Understanding Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that appear on the ovaries. These cysts usually appear during a woman’s fertile or menstrual period. Each woman has two ovaries, one on the right and one on the left of the uterus. These walnut-sized organs are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries have the main function of producing eggs every month (starting from puberty to menopause), and producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian function is very likely to be disrupted, one of which is often found is a cyst.
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
When the cyst is still small, usually the sufferer will not feel any symptoms. After the cyst begins to enlarge, new symptoms will be felt. This is because cysts can block the blood supply to the ovaries. The following are some of the symptoms caused by ovarian cysts:
- Pain or soreness. Pain or tenderness will usually appear in the lower stomach area. The levels vary, from mild to severe. Apart from that, the pain can also disappear and reappear, and can occur on both the right and left sides. Pain can also appear when the sufferer has intimate relations.
- Menstrual changes. During the menstrual period, people with ovarian cysts may experience menstruation with bleeding that is more or less than normal. Apart from that, the menstrual cycle can also become irregular.
- Digestive problems. People with ovarian cysts often feel very full even though they have only eaten a little and experience flatulence. In addition, other symptoms of digestive disorders that may occur include having difficulty defecating and urinating more frequently.
Causes of ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts occur due to the process of the menstrual cycle itself (functional cysts) or abnormal cell growth (pathological cysts).
Following are several types of ovarian cysts based on their division:
- Functional cyst. This type of cyst appears when the ovary releases an egg for fertilization (ovulation). If every month the size of the egg cell increases, it can cause a functional cyst. Functional cysts are the type of cyst most often experienced by women. This type of cyst is not dangerous and can disappear within 2-3 menstrual periods. Functional cysts are divided into two types, namely: 1. Follicular cyst. Normally, the egg cell will be surrounded by a follicle and burst during ovulation. Follicular cysts appear when the follicle does not rupture, so the egg cannot be released. As a result, the follicles will become swollen because they are filled with fluid and become cysts.
- Corpus luteum cyst. Next, the follicle that ruptures and releases the egg cell will become a corpus luteum and produce fluid. This cyst appears when the hole in the corpus luteum becomes blocked and causes a buildup of fluid. As a result, the corpus luteum develops into a cyst.
- Pathological Cyst. Pathological cysts are not related to the menstrual cycle and appear because there is abnormal cell growth. Pathological cysts are included in ovarian tumors which can be benign or malignant. However, pathological cysts are usually benign. These cysts are divided into several types, namely:
- Dermoid cyst. Dermoid cysts originate from embryonic cells that have been present since birth and develop during the woman’s fertile period. These cysts are usually benign, but can develop into cancer.
- Adenoma cyst. Appears on the surface of the ovaries and may contain fluid or mucus. This cyst can enlarge and cause the ovary to twist, which can reduce or even stop blood flow to the ovary.
- Endometriosis. Endometriosis cysts occur because cells found in the uterine wall or endometrium grow on the ovaries.
Apart from the various causes of cysts above, there are several conditions that can increase a person’s risk of developing ovarian cysts, namely as follows:
- Taking medication to fertilize the womb.
- Is pregnant.
- Have had ovarian cysts before.
- Having a severe pelvic infection, endometriosis or PCOS.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cysts
The presence of an ovarian cyst can be detected when the sufferer undergoes a pelvic ultrasound examination. Apart from ultrasound, doctors also advise sufferers to carry out a pregnancy test to ensure that the sufferer is not pregnant. However, if the sufferer is pregnant, the cyst detected is suspected to be a corpus luteum type. Next, the doctor will carry out blood tests on the sufferer, including hormone level tests. This test is carried out to determine whether or not there are disorders related to hormones. In addition, for sufferers who have entered menopause with cysts containing solid material, the doctor will perform a blood test for cancer antigen 125 (CA 125).
A high CA 125 examination result can be an indication that the lump in the sufferer’s ovary is malignant. However, high CA 125 examination results do not always indicate ovarian cancer, especially in women who have not yet reached menopause. If necessary, the doctor can perform a laparoscopy to examine the ovarian cyst in more detail. This procedure is carried out by inserting a special tool in the form of a thin tube with a camera at the end into the sufferer’s stomach through a small incision in the abdominal wall to see the condition of the ovaries.
Cysts usually disappear by themselves without requiring special treatment. The treatment steps taken depend on the type and size of the cyst and the age of the sufferer. The following are several treatment options that can be used:
- Regular monitoring. Regular monitoring is carried out if the cyst is still small and shows no symptoms. Monitoring is carried out by carrying out an ultrasound examination several weeks or months after the diagnosis of a cyst, to find out whether the cyst has disappeared or is still there. Meanwhile, in women who have experienced postmenopause, ultrasound examinations and blood tests need to be done every 4 months. This is because sufferers are at greater risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Taking birth control pills. Doctors can prescribe birth control pills to prevent cysts from appearing again. However, taking birth control pills cannot reduce the size of existing cysts.
- Operation procedure. Surgery is performed if the cyst continues to increase in size, is still present after more than 3 menstrual periods, or causes pain. Surgical procedures are carried out with the aim of removing the cyst. However, for more severe cases, the doctor will usually also remove the ovaries. The operation to remove small cysts is carried out using the laparoscopic method, namely making a small incision assisted by a laparoscope. This tool is in the form of a hose equipped with a camera. However, if the cyst is larger or malignant, the doctor will perform an open abdominal surgical procedure or laparotomy. All surgical procedures certainly have risks. Complications that may occur after ovarian cyst surgery include infection in the surgical area which is characterized by bleeding, abdominal pain or swelling, fever, and dark, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
The impact of surgery to remove both ovaries will mean that the sufferer will no longer be able to have children. This means that in treating cysts, doctors will try to maintain the fertility of sufferers who have not yet entered menopause. If a doctor is forced to remove an ovary, the procedure is usually only performed on one ovary. Meanwhile, the other ovary is left in place, so the sufferer can still get pregnant.
Complications that can occur due to ovarian cysts are:
- Ovarian torsion. An enlarged cyst can cause the ovary to move and twist, which is painful for the sufferer’s ovary (ovarian torsion).
- The cyst ruptured. A ruptured cyst can cause severe pain and internal bleeding.
How to Prevent Ovarian Cysts
Although there is no way to prevent ovarian cysts, regular pelvic examinations can help detect changes in the ovaries, so that ovarian cysts can be detected as early as possible. Apart from that, women are also advised to always be aware of changes in the monthly cycle, including unusual menstrual symptoms. Especially if this condition occurs for more than a few cycles. Immediately go to the nearest doctor or hospital if you feel any symptoms that indicate an ovarian cyst.
