Ovarian cysts are very common in women in any age group, but more common in women during their childbearing years. A woman may develop a single cyst or many cysts, they can vary in size and are usually found on the surface of the ovary. The most common type of ovarian cyst is called a functional cyst as it forms as a result of ovulation which is a normal function of the female body.

Women normally have two ovaries that store and release eggs. An ovary is approximately the same size as a walnut. They are located on either side of the uterus. One ovary produces one egg each month and this is the process that starts the menstrual cycle. Each month, an egg, encased in a sack called a follicle, grows inside the ovary. The follicle is supposed to break open and release the egg. Should the egg not be released from the follicle, the fluid stays in the follicle and forms a cyst.

The vast majority of ovarian cysts are considered functional or physiologic, this means they have nothing to do with disease. Most ovarian cysts are benign, which means they are harmless and not cancerous.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF OVARIAN CYSTS

Functional: Functional cysts fall into two categories, follicular and corpus luteum. Follicular cysts seldom cause pain, are usually harmless and may disappear within a two to three month period. A Corpus luteum cyst can cause pelvic or abdominal pain but will usually disappear in a few weeks. Because these types of cysts are formed during ovulation they rarely occur in menopausal women.

Dermoid: This is an abnormal type cyst that usually affects younger women. It is a type of benign tumor. This cyst can be filled with various types of tissue but generally made up of fat. Although rare, these cysts can become large and rupture and cause bleeding into the abdomen, which would be a medical emergency.

Endometrioma: This type of cyst is formed when the mucous membrane that makes up the inner layer of the uterine wall grows in the ovaries. This type is also known as a "chocolate cyst," they respond to monthly hormonal changes which can cause the cyst to become filled with blood which is reddish-brown in color. This type of cysts can cause chronic pelvic pain associated with menstruation and intercourse.

Cystadenoma: This type of cyst is a type of tumor and usually benign, it develops from cells on the outer surface of the ovaries. Occasionally, they can become quite large and therefore interfere with abdominal organs and cause pain.

Multiple cysts – the polycystic ovary: A woman who does not ovulate on a regular basis can develop multiple cysts. The ovaries can become quite enlarged and may contain many smaller cysts clustered under a thickened layer. There are many factors causing a woman to not ovulate and develop polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovarian syndrome involves cardiovascular and metabolic risks linked to insulin resistance. This syndrome is associated with infertility, abnormal bleeding and increased risk of miscarriage.

SYMPTOMS

It is not easy to know whether you have ovarian cysts. You may have cysts but have no obvious signs. Most ovarian cysts are small and don’t cause symptoms. When symptoms are present ovarian cysts may cause a dull ache or a sense of fullness or pressure on the abdomen. Other symptoms that may be experienced are:

Weight gain

A constant ache of either side of the pelvis

Aching in the thighs or lower back

Increased facial and body hair

Pain during intercourse

Pain during your menstrual period

A feeling of pressure on your bladder or rectum

Nausea & vomiting

Breast tenderness

Vaginal spotting

Irregular or absent menstrual periods

Very Important Note: If you experience severe sudden pain, fever and or vomiting, this can be a sign of a ruptured cyst. This is a medical emergency and you need to seek attention immediately.

There is confusion associated with the symptoms of ovarian cysts as some of those noted above can also be symptoms of conditions such as appendicitis, gall bladder disease, kidney stone, bladder infection, diverticulitis and intestinal inflammation or obstruction.

DIAGNOSIS

An ovarian cyst may be discovered during a pelvic exam if so an ultrasound may be ordered. An ultrasound is painless and is a procedure where sound waves are transmitted through the pelvic area and an image of the pelvic area and uterus is shown on a screen. This image will allow your health care provider to determine the nature of the cyst. If a functional cyst is found it will be characterized by being fluid-filled and made up of one single sack.

TREATMENT

Several different treatments are available and the choice of treatment will depend on the type of cyst, family history, if you have been experiencing symptoms, how large the cyst is and your age.

Functional cysts do not usually require treatment and will disappear on their own after one to three menstrual cycles. Oral contraceptives may be prescribed by your health care provider to help make your menstrual cycle more normal which may decrease the development of functional ovarian cysts.

PREVENTION

It is said that there are several fundamental ways you can minimize the probability of developing ovarian cysts. An increase in exercise can help as well controlling stress levels in your life. Diet, in relation to the development of ovarian cysts has been identified as a major contributing factor.

A recent study conducted by the Institute of Research Pharmacology studied the diet of 225 women who had benign ovarian cysts and 450 women who did not have ovarian cysts. This study was conducted over a 10 year period.

This study uncovered evidence that proved the type of food consumed did in fact influence the development of ovarian cysts. It was found that women who consumed the most beef and cheese developed ovarian cysts. The researchers also found that the consumption of green vegetables appeared to provide a strong protective effect against developing the condition. This study provided clear evidence that your daily diet plays a major role in influencing whether or not you develop ovarian cysts.

CONCLUSION

If you believe you may be suffering from ovarian cysts you must seek advice. If in fact you know you are suffering from this condition and are uncomfortable with the information and treatment that has been presented to you, you must gain more information and seek other opinions before making a decision about one particular type of treatment.

Author: Jennifer Bartlett

I hope you are aware that there are natural treatments available to treat and prevent ovarian cysts that have been proven to work. Did you know that there are things you can do at home to relieve pain, discomfort and swelling caused by this condition that will provide you with relief in about 20 minutes? The information provided in this article is only a small portion of what you need to know. There is much more you must know and understand before making a final decision where any one form of treatment is concerned. Gain the information you need to make the right choice about your own body at http://www.ovariancystsinfo.info you have a right to choose and you do have choices, make an informed one.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bartlett

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