The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce a woman's eggs and make female hormones. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in or on an ovary. They usually form during ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg. They are usually harmless and go away by themselves. Most women have them sometime during their lives.

Most ovarian cysts are small and don't cause symptoms. Women may not find out that they have them until they have a pelvic exam. If there are symptoms, they may include

  • Pressure
  • Bloating
  • Swelling
  • Pain in the lower abdomen, on the side where the cyst is

If your health care provider finds a cyst, you may be able to wait to see if it gets bigger. You may need surgery if you have pain, are past menopause, or if the cyst does not go away. If a cyst bursts or causes bleeding, you should get medical help right away. Birth control pills can help prevent new cysts.

Rarely, ovarian cysts can become cancerous. This risk increases as you get older.

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

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

The following features are indicative of Ovarian Cysts:
  • abdominal discomfort
  • pelvic pain
  • dyspareunia
  • pressure on your bowels
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • heaviness in your abdomen
  • needing to urinate more often
  • unexplained weight gain
  • breast tenderness
It is possible that Ovarian Cysts shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Ovarian Cysts

The following are the most common causes of Ovarian Cysts:
  • hormonal problems
  • endometriosis
  • pregnancy
  • severe pelvic infections

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cysts

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Ovarian Cysts:
  • women with regular periods

Prevention of Ovarian Cysts

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Ovarian Cysts. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • using hormonal birth control method

Occurrence of Ovarian Cysts

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Ovarian Cysts cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Ovarian Cysts can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Ovarian Cysts most commonly occurs in the following gender:
  • Female

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Ovarian Cysts:
  • Pregnancy test: To determine the type of cyst
  • Pelvic ultrasound: To confirm the presence of the cyst
  • Laparoscopy: To view your ovaries and remove the ovarian cyst
  • Cancer antigen 125 blood test: To determine whether your cyst could be cancerous

Doctor for Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Ovarian Cysts:
  • Gynecologist

Complications of Ovarian Cysts if untreated

Yes, Ovarian Cysts causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Ovarian Cysts is left untreated:
  • ovarian torsion
  • ruptured cyst

Procedures for Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

The following procedures are used to treat Ovarian Cysts:
  • Surgery: To remove the cyst

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Ovarian Cysts:
  • Intake tribulus terrestris extract: Helps in removing ovarian cysts

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Ovarian Cysts.

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