Ovarian cysts: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are conditions in which fluid-filled sacs are present on or on the surface of the ovaries.

The ovaries, or ovaries, are organs that are part of the female reproductive system. This organ is located in the lower abdomen, precisely on both sides of the uterus. Each woman normally has two ovaries, but of varying sizes.

The function of the ovaries is to produce egg cells, as well as hormones contained in the female body, such as estrogen and progesterone.

A cyst is a tissue that is shaped like a sac and is covered by a membrane or membrane. This tissue can contain fluid, similar to a lump found in a burn or blister. However, it is also not uncommon for cysts to be solid or filled with air.

A cyst is different from an abscess in that it does not contain pus. Most cysts on the ovaries are harmless and will go away on their own without medical treatment as you get older.

However, in some cases, the cyst can cause pain, bleeding, and other symptoms. If the cyst is more than 5 cm in diameter, surgical procedures should be performed immediately to remove the cyst.

How common are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are a fairly common condition. This condition is more common in women who are still experiencing menstrual cycles, as well as women who are about to enter menopause.

According to Women's Health, most women have at least one follicle or root cyst every month. Some women do not notice a cyst unless the cyst increases in size and number. As many as 8% of women who enter menopause have larger cysts and need further treatment.

The cases of this condition occur mostly in women aged 30-54 years. However, it is not uncommon for this case to be found in elderly patients or adolescent women.

Some types of ovarian cysts can develop into cancer cells. However, not all types of cysts can become cancerous tumors. Your risk for having ovarian cancer will increase as you get older.

Ovarian cysts are conditions that can be treated by controlling the existing risk factors. To find out more information about this condition, you can consult a doctor.

Type

What are the different types of ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are a condition of several types, depending on the cause. The following is an explanation of the types of cysts:

1. Functional cyst

This type is the most common. This type of cyst usually forms as a result of the ups and downs of the body's hormones during the menstrual cycle.

Functional cysts are usually harmless and only appear for a short time. Most cases of functional cysts resolve on their own within a few weeks, without requiring special treatment.

There are two types of functional cysts, namely follicular cysts and cysts corpus luteum .

• Follicular cyst

During the menstrual cycle, an egg grows in a sac called a follicle. These follicles are located in the ovaries. Under normal conditions, these follicles will open and release an egg. However, if the follicle does not open, fluid inside the follicle will build up and form a cyst.

• Cyst corpus luteum

The normal follicular sac should disappear after releasing the egg. However, if the sac does not disappear and there is still an opening in the mouth of the follicle, fluid will accumulate in the follicular sac, causing the cyst corpus luteum will form.

2. Pathological cysts

Pathological type cysts are formed from abnormal growth of cells. This condition can generally cause benign cysts (benign) or a malignant tumor (malignant).

The following are the types of pathological cysts:

• Dermoid cyst

This cyst, also called a teratoma, contains various tissues, such as hair, skin, and even fat. This is because these cysts come from the cells that make up the egg.

This type of cyst is more common in women under the age of 30. Although generally harmless, sometimes these cysts require surgical removal.

• Cystadenoma

Cystadenoma is a tissue formed from cells covering the outside of the ovary. Some types of cystadenoma are thick and filled with mucus fluid.

Unlike other cysts, cystadenomas are generally located on the outside of the ovary. Because of their position outside the ovaries, these cysts can grow larger. Cystadenoma is very rare to find cancerous.

• Endrometriosis

Endometriosis is a tissue that grows from cells outside the uterus. Some of this tissue can attach to the ovaries and form cysts.

Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can grow larger than other types of cysts, giving the ovary the potential to be displaced or twisted. This can result in pain in the ovaries, which is known as ovarian torsion.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Often ovarian cysts don't cause specific signs and symptoms. In fact, most sufferers will not show any signs and symptoms.

However, as the cyst grows, you may experience certain symptoms. Some of the signs and symptoms that usually appear are:

• The stomach often feels bloated
• A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the stomach
• Swollen and painful stomach
• Hip pain
• Pain in the lower back and thighs
• Urination and bowel problems
• Pain after sexual intercourse
• Gaining weight for no apparent reason
• Pain every period
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Chest feels tight
• Urinating frequently

In cases of severe enough cyst, this condition can cause symptoms such as:

• Stabbing pain in the waist or pelvis
• Fever
• Dizziness, which is sometimes accompanied by fainting
• Breath feels faster

If the cyst bursts, the patient will feel intense pain. If the cyst twists the ovary, the patient will experience abdominal pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. If you begin to feel symptoms, it is likely that the cyst is large enough in size and should be followed up immediately.

Contact your doctor if you feel a full feeling in the stomach and heaviness in the hip area, frequent urination or bleeding from the vagina for no apparent reason. This symptom may be a sign of an ovarian cyst, or something more serious.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To get the most appropriate treatment and according to your health condition, check any symptoms you are experiencing to the doctor or the nearest health service center.

Cause

What causes ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts can be caused by many things. However, the main cause is hormonal problems, especially in women who are still experiencing menstrual cycles.

The following is an explanation of the possible causes of each:

• Hormonal problems: functional cysts can arise due to hormonal problems or drugs that trigger ovulation.
• Endometriosis: women with endometriosis can develop ovarian cysts.
• Pregnancy: usually, in early pregnancy, a pair of ovarian cysts can occur naturally to support the fetus until amniotic fluid is formed. Even so, cysts can last until the end of pregnancy.
• Pelvic infection: this infection can spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes causing ovarian cysts.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk for ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cyst is a disease that can happen to almost anyone, regardless of age and race group. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk for developing this condition.

