Ovarian Cysts Treatment An Overview

Ovarian cysts are like fluid-filled blisters attached to the ovaries and are a common occurrence in women during the reproductive stage of their lives. Ovarian cysts are frequently harmless and disappear on their own without needing any treatment. Many women have ovarian cysts but have no symptoms and are unaware they have them.

The function of the ovaries is to produce and mature an egg each month throughout a woman's reproductive years. During this process, a follicle is formed; this cyst-like structure holds the egg until it is mature and ready to be released. After the release of the egg, a corpus luteum is formed inside the follicle and it dissolves if no fertilization of the egg occurs.

If the process is incomplete, a functional ovarian cyst forms. The other type of ovarian cyst is the abnormal ovarian cyst which seems to be caused by a hormone imbalance. These abnormal ovarian cysts are common in disorders like the polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome involves ovarian cysts that develop from follicles that have not dissolved; they cause enlargement and thickening of the ovary. This process may cause infertility because it interferes with ovulation. Endometrioma ovarian cysts are filled with old blood, giving rise to the name 'chocolate cysts; they form as a result of endometrial tissue implanting on the ovary.

As we have said, many women experience no symptoms from ovarian cysts; much depends on the type and severity of the cysts she has. Common symptoms are a dull abdominal aching pain or a feeling of pressure of the abdominal area. Occasionally, there may be severe pain on one side of the abdomen, possibly with nausea or vomiting, but these cases are rare and could be caused by other medical problems.

If the cyst ruptures, bleeds or leaks its contained fluid, pain could occur which subsides after a few days. Endometrioma cysts may be accompanied by endometriosis implants in other areas of the pelvic cavity and so typical endometriosis symptoms like painful, heavy periods could be present.

Ovarian cysts are often diagnosed during the woman's regular pelvic exam, especially if she has experienced no symptoms. Larger cysts can be felt during an internal examination but smaller ones may only be detected using ultrasound or laparoscopy.

Ultrasound examination is the best method for determining what type of cyst is present; the type of cyst helps to determine the most appropriate treatment. If a large cyst, over 2 inches in diameter, is discovered, surgery to remove it is recommended because cysts of this size rarely disappear on their own. The size of the cyst is not always related to the severity of the symptoms.

Ovarian cysts treatment options are linked to the type and size of the cysts, the symptoms, age and general health of the woman and whether she desires pregnancy. The earlier a cyst is diagnosed, the simpler and less invasive the treatment will be. Sometimes a "wait and see" approach is adopted, especially in younger women, to see if the cysts go away on their own.

Oral contraceptive pills or hormone treatment may be prescribed in some cases. Cysts that do not respond to hormone therapy might need surgery, as will large cysts, those found in post-menopausal women and those that don't disappear on their own.