Ovarian Cysts

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. In most cases a cyst on the ovary does no harm and goes away by itself. Most women have them sometime during their lives. Cysts are rarely cancerous in women under 50. Cysts sometimes hurt - but not always. Often, a woman finds out about a cyst when she has a pelvic exam.

If you're in your childbearing years or past menopause, have no symptoms, and have a fluid-filled cyst, you may choose to monitor the cyst. You may need surgery if you have pain, are past menopause or if the cyst does not go away. Birth control pills can help prevent new cysts.

A health problem that may involve ovarian cysts is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS can have high levels of male hormones, irregular or no periods and small ovarian cysts.

National Women's Health Information Center

Ovarian Cyst on Wikipedia

An '''ovarian cyst''' is any collection of fluid within the ovary. Some of these, called ''functional cysts'', are part of the normal process of menstruation. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about 2 centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. Specific types of cyst include ''graafian follicles'' (which may rupture at mid-cycle and cause mittelschmerz) or ''corpus luteum'' cysts (which may rupture about the time of menstruation, and take up to three months to disappear entirely). Other cysts are Pathology, such as those found in polycystic ovary syndrome, or those associated with tumors.

Symptoms

*Dull pain in the lower abdomen or discomfort *Fullness or bloating *Pain during sexual intercourse or exercise *Irregular periods or spotting *Change in frequency of urination or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy

Treatment

About 95% of ovarian cysts are benign; those that persist beyond two or three menstrual cycles, or occur in post-menopausal women may indicate more serious disease and should be investigated through ultrasonography and laproscopy, especially in cases where other family members have had ovarian cancer. Such cysts may require surgical biopsy. Additionally, a blood test may be taken before surgery to check for elevated CA-125, a tumour marker, which is often in increased levels in ovarian cancer, although it can also be elevated by other conditions. [ Read More ]

External Resources

Institute for Female Alternative Medicine - Alternatives to hysterectomy, surgery for removal of fibroid tumors, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, adenomyosis and other non-cancerous conditions. Institute located in Glendale, California.

Womens Health Issues - Includes the menopause, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, infertility, weight loss, polycystic ovarian syndrome and alternative HRT.

Antidote for Ovarian Cysts - Elizabeth Smith, M.D. reveals a simple non-surgical over-the-counter cure for ovarian cysts, and John Lee, M.D.'s success in treating it.

Laparoscopic Images of Ovarian Cysts - From The Sydney Gynaecological Endoscopy Group based at Hospitals in NSW, Australia.

eMedicine - Ovarian Cysts - Pathophysiology, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, procedures, treatment, and follow-up of ovarian cysts.

Mjbobo.com - Ovarian Cysts - An overview of the most common non-cancerous ovarian cysts.

Womenshealth - About.com - Ovarian Cysts - Explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian cysts.

iVillage: Ovarian Cysts - Articles and quizzes.

eMedicine Health - Ovarian Cysts - Consumer health resource center providing information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment.

An Introduction to Ovaries and Ovarian Cysts - Introduces ovarian cysts, defines ovaries, and explains the connection gynecology has made between cysts and ovarian cancer.

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