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3.8 Minute

03-Apr-24 Team Medicover gynecology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Afshaan Shaik

Ovarian Cysts: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, closed sac-like structures that develop within or on the surface of an ovary. They're common among women during their reproductive years, and many experience at least one in their lifetime.

The ovaries, located in the pelvic cavity, are crucial organs in the female reproductive system. Each about the size of an almond produces female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and releases eggs for potential fertilization.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are mainly divided into two types, which include

1. Functional cysts

Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst, and they develop during the normal menstrual cycle. They are divided into two types:

Follicular cysts: These form when a follicle doesn't shrink after releasing an egg, causing it to swell. They often go away on their own without treatment.
Corpus luteum cysts: After egg release, the follicle turns into the corpus luteum, which may fill with fluid and become a cyst. Most disappear without symptoms, but some may rupture, causing pain and bleeding.

2. Pathological Cysts

These types of cysts are usually uncommon. Unlike functional cysts, pathological cysts are developed as a result of abnormal cell growth. Pathological cysts are categorized into three types based on specific characteristics, these include:

Dermoid cysts: It contains various tissues like skin, hair, and teeth. They're usually painless but can grow large and cause ovarian twisting.
Cystadenomas: Similar to dermoid cysts, they're benign and filled with liquid or mucus. They're attached to the ovary by a stalk and can grow large, causing ovarian twisting.
Endometriomas: These develop in women with endometriosis, where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. They cause pain and discomfort during intercourse and can lead to infertility due to the dark, reddish-brown blood they contain.

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Causes of Ovarian Cysts:

Ovarian cysts often develop naturally in women during their reproductive years, i.e., when they have monthly periods. The most common causes of ovarian cysts may include:

Hormonal problems

Hormonal problems or medication that helps to ovulate can cause functional cysts in women. These types of cysts usually go away on their own without any treatment.

Endometriosis

In women with endometriosis, the endometrial tissue may get attached to the ovary and form a growth. These types of cysts are called endometriomas and can cause pain during intercourse and periods.

Pregnancy

An ovarian cyst can form during early pregnancy to help support the pregnancy until the placenta develops. Sometimes, this cyst remains on the ovary into later stages of pregnancy and might require removal.

Pelvic infections

Severe pelvic infections, which spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes, can cause cysts to develop.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts:

Women may experience some symptoms of ovarian cysts, which may include:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Lower back pain
Pelvic pain
Indigestion
Painful intercourse
Breast tenderness
Unexpected weight gain
Irregular and painful menstruation
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Difficulty in emptying the bladder or bowel completely
Urge to urinate more often

In case of a ruptured ovarian cyst or an ovarian torsion, women may experience severe symptoms that need immediate medical attention, such as:

Severe or sharp pelvic pain
Fever
Faintness or dizziness
Rapid breathing

When to See a Doctor

You should visit a doctor if you have:

Sudden or sharp pain in the lower abdomen
Pain during sex or periods
Feeling full quickly while eating
Trouble getting pregnant
Ongoing bloating or swelling in your belly

Early diagnosis helps manage the condition better and avoid complications.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts:

Doctors use different tests to find out if you have an ovarian cyst:

Pelvic Exam: A routine check-up where the doctor feels for swelling in your ovaries.
Ultrasound: This imaging test helps the doctor see the size, shape, and type of cyst.
Blood Tests: Tests like CA-125 help rule out the chance of cancer.
Laparoscopy: A small camera is inserted into your belly to look at the cyst and possibly remove it.

Treatment for Ovarian Cysts:

Most ovarian cysts resolve on their own, but some need attention. The treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the woman's age, type, size, and likely cause of the cysts, as well as whether the cyst is producing any symptoms or not. The possible treatments for ovarian cysts include:

Monitoring

If the cyst is small, fluid-filled, and not causing symptoms, the doctor might suggest waiting and getting rechecked in a few months. Regular pelvic ultrasounds may be recommended to monitor any changes in size.

Medication

For recurring cysts, hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills may be prescribed. While they won't shrink existing cysts, they can prevent new ones from forming and lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

Surgery

If the cyst is large or if it continues to grow or causes pain, the doctor may suggest removing the cyst. The surgical procedures to remove ovarian cysts include:

Ovarian cystectomy: It refers to the removal of ovarian cysts while preserving the ovaries. This procedure is usually recommended for women who desire fertility.
Oophorectomy: It is a surgical procedure to remove either one or both ovaries. If the cyst is large and non-cancerous, an oophorectomy is performed to remove the affected ovary while leaving the other intact.
Hysterectomy: In case of large cysts which are diagnosed to be cancerous, a hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus along with the surrounding organs, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes. This minimizes the spread of ovarian cancer. A hysterectomy is usually recommended if an ovarian cyst develops after menopause.

How can Ovarian Cysts be Prevented?

Ovarian cysts cannot be completely prevented as they are a natural part of the ovulation process.
Regular pelvic examinations can help detect any changes in the ovaries early.
Women should monitor their menstrual cycles for any irregularities or abnormal symptoms.
Any unusual changes should be reported to a gynecologist promptly to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

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Complications of Ovarian Cysts

Most of the cysts are benign and rarely ever cause any harm. But, in some cases, they may develop serious complications. The risks and complications of ovarian cysts depend on their type and the stage of the treatment. The severe complications associated with ovarian cysts include:

Ruptured ovarian cyst:

A burst cyst can cause severe pain and internal bleeding. It's rare but can be life-threatening, leading to infections or fertility issues.

Ovarian torsion:

When a cyst gets big, it can twist the ovary, cutting off its blood supply and causing tissue damage. This needs urgent medical attention to prevent complications.

Peritonitis:

Spilled cyst fluid can inflame the abdominal lining, causing severe pain and posing a risk to life.

Infertility:

Ovarian cysts can harm fertility, so it's crucial to get the right treatment to protect reproductive health.

Cancer:

While most cysts are harmless, some may be cancerous, especially in older women. Surgery may be needed to remove cancerous cysts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ovarian cysts are often not serious, especially if they are small and fluid-filled. However, in some cases, they can cause problems like pain if they rupture or twist. Rarely, they may be cancerous, especially in older women.

Yes, you can still get pregnant with an ovarian cyst. However, larger cysts might affect fertility or pregnancy. It's important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Ovarian cysts between 5 to 10 centimetres can sometimes be concerning. While small ones often go away without trouble, bigger cysts might cause problems like rupturing or twisting. If you're worried about a cyst this size, it's best to see a doctor.

Most ovarian cysts go away on their own within 1–3 months without treatment. Persistent or painful cysts may need medical care.

Yes, bloating or abdominal fullness is a common symptom, especially with larger cysts or those causing hormonal changes.

Limit processed foods, sugar, red meat, and caffeine. Choose anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.