5 Signs You May Have an Ovarian Cyst

Did you know that each ovary is about the same size and shape as an almond? It’s incredible how something so small can play such a vital role in creating human life. As women, it's essential to keep our ovaries healthy for our overall health and to improve our ability to have children if we choose.

Ovarian cysts are very common in most women, especially during childbearing years. But the good news is that most of the time they’re noncancerous and asymptomatic. Although they’re mostly harmless, sometimes, they can cause health complications.

Keep reading to learn more about ovarian cysts, including what they are, different types, their causes, risk factors and how to prevent and treat them.

What Are Ovarian Cysts and What Causes Them?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form on or in one or both ovaries, which can sometimes contain semisolid material. There are different types of ovarian cysts, and most of them are noncancerous, asymptomatic and go away on their own. Most of the time, you won’t even know you have one. But this doesn’t mean regular screenings for them aren’t important. Ovarian cysts can be diagnosed through ultrasounds, a pelvic exam, blood tests or a laparoscopy procedure.

Although it’s rare, ovarian cysts can sometimes become twisted or burst open and cause complications or even become cancerous. That’s why regular pelvic exams are so important.

There are various causes for ovarian cysts, including:

• Abnormal cell growth
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Ovulation
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pregnancy

Women are more likely to form ovarian cysts during and after ovulation, as well as during pregnancy. This is because a structure called the corpus luteum forms after ovulation and continues to grow and fill with fluid to produce necessary hormones for pregnancy. Oftentimes, this is associated with the formation of ovarian cysts.

5 Signs of Ovarian Cysts

Most of the time, ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and go away on their own. But sometimes, you may develop symptoms, such as:

• Bloating, or a feeling of fullness
• Pain during sex
• Painful periods
• Pain in one ovary
• Pelvic pain
• Nausea or vomiting

More severe symptoms of ovarian cysts include severe and sudden pain, a fever of 101 degrees or above and weakness or dizziness. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, visit your primary care provider immediately for the prompt, compassionate care you deserve.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cysts

When it comes to developing an ovarian cyst, certain factors may put you at a higher risk of developing one. These factors include:

• Age (more likely in post-menopausal women with greater risk for malignancy)
• Cigarette smoking
• Current medical conditions
• History of ovarian cysts
• Hypothyroidism
• Patients who used infertility medications or treatments
• Tubal ligation

While some of these risk factors are in your control, we understand that others aren’t. But rest assured, our board-certified physicians are here to provide the expert care you deserve, delivered with uncommon compassion.

The Different Types of Cysts

Several main types of ovarian cysts can develop for various reasons. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Functional Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common type and usually aren’t related to a disease. These cysts develop because of ovulation. The ovaries develop small cysts called follicles during ovulation and produce estrogen and progesterone, two essential hormones necessary for the release of an egg. A follicle that keeps growing is known as a functional cyst, and there are two main types:

• Follicular Cysts

Typically, an egg bursts out of its follicle halfway through a woman’s menstrual cycle and then travels down the fallopian tubes. But a follicular cyst begins when the egg doesn’t release from its follicle, and it continues to grow.

• Corpus Luteum Cysts

After an egg is released, the follicle shrinks and begins to create estrogen and progesterone. The follicle is then called the corpus luteum. However, sometimes the opening where the egg was released becomes blocked, and fluid builds up, resulting in a cyst.

Teratoma Cysts

Teratoma, or dermoid cysts, are noncancerous cysts that develop from reproductive cells and carry different kinds of tissue, skin, hair and teeth.

Cystadenoma Cysts

These types of cysts form on the outer surface of the ovary and can grow very large. However, they’re usually benign. They can be filled with fluid that’s thin and watery or thicker, mucous-like material.

Endometrioma Cysts

These cysts form as a result of endometriosis, and they’re filled with menstrual blood.

How to Prevent and Treat Them

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to completely prevent ovarian cysts. However, you can discuss with your doctor about taking hormonal birth control to stop ovulation from happening. This may reduce the chances of you developing certain types of ovarian cysts. The best thing you can do to prevent ovarian cysts is to have regular pelvic exams and talk with your doctor about any changes or abnormalities.

When it comes to treating ovarian cysts, there are different routes you can take, depending on the type, size and shape of your cyst. Common treatment options include medications and surgery. Talk with your doctor about different treatment options and which one is right for your needs.

Healing and Empowering Women in Their Health

At AdventHealth, we’re dedicated to providing world-class women’s health care. No matter what services you need, we’re here for you.

Visit us here to learn more about our women’s health care services and how we can empower you to live your best life. You deserve to feel whole.