Follow Us!
Patient stories, informative videos and much more on our social media accounts
Although ovarian cysts are mostly harmless and can go away on their own, some types can cause health problems. Therefore, it is important to know the types of ovarian cysts and their symptoms. If you are wondering about the answers to frequently asked questions such as “How does an ovarian cyst go away?”, “At what size is an ovarian cyst removed?”, “How is an ovarian cyst removed with menstruation?”, “How does an ovarian cyst dissolve?”, you can find detailed information about ovarian cysts in our article.
Every woman has almond-sized structures called ovaries on both sides of the uterus. In an adult woman who has not entered menopause, an egg is released from one of these ovaries every month. An ovarian or ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled cyst observed in the ovaries or on the surface of the ovary. Many women may develop ovarian cysts at some point in their lives. Ovarian cysts are very common and come in two types: functional and abnormal. Functional cysts develop as a result of the normal function of the ovary. They are generally smaller than abnormal cysts and disappear on their own without needing treatment.
The most common functional cysts are follicular and corpus luteum cysts. A follicular cyst is formed by the growth of the follicle that grows the egg and the accumulation of fluid inside it. A corpus luteum cyst is formed after the egg is released from the follicle. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum disappears. However, sometimes this structure grows and is located in the ovary filled with fluid or blood. The most common abnormal cysts are dermoid cysts. These cysts resemble skin in terms of their structure and can sometimes contain bone, hair and cartilage pieces. Some of the risk factors listed below can be considered among the causes of ovarian cysts. Hormonal Problems: Hormonal problems can cause ovarian cysts, and drugs containing the active ingredient clomiphene used in the treatment of infertility can also trigger the formation of ovarian cysts. Since these drugs are already prescribed to ensure ovulation, cyst formation is considered natural. Pregnancy: Cysts may form on the ovaries due to hormonal changes in pregnant women and these cysts may remain on the ovaries throughout pregnancy. Endometriosis: Also called a chocolate cyst, the uterus causes endometrial cells to grow outside of your uterus. Some of the tissue may attach to your ovaries and form a growth. Pelvic Infection: Pelvic infections that spread to the ovaries can cause cysts. History of Ovarian Cysts: People who have had ovarian cyst surgery for any reason are more likely to develop ovarian cysts again.
Most ovarian cysts do not cause discomfort, are small in size and are harmless. The majority of these cysts disappear on their own within a few months without the need for treatment. However, some ovarian cysts, especially those that have ruptured, can cause various symptoms. Irregular and Painful Menstruation: The most obvious symptom observed in ovarian cysts is irregular and painful menstruation. Menstrual bleeding can be heavier or lighter than normal. In some cases, bleeding may start again even though the period has not yet arrived, or even 4-5 days after the period has ended. Pain in the Pelvis: As the cyst grows, it puts pressure on the pelvis, which can cause pain. The pain can be felt constantly or intermittently. Although some people feel the pain after exercise or sexual intercourse, the pain is always felt in the same spot. Feeling pain on the left side of the pelvic area can be considered a symptom of a left ovarian cyst, and feeling pain on the right side can be considered a symptom of a right ovarian cyst. If the ovarian cyst grows too much, a condition called torsion, which causes an interruption in blood flow, can occur. This condition may be accompanied by severe pain. Feeling Bloated: Feeling bloated is a common complaint in ovarian cysts. Some women may think they are gaining weight and miss this important symptom. If you only feel a bloating in your stomach but do not see a change in your overall weight, and your bloating does not go away at all, this may be a symptom of an ovarian cyst. As the cysts grow in size, the bloating problem will increase. Thigh or Back Pain: This is a less common symptom. Sometimes, when the cyst grows too much, it can put pressure on the nerves passing through the back of the pelvis, depending on where it is located. This can cause a person to feel pain, especially radiating to the back or thighs. Pain During Sex: A healthy individual does not have pain during sex. If pain is felt during sex, this indicates a health problem. Women with ovarian cysts may feel pain during or after sex. Feeling Full: Again, depending on the size of the cyst and the location, the person may feel full. A person may feel full by eating very little or may lose their appetite completely. Frequent Urination: Patients with ovarian cysts sometimes experience frequent urination or a feeling of not being able to empty their urine. This is a condition related to the cysts pressing on the bladder. Constipation: Constipation and painful defecation are also common complaints that can arise from ovarian cysts. Excessive Hair Growth: Due to hormonal changes caused by ovarian cysts, complaints such as excessive body hair growth and breast tenderness may also be observed.
Ovarian cysts can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. It should be kept in mind that the mass felt by the doctor performing the examination may be a neighboring organ pressing on the ovary, such as a full bowel or bladder. In this case, ultrasonography is very useful in showing both the presence of the cyst and its size. Abnormal cysts are usually over 5 cm.
As the ovarian cyst grows, sometimes the surrounding wall can rupture and be expelled with some blood. Most of the time, the patient may not notice the rupture of small cysts. However, in some larger cysts, the ovarian cyst rupture is accompanied by bleeding and severe pain. Blood can even accumulate in the abdomen, and these situations may require emergency intervention.
There are two different types of ovarian cysts: functional ovarian cysts and pathological ovarian cysts.
It is the most common type of cyst. It is short-term, disappears on its own and is part of the normal menstrual cycle. Functional ovarian cysts are also divided into two:
Pathological cysts can be either benign or malignant (cancerous). Pathological cysts are divided into two:
Ovarian cyst treatment varies depending on age, cyst size, and the patient’s menopausal status. Since many cysts go away on their own, the doctor sometimes just observes. Birth control pills may be prescribed for the treatment of ovarian cysts. If the cyst is very large and causes symptoms that negatively affect health, surgical treatment may be required. Cysts can usually be removed without removing the ovary. However, in some cases, the entire ovary, along with the accompanying tube, may need to be removed. Since there are two ovaries and two tubes, you still have a chance of getting pregnant on your own if one of them is removed. Some cysts can reoccur, sometimes in the form of cancer. Therefore, if you are in menopause or do not plan on having children, it may be better to remove them all.
The size of the cyst is not the only parameter for removing an ovarian cyst. If the cyst is larger than 6 cm, if the inside is solid, and if it tends to grow, surgical intervention may be considered.
If you notice any symptoms in your ovaries, you should see your doctor immediately. You should have gynecological examinations and pap smear tests as often as your doctor tells you.
Depending on the size of the ovarian cyst and whether it is malignant or not, your doctor may recommend open (laparotomy) or closed (laparoscopy) surgery. In surgeries performed with laparoscopy, the surgeon reaches the cyst with the help of small incisions. In most cases, the patient can go home the same day. These types of surgeries usually do not affect fertility and recovery times are fast. Open surgeries, called laparotomy, are generally recommended when the cyst is suspected to be cancerous. A long incision is made starting from the area where the pubic hair begins and the cyst is removed and sent to the laboratory for biopsy. If the piece taken for testing seems dangerous, the ovary and other organs that seem necessary may be removed. The recovery process takes longer than laparoscopy. The patient usually stays in the hospital for 2 days. Both of these surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
Let us call you as soon as possible regarding the issues you want to consult.
2024 All rights reserved.