Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled cavities present in an ovary or on its surface. Many women get affected with ovarian cysts at some point in their life.
Women have two ovaries found on either side of the uterus. Eggs (ova) are released from ovaries every month during the childbearing years.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless. However, ovarian cysts, especially those that have ruptured, can cause severe symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?
Most cysts are asymptomatic and heal on their own. However, a large ovarian cyst can cause symptoms such as:
- Pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst.
- Feeling of fullness in your abdomen.
- Bloating of abdomen
Risk Factors-
- Hormonal problems
- Pregnancy
- Endometriosis. In this uterine endometrial cells grow outside of your uterus and form an ovarian cyst.
- Severe pelvic infection
- A previous ovarian cyst. If you've had one ovarian cyst, you're likely to develop
it again.
How is an Ovarian Cyst Diagnosed?
The following tests are used to diagnose an ovarian cyst.
- Pregnancy test
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
- CA 125 test
- Laparoscopy
Treatment of Ovarian Cyst:
- Medication- Your doctor might recommend hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, to prevent the recurrence of ovarian cysts. However, birth control pills won't treat any existing ovarian cyst.
- Surgery- Your doctor might suggest removing a large cyst that is growing or causes pain.
- Oophorectomy: In some cases, your doctor might suggest removing the affected ovary and leaving the other intact.
- Hysterectomy- Removal of the uterus
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
