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In the Spotlight

August 04, 2000

Ovarian Cysts: A Cause To Worry?


By Michael Woo-Ming, MD, MPH
PersonalMd.com Medical Contributor

You've got pain in your pelvis and your doctor has determined-after an ultrasound-that you have ovarian cysts. What exactly does that mean? Does it affect a future pregnancy?

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovaries are two female organs found on both sides of the uterus. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are found near or around ovaries. There are basically three types of ovarian cysts:

  • Functional Cyst-These are the most common type of cysts. They normally develop during ovulation;
  • Follicular Cyst-this is where the egg-producing follicle of the ovary increases in size and fills with fluid;
  • Corpus Luteum Cyst-After ovulation, these cysts are formed. If pregnancy fails to occur, these cysts are supposed to disintegrate. However, on occasion they can remain on the surface on the ovary and fill with fluid.

Why Do Ovarian Cysts Occur?

As mentioned above, ovarian cysts usually develop during ovulation. Most cysts disintegrate after a few months. If no ovulation takes place, cysts should not develop.

What Are The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cysts?

Most of the time, ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms. If they do, they may include:

  • Menstrual bleeding
  • problems
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Abdominal bloating

How Are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?

As noted above, most of the time ovarian cysts aren't diagnosed because they don't cause symptoms. During a physical, a pelvic examination often reveals to the doctor abnormalities of the ovaries. Ultrasound is often used to confirm the diagnosis and detect the size of the cyst. Other imaging such as an abdominal CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI may also be used.

How Are Cysts Treated?

Luckily most ovarian cysts dissipate and do not require any treatment. Your physician may want to get periodic ultrasounds to determine if the cysts are shrinking in size. Sometimes physicians prescribe birth control pills, which can help prevent cysts from occurring.

Ovarian cysts rarely prevent women from getting pregnant. Cysts that are larger than five centimeters and which do not shrink usually require surgery and are deemed abnormal. Ideally, the cyst will be removed without removing the ovary and/or accompanying fallopian tube. If the cyst is deemed cancerous, it may be recommended to remove the other ovary. Your physician may order a blood test known as CA-125 level, which is known to be elevated in ovarian cancer.

Will I Have A Hysterectomy, If Surgery Is Required?

Not necessarily. In childbearing women, every attempt is made to keep the ovaries intact, if not deemed cancerous. Laparotomy can be used to remove the cyst or ovary alone. Be sure to discuss all your surgical options with your physician to make sure you're getting the most informed opinion.

Reference: Ovarian Cysts: Information from your Family Doctor. American Academy of Family Physicians.

 

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