Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths in a woman’s ovaries. It can be in one or both of the ovaries. They are women’s worst nightmare. They cause severe excruciating sharp pains sometimes worse than labor pains.
Ovarian cysts may grow very big and cause displacement of the reproductive organs or twist themselves. Damage from a ruptured ovarian cyst may cause scar tissue build-up, and/or the formation of adhesion, attaching the ovary to other parts of the internal body.
They are most common in women of childbearing years, but can rarely develop in postmenopausal women. A woman’s ovaries are about the size and shape of an almond.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Emergency or Morning after pills.
- Hormonal imbalance
- Infections
- Cigarette smoking
- Infertility treatment with gonadotropins, this may cause multiple large cysts.
- Use of Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) has been shown to increase the risk for development of Corpus Luteum cyst.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts in women.
Some ovarian cysts have no signs or symptoms. They are discovered during a routine physical exam. The larger a cyst is, the more likely it is to cause symptoms.
Some common Symptoms may be include:
- Pelvic pain, usually on the side where the cyst is present – Pain may be sharp, sudden or come and go throughout the cycle.
- Irregular menstrual cycles – Irregular cycles may signal follicular cyst. Charting your cycle can help you to determine if you are having irregular cycles.
- Pelvic pain after intercourse or strenuous exercise.
- Nausea and vomiting, this usually happens after a cyst ruptures.
- Vaginal pain with spotty bleeding – Pressure and/or abdominal bloating, may be noticeable on one side or the other.
- Pain or pressure in the abdomen when urinating or passing stool.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
There are various ovarian cysts, such as dermoid cysts and endometriomas (also called chocolate cysts).
However, the most common type is cysts filled with fluid formed during the menstrual cycle. These are follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
Follicular cysts
During the menstrual cycle, an egg grows in a follicle sac. This sac is located inside the ovaries.
In most cases, the follicle breaks open and releases an egg. If the follicle doesn’t break open, the fluid inside the follicle can form a cyst on the ovary.
Corpus luteum cysts
The corpus luteum is a harmless structure that forms in the ovary after an egg is released. It produces hormones needed for pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, it will break down after a few days.
In some cases, it may not dissolve. Instead, additional fluid develops inside it, resulting in a cyst.
Other types
Ovarian cysts that aren’t formed as part of a typical menstrual cycle include:
- Dermoid cysts: These sac-like growths on the ovaries can contain hair, fat, and other tissue.
- Endometriomas: Tissues that normally grow inside the uterus can develop outside the uterus and attach to the ovaries. These are also colloquially called chocolate cysts, and may affect people with severe endometriosis.
- Cystadenomas: These growths can develop on the outer surface of the ovaries.
Some people develop a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which the ovaries form many small cysts. PCOS can cause the ovaries to enlarge. If left untreated, polycystic ovaries can result in infertility.
Natural Treatment for Ovarian Cysts
For this natural treatment, you will be needing these three seeds:
INGREDIENTS
- Flax Seed
- Pumpkin seed
- Grounded sesame seed
- Sunflower seed
PROCEDURE
DAY 1 of your menstrual period
- Flax seed (grounded) and pumpkin seed – Soak into water and drink
Day 14 of your cycle
- Grounded sesame seeds and sunflower seeds – Soak into water and drink or put ½ teaspoon into either pap or oats and eat
Recommended: Natural Remedies for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Symptoms & Solutions
NOTE: These natural treatments should be carried out during your menstrual period
For these to work effectively, eliminate sugar or reduce sugar intake considerably.
Medical Treatments for ovarian cyst
Most ovarian cysts are benign and naturally go away on their own without treatment. These cysts cause little, if any, symptoms. Home remedies like heat therapy can help ease any symptoms you do have.
That said, if treatment is necessary, the kind of treatment will depend on the type of the cyst. Some larger cysts, endometromas, or cancerous cysts usually need to be removed surgically.
Options for surgery include:
- Laparoscopy: A doctor performs a laparoscopy by making several tiny incisions near your navel and inserting a small instrument into your abdomen to remove the cyst.
- Laparotomy: In this procedure, a doctor can surgically remove the cyst through a large incision in your abdomen. This is known as laparotomy. They can then do a biopsy if they are concerned about cancer.
Prevention of ovarian cysts
If you keep getting ovarian cysts, a doctor might give you birth control pills to stop ovulation and prevent new cysts from forming.
Birth control pills can also lower your risk of ovarian cancer, which is higher in women after menopause.
Also, a study on rats showed that taking the antioxidant resveratrol along with the diabetes drug metformin might help maintain a healthy weight, balance hormones, and improve the structure of cells in the ovaries, which could help prevent cysts.
- Routine gynecologic examinations can also help a doctor detect ovarian cysts early.
- Alert a doctor to symptoms that may indicate a problem, such as:
- changes to your menstrual cycle
- ongoing pelvic pain
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- abdominal fullness
Who can develop ovarian cysts?
Anyone with ovaries can get an ovarian cyst. The risk is higher if you haven’t gone through menopause, are pregnant, have had ovarian cysts before, or have conditions like endometriosis or hormone issues. Certain fertility medications can also increase the chances of developing a cyst.
How common are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are very common, especially before menopause, with functional cysts being the most frequent type.
Are ovarian cysts serious?
Most ovarian cysts aren’t serious and go away on their own. Only a small percentage (less than 1%) of ovarian cysts are cancerous. However, healthcare providers monitor concerning cysts to reduce the risk of complications.
WRAP UP
Ovarian cysts are common, fluid-filled sacs that can form on or inside the ovaries. Most are harmless, especially functional cysts, which develop as part of the menstrual cycle and typically go away on their own. Although ovarian cysts rarely cause complications or become cancerous, regular pelvic exams and open communication with your healthcare provider are important to monitor any cysts and prevent potential problems. With appropriate care, most ovarian cysts do not pose serious health risks.
