was diagnosed with a cyst on my left ovary (11cm x 7cm) in February when I woke up a morning with severe pain on the left side of my abdomen. I had missed my last period & had fallen sick that week without any reason. So it was quite surprising. A doctor drained out a bit of fluid through syringing to ease my pain that day & referred me to another doctor. After my pain was eased, I felt completely normal & healthy, even though the cyst was there. But it had shrunk a bit due to the drainage. My doctor prescribed absolutely no medications & asked me to follow a healthy routine & wait for it to go away on its own, which it even did. After 15 days, I got my period which was quite heavy. Got an ultrasound after that & the cyst was gone! Thereafter my periods were all regular & normal. But I missed my last period and fell sick randomly again. Got an ultrasound this week & discovered a cyst of 5cm x 5cm on my left ovary again. My doctor has again prescribed no medication. What to do now?
Dr. Kuldeep Wagh
Gynecologist/Obstetrician, Pune
ANY CYST MORE THAN 6 CM USUALLY REQUIRES SURGERY TO REMOVE IT. YOU ARE LUCKY THAT YOU DINT REQUIRE SURGERY. ONCE THE CYST IS DRAINED WE START THE PATIENT ON ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES. THE HORMONES IN THAT REGULARISE YOUR PERIODS AND STOP THE OVARIAN FUNCTION SO THAT THE CYST COMPLETELY RESOLVES. IF YOU ARE NOT GOIKNG TO TAKE PROPER MEDICATIONS THEN THE CYST IS BOUND TO RECURE AGAIN ADN AGAIN
Dr. Mamta Pattnayak
Gynecologist/Obstetrician, Gurgaon
If your cyst is large and gave you  pain, it should be removed by laparoscopy. The cyst biopsy to be done. Some times when the cyst is large it may twist and damage the ovary also. Drainage is temporary.
Dr. Sarika Dahiphale
Gynecologist/Obstetrician, Pune
Yes it's recurrent cyst better to evaluate it properly and remove it...
Dr. Disha Sridhar
Gynecologist/Obstetrician, Bangalore
Only Medications can not cure this problem.  If you  really  want  to  know  the root cause of your problem,  please  read my blogs on www.truhealing.com or practo health  feeds. Hope that helps....
Dr. Nisarg Patel
Gynecologist, Ahmedabad
I will suggest laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy that is removal of the cyst... these type of cysts are recurrent and the only permanent solution is the removal... drainage is just a temporary solution...
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Did you know?

Who are prone to ovarian cancer ?

You are more prone to ovarian cancer if you have a specific mutation in the BRCA gene.

Stressful lifestyle

More urban than rural women are patients of ovarian cysts because of a stressful lifestyle.

New method to drain out the cyst

Scientists from a university in Seoul have devised a method to drain out the cyst using catheter-directed sclerotherapy which is painless and more effective.

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Home Remedies

Beetroot consumption

Beetroot is a rich source of betacyanin. This compound boosts the liver functionality. Also, its alkaline nature helps in balancing the acidity of the body. Mix one and a half cup of fresh beetroot juice with a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses and Aloe Vera gel. Take it regularly on an empty stomach.

Flaxseed consumption

Flaxseed balances the oestrogen-progesterone balance. Take a tablespoon of ground flaxseed with a glass of warm water regularly on an empty stomach.

Epsom salt

It contains high levels of magnesium sulfate which relaxes muscles, thereby reducing pain. Use a cup of it every day in your bathtub and soak in it for about half an hour.