Women’s Little Challenges: Functional Ovarian Cysts
There are lots of little problems that can occur during our periods, some serious and others not so. However, the particular problem being addressed here: ovarian cysts.Wait, stop! No panicking. They sound scarier than they are, or at least than they have to be. Allow me to explain�
Ovarian cysts are sac-like structures that form on the ovary, and like other cysts are fluid filled. (Ovarian Cysts, 2005). For the most part these cysts are considered harmless and even completely normal, yet some cause the host discomfort and bleeding. There are several types of cysts that can form on the ovaries: functional cysts, Endometriomas, Cystadenomas, Dermoid cysts, and Polycystic ovaries. (Ovarian Cysts, 2005). The first of this list is the most common in woman and shall thus be the focus article. Further information on the other cysts mentioned can be found at: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ovarian_cysts.htm , or http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm .
Functional cysts form during a woman’s menstruation cycle in one of two ways. During menstruation a woman’s ovaries grow two cysts to hold eggs in. When the egg is released the cysts just dissolve, this is how our bodies work. However, sometimes the cysts don’t release the egg as planned and instead continue to grow. (Ovarian Cysts, 2005). The good news is that these cysts are not surgical. In fact, they resolve themselves within a number of short months, generally 2-3, in which case they simply disappear. If only they would do that in the first placeâÂ?¦*sigh.
The second form of functional cyst is called a corpus luteum cyst. This cyst is a result of the natural menstruation cyst releasing the egg, yet after the egg is released the cyst seals itself off and allows fluid to build up inside. Like the previous form mentioned this cysts will go away on its own, although there are drugs to treat it. However, a corpus luteum cyst can also grow up to four inches in size (Ovarian Cysts, 2005) and cause abdominal pain and bleeding. The good news about both types of cysts is that they are very rarely associated with cancer. In fact, ovarian cysts are fairly common in woman and most woman don’t even know they have them. It is only those that experience discomfort, pain, and/or bleeding, or those that are having a routine pelvic exam, that generally have them diagnosed. Hemorrhagic cysts are cysts which are bleeding and cause abdominal pain on one side one the body. (Ovarian Cysts, 2006). Again, these are classified as functional cysts and can be treated either with prescribed medication or left to dissolve on its own. They do, however, cause a great deal of discomfort and can seem like a serious problem to one without a doctors advice stating otherwise.
As mentioned earlier, these cysts generally take care of themselves by dissolving after a number of weeks or months. However, there is medication that can be prescribed to hasten the dissolving of the cysts and stop the bleeding and pain faster. If neither of these things are a problem with the cysts then it will be up to your doctor whether medication will be necessary. Any questions or concerns can be addressed to your doctor as they will be able to come up with the best treatment plan for you. Additionally, your doctor will want to watch the cyst to be sure it disappears as it should. As such, be sure to schedule follow up appointments before you leave your doctors office.
Symptoms of ovarian cysts include: pressure or pain in the abdomen, dull ache in the lower back and thighs, problems passing urine completely, pain during sexual intercourse, weight gain, painful menstruation periods and abnormal bleeding, nausea or vomiting, breast tenderness. (Ovarian Cysts, 2005). The Department of Health and Human Services also encourages woman who experience pain with fever and vomiting, sudden, severe abdominal pain, faintness, dizziness or weakness, rapid breathing, to call their health care provider right away. (2005).
Detecting an ovarian cyst is relatively easy if the symptoms are present. As stated earlier, a visit to the gynecologist and a simple pelvic exam is the first step. Generally, a doctor will check the tender area of your abdomen with an ultrasound. This process doesn’t take long and the doctor can let you know whether there is or isn’t a cyst there. The ultrasound can also let you know how big it is and other information that only a doctor really knows what to do with! Further tests can be run if the cyst is thought to be dangerous, but for most that is the end of the line. The gynecologist is able to diagnose the cyst, the type of cyst it is, and prescribe the proper treatment.
Other things your doctor might discuss with you are your prevention options. There are a number of different ways in which the functions of your body, your body conditions, the amount of stress you are under, and the like can affect your menstruation. Obviously, as this is an ailment of our lucky week it doesn’t affect those who no longer experience it, i.e. menopausal women. Likewise, women taking birth control neither experience this problem. So, if your doctor thinks you are at risk for recurring ovarian cysts, he/she will most likely suggest a birth control pill to keep it in check. Of course, this option is up to you completely as these cysts don’t really pose any severe health risk. For the sake of comfort and convenience, some opt for the pill. Questions about this, or other options can be addressed to your gynecologist who can answer your questions best as they relate to your body.
Although having a cyst on your ovary seems like a stress raising ordeal, it doesn’t have to be. That is, of course, granted you are not experiencing too much pain and discomfort from it, which can be the case. However, at least you can be at peace knowing the problem isn’t too serious and that you have some options, as far as treatments go, to get you through it. So long as you talk to your doctor and get the facts you’ll be able to relax mentally. As for the pain and discomfortâÂ?¦drink a nice cup of hot tea and curl up with a book. You’ll have to brave the storm on this one.
Do remember that this article has only dealt with one form of Ovarian cysts, but there are other forms such as those briefly mentioned in paragraph three. Although functional cyst are very rarely dangerous, other forms of ovarian cysts are. This article has chosen to focus on functional cysts as they are common, yet still misunderstood. However, it is important for women to be informed about all aspects of their health and the sites referenced below can help you learn more about it.
References:
(2005, January). Ovarian Cysts. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Department of Health and Human Services Web site: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ovarian_cysts.htm
(2006). Ovarian Cysts. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Emedicine: Consumer Health Web site: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm
Special thanks to my doctor Aldo Palmeri for time and effort in helping me to understand this condition.
