1. Get to Know Your Ovarian Cysts
The almond-shaped ovaries stand guard on either side of the uterus, releasing eggs and hormones when needed. Occasionally, women develop a cyst or fluid-filled sac on one of their ovaries. Many ovarian cysts cause no problems and go away on their own. When symptoms don't alert healthcare professionals to the presence of a cyst, a doctor may find it during a routine pelvic exam. Although ovarian cysts are typically harmless, doctors often recommend further testing to make certain they're not malignant with ovarian cancer.
2. Call it a Functional Cyst
When women under 35 get an ovarian cyst, it's often a functional cyst that occurs as part of the menstrual cycle. During a menstrual cycle, sacs on the ovaries hold the eggs. Normally, the sacs break open to release the eggs to the fallopian tube for possible fertilization. Occasionally, the sac doesn't break, but grows for a couple of months before disappearing. Another type of functional cyst called a corpus luteum cyst, occurs when the sac doesn't dissolve. Women who are pregnant or taking ovulation-inducing drugs such as Clomid are prone to corpus luteum cysts.
3. Be Aware of Other Cysts
Ovarian cysts can also develop because of conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovaries. Cystadenomas and dermoid cysts develop from cells outside the ovary. In cystadenomas, a thick gel may fill the cyst, while dermoid cysts often have growing tissue that can produce teeth and hair. These types of ovarian cysts are more likely to cause pain and require treatment than functional cysts.
4. Report Any Symptoms to a Gynecologist
While many cysts have no symptoms, some women may experience mild ovarian cyst symptoms such as abdominal pressure, lower backache or menstrual irregularities. Pain with intercourse also affects women with ovarian cysts. An ovarian cyst causes serious symptoms when it pushes on other parts or ruptures. Seek immediate attention for sudden and several abdominal pain, with or without vomiting.
5. Do Your Ovaries Pass the Test?
Health professionals often recommend further testing to determine the type of cyst and possible treatment. A pelvic ultrasound is the most common test as it offers a doctor a look at the size and composition of a cyst. A cyst with solids often indicates the need for a blood test called a CA-125, used to detect ovarian cancer. However, a high CA-125 reading can result from non-cancerous conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis and even the flu. Others tests that doctors may order to diagnose ovarian cysts include testing hormone levels, pregnancy tests, CT scans, MRIs and Doppler flow studies.
