Ovarian Cyst: All You Need to Know

Most women have come across an article or a friend that had something to do with ovarian cyst, so the name may not appear strange. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled growth in the ovary, the organ in the female reproductive system where eggs are produced, stored, and released from during ovulation. Ovarian cysts could range from very simple and mild to really complex and life-threatening. Below are basic things you should know about ovarian cysts. 

Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst

Most cases of ovarian cysts are asymptomatic; in many cases, the cysts are even detected incidentally during ultrasound imaging. Symptoms of ovarian cysts often depend on the size of the cyst and include: 

• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse, especially upon deep penetration
• Altered bowel movements, including constipation
• Menstrual problems, such as heavy menstruation, prolonged menstrual cycle, or even reduced menstrual flow

• Abdominal distension; some cysts get so big as to cause the tummy to look distended and large
• In severe cases, ovarian cysts may rupture and lead to a life-threatening situation called shock, in which excessive bleeding causes a severe drop in blood pressure.
• Pressure symptoms, such as urinary frequency 

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are easily diagnosed with an ultrasound scan. Experts have recommended a transvaginal ultrasound scan, one in which the probe is inserted through the vagina, as the preferred imaging technique for diagnosing an ovarian cyst. 

The transvaginal ultrasound scan uses hypersonic sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs, including the womb, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. 

Other investigations may be necessary in diagnosing or evaluating an ovarian cyst and these include urine pregnancy test, blood count, and urine analysis. 

Complications

As noted earlier, ovarian cysts range from very negligible to very serious. Some complications of ovarian cysts include:

• Torsion: the cyst may twist around itself and around the ovary, causing excruciating pain. This is an emergency because the twist could obstruct blood flow to the ovaries, causing death of a large portion of the ovary. 
• Malignant Change: In rare cases, some ovarian cysts may transform into cancerous growths, and this changes the dynamics of the condition, including its symptoms and its treatment options. 
• Rupture: You know what could happen when a balloon is blown beyond its elastic limit. Ovarian cysts could get so big and rupture. This is also an emergency as it could be life-threatening if left untreated

Treatment

The treatment of ovarian cysts range from doing nothing at all to removing both ovaries and the entire womb. However, this depends on the type and severity of the cysts. 

For simple cysts, which often arise from areas of the ovary where an egg is released from, watchful waiting may be all that is needed as the cyst tends to resolve on its own. For more complex cysts, these have a risk of severe complications, and are often removed surgically. 

Surgery for ovarian cysts may range from simply removing the cyst, called cystectomy, or removing the ovaries, called oophorectomy. In very complex situations, where a cyst has transformed into a cancerous growth or when it happens in a post-menopausal woman, removal of the ovaries and the womb may be necessary. 

Ovarian cysts are a common gynecological condition. They are often detected on incidental ultrasound scanning. If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cysts, speak with your doctor to determine the best treatment approach for you.