OVARIAN CYSTS/OVARIAN ENDOMETRIOSIS CYST 

Ovaries are significant organs of the reproductive system of any female. The female lower abdomen has two ovaries which flank both sides of the uterus. These ovaries play an important role in reproduction as they produce important hormones (progesterone and estrogen) and eggs. Ovaries just like any other part of the female body are prone to certain conditions and in this case having cysts is a normal occurrence.

WHAT IS AN OVARIAN CYST AND IS IT COMMON?

An ovarian cyst is a sac like growth filled with liquid that forms on the ovary of a woman. Their occurrence is quite common but they are not accompanied by symptoms so they can go untreated for months without affecting the normal work of the ovaries.

WHAT IS OVARIAN ENDOMETRIOSIS CYST AND DOES IT DIFFER FROM AN OVARIAN CYST?

Ovarian endometriosis cysts are just one of the root causes of ovarian cysts. These endometrial cysts are filled with thick old blood and cause the inner lining of the womb to form in other parts of the body other than the womb. These patches or tissues that are now outside the uterus and attached to the ovaries create cysts which bleed during periods.

IS IT CANCEROUS?

Going by medical research and facts, cysts that are mostly fluid filled do not have a high likelihood of being cancerous. On the other hand, those that comprise of solids or are a mixture of solids and fluids need to be examined further to cancel out the likelihood.

SYMPTOMS

Although ovarian cysts do not display a lot of symptoms, the following can serve as a guide to identifying it:

  • Pain in the pelvic region – normally, the type of pain experienced differs from a slight dull sensation to a heavy throbbing that causes a piercing pain
  • Sexual relations is accompanied with pain
  • The use of the toilet becomes a problem as bowel movements experience difficulty
  • The periods become irregular and often fluctuate between light and heavy flows
  • The stomach becomes bloated or swollen
  • Getting pregnant becomes difficult
  • Eating a little portion of food brings about a feeling of fullness

TREATMENT

There are a lot of options available for treating ovarian cysts and ovarian endometriosis cysts but it depends on several factors, including the type of cyst, your overall health, and your own preferences. The treatment options are:

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

A doctor is more likely to recommend birth control pills so as to cut down the likelihood of future cysts developing during subsequent menstrual cycles. The ingestion of the oral contraceptives has the added bonus of reducing ovarian cancer. As long as the birth control is taken periodically, then the risk associated with ovarian cancer is also reduced.

SURGERY

Surgery is considered an option when the cyst in question is in the large category and also does not have the appearance of being non-threatening. If the cysts continue to enlarge and cause pain or any of the above symptoms, then the doctor is likely to go for the surgery option to get it removed. During the surgery, there are different approaches such as:

  • Ovarian cystectomy: Removes the cysts without removing the ovary
  • Oophorectomy: Removes the affected ovary and leaving the other intact
  • Total hysterectomy: This occurs when the cyst has a cancerous mass. The ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes have to be removed.

DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

  • Pregnancy Test: This diagnostic service includes the use of a transducer identical in look to a wand to send and also receive sound waves of high frequency so as to form a picture of the ovaries and uterus on a screen. The doctor then goes ahead to assess the image so as to identify any cyst presence, its location and also its composition.
  • Pelvic ultrasound: Here, a device known as a laparoscope (slim in appearance) is maneuverer into the abdomen through a cut made by the doctor so as to see the ovaries and perform the act of removal of the cyst. Anaesthesia is needed for these procedures.
  • Laparoscopy: This is a test which makes use of sound waves to create an image of the ovaries. It assists the doctor in determining the size and location of the cyst or tumour.

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