It is important for you to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely be exposed to a disease or health condition.

In some cases, it is possible for a person to develop certain diseases or health conditions without any risk factors.

The following are risk factors that can trigger the appearance of cysts in your ovaries:

1. Age

Cysts are more common in patients with early adulthood, namely 30-54 years. However, it is not uncommon for this condition to be found in adolescent patients.

In addition, women who are about to enter menopause (premenopause) are also more prone to experiencing this condition.

2. Have hormone problems

If the body has hormonal disorders, it can affect the production of egg cells in your ovaries. This condition can increase the risk of developing cysts in the ovaries.

3. Pregnancy

Sometimes, cysts that form when you ovulate or produce eggs will persist throughout your pregnancy, especially when the pregnancy enters the second trimester and the levels of hCG in the body increase.

4. Undergo fertility treatment

Some patients undergoing fertility treatment, such as the drugs gonadotropins and letrozole, can stimulate the growth of cysts in the ovaries.

5. Suffering from hypothyroidism

Because the hormone produced by the thyroid gland (TSH) has a shape that resembles hCG, hypothyroidism may have the potential to trigger the growth of cysts.

6. Undergo breast cancer treatment

If you have had or are currently suffering from breast cancer and are taking medications such as Tamoxifen (Soltamox), you have a higher risk of developing this condition.

7. Smoking

If you are an active smoker, your risk of developing functional cysts increases. In addition, this condition can also be aggravated if you experience a significant decrease or increase in your body mass index.

8. Have had ovarian cysts before

If you have had this condition before and it has been cured, there is a chance that the cyst can come back at a later time.

9. Irregular menstrual cycle

Irregular menstrual cycle related to the rise and fall of hormones in the body. This results in a higher risk of having a cyst.

Other risk factors that also play a role are:

• Being overweight or obese
• Increasing age
• Have a family member with ovarian cysts
• There is a genetic mutation

Complications

What are the health complications caused by ovarian cysts?

Most cases of ovarian cysts are harmless and do not cause significant symptoms. However, in some cases, it is also possible for the cyst to lead to serious health complications.

1. Torsion of the ovaries

Cysts that are too large can become twisted or displaced from their original position. This condition can cause excruciating pain. Some of the symptoms that usually arise include pelvic pain, nausea, and vomiting.

In addition, it is also possible that torsion can reduce or stop blood flow to the ovaries.

2. Cyst bursts and bleeding occurs

A ruptured cyst can be quite painful, accompanied by internal bleeding. The larger the cyst, the higher the risk of rupture.

Physical activity that is too strenuous in the lower part of the body, such as sexual intercourse, can also increase the risk of the cyst bursting.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests to diagnose ovarian cysts?

A cyst that is inside your ovaries can be found during a pelvic exam test. Depending on the size, type, and texture, your doctor will recommend several types of tests to more accurately diagnose the cyst.

In addition, by getting the right diagnosis, the doctor can also provide suitable treatment options.

1. Pregnancy test

The doctor will ask you to do a pregnancy test. If the test comes back positive, it is possible that you have a type of cyst corpus luteum .

2. Pelvic ultrasound

In this test, the doctor will use a tool transducer which emits high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your uterus and ovaries.

Through ultrasound, the doctor can analyze these images to see if a cyst is present, its location, and its texture.

3. Laparoscopy

This test is done using an instrument called a laparoscope, which is a small, thin instrument that is inserted into your stomach through a small incision in your body. Your doctor can see your ovaries and even remove the cysts through this procedure.

4.CA 125 blood test

Some women with problematic ovaries, especially those with cysts that have the potential to become cancer cells, have the protein antigen 125 (CA 125) in their blood. With a blood test, the doctor will check whether the antigen is in your blood.

What are my treatment options for ovarian cysts?

Treatment depends on the type of cyst, your age, your health condition, and your symptoms.

As many as 90% of ovarian cysts are not cancerous and only need simple treatment. Most cysts do not need therapy; usually the cyst will disappear after 8-12 weeks.

If ovarian cysts occur frequently, your doctor will give you oral contraceptives. These drugs can reduce the risk of ovarian cysts recurring. One thing you should know is that medications cannot reduce the size of the cyst.

In rare cases, surgery is needed if the patient has:

1. Treatment with birth control pills

If you have cysts that recur frequently enough, your doctor will prescribe birth control pills that can temporarily stop ovulation.

Birth control pills can also prevent new cysts from forming, as well as reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.

2. Laparotomy

If the cyst persists, causes certain symptoms, and is more than 5 to 10 cm in size, your doctor may recommend that you undergo surgical removal of the cyst or a laparotomy.

The medical team will first perform a biopsy on the cyst you have. If it turns out that there are cancer cells in the cyst, you must undergo a hysterectomy procedure, which is the removal of the ovaries and uterus.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat ovarian cysts?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat ovarian cysts:

• Take control according to a schedule to see the progress of your symptoms and health condition
• Follow the doctor's instructions, take the prescribed medication, do not stop taking the drug or change the dose unless your doctor recommends it.
• Know your menstrual cycle and tell your doctor if there are any signs of abnormalities.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.