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Learn all the solutions to questions about ovarian cysts from our experts. I definitely ensure after reading this blog all your queries related to ovarian cyst would be resolved.

How do ovarian cysts work?
Ovarian cysts are solid or liquid-filled, closed sac-like structures with a diameter of more than 3 cm that are found inside the ovary. They could be unilateral or bilateral, single or multiple. From the size of a small melon to several centimeters, they can range in size. They may have thin walls and only contain fluid (a simple cyst), or they may have thicker walls, blood, septa, or solid areas.

Do all ovarian cysts look alike?
No. Ovarian cysts can take many different forms and can affect women of all ages. Most of them are “functional” cysts like follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts before menopause. These go away on their own after a few weeks or months.

Others are pathological, such as dermoid cysts, endometriomas (chocolate cysts), serous and mucinous cystadenoma, etc.

How frequently do these cysts occur?
Since cysts frequently cause no symptoms and eventually go away on their own, the majority of women won’t even be aware that they have one. One in ten women will likely require ovarian cyst surgery at a certain point in their lives.

What signs could show up?
Premenopausal women typically have asymptomatic ovarian cysts that go away without the women ever being aware of them. Lower abdominal or pelvic pain are the most typical symptoms of cysts. Other symptoms include painful periods or a change in your menstrual cycle, pain in your bowels or pressure on your bowels, pain during sexual activity (dyspareunia), increased rate, a change in appetite or a feeling of bloating, a distended or swollen abdomen, and difficulty conceiving (becoming pregnant), which may be related to endometriosis. 

What causes the pain to occur?
The cyst may rupture, grow quickly and stretch, bleed into the cyst, or twist around its blood supply, all of which can result in pain

Ovarian cysts are diagnosed in what ways?
A doctor may occasionally find an ovarian cyst while performing a TVS (transvaginal ultrasound). When evaluating the size and appearance of an ovarian cyst, a TVS (transvaginal ultrasound) performs better than an abdominal ultrasound.

A CT scan or an MRI scan are two additional imaging techniques that can be used to detect cysts (magnetic resonance imaging)

How can a doctor determine whether an ovarian cyst is harmful?
Most ovarian masses in women in their 40s or younger with regular menstrual cycles are “functional ovarian cysts,” such as follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. These are associated with the ovulation process that takes place during the menstrual cycle. Usually, they naturally go away during a subsequent menstrual cycle. These cysts are followed for a handful of menstrual cycles to make sure they go away.

Which additional exams are typically performed?
Certain Blood tests such as CA 125, are also carried out..

Depending on the complexity and size of the cyst, additional imaging tests such as a Colour Doppler, CT scan, or MRI may be advised.

Do all cysts respond to treatment?
Well, if your scan is positive and you don’t have any symptoms, you might not need any treatment.

You require additional testing and treatment if you exhibit symptoms or if an ultrasound reveals a large, complex, or expanding cyst.

What types of treatments are available?
Your doctor may advise surgery or suggest a conservative approach depending on your symptoms, age, the type and size of the cyst, and your desire to continue having children.

Either laparoscopy (keyhole) surgery or laparotomy (open surgery) are used for operations. A laparotomy is typically advised if somehow the cyst is huge or, less frequently, if there is a cancer suspicion. The best procedure for your circumstances will be discussed with you by your gynecologists’ after they have gone over these procedures with you.

Is the entire ovary removed during surgery for an ovarian cyst?
Before menopause, the ovaries produce vital hormones, so in most cases, only the cyst is eliminated to protect the ovary. Cystectomy is the term for this.

However, there are some situations where either one or both ovaries may need to be removed. For instance, if the cyst was so large that it completely replaced the ovary, if it had twisted so badly that the blood flow was completely severed, or, less frequently, if there was a fear of cancer. Before the procedure starts, your surgeon might not be aware of the type of surgery that will be performed.

Do combined oral contraceptives have any use?
Simple cysts cannot be cured by taking combined oral contraceptives, but taking the pill may prevent future cyst development.

What happens if you suffer from an ovarian cyst and are pregnant, according to your ultrasound?
Well, early in a pregnancy, an ultrasound scan frequently reveals ovarian cysts. By 14 to 16 weeks of pregnancy, the majority of these go away. You might be given the option to have additional scans both during pregnancy and after giving birth if the cyst seems to be large or complicated. Only if you experience pain thought to be caused by the cyst or, very rarely, if cancer is suspected, would an operation to extract the cyst during pregnancy be advised.

 KEY POINTS:- 

• In women before menopause, ovarian cysts are typical.
• Ovarian cancer before menopause is uncommon.
• It should give you peace of mind to have an ultrasound.
• Most small, straightforward ovarian cysts don’t need to be treated.
• If you need surgery, it will typically be a keyhole procedure with the cyst only being removed.

Still worried about your ovarian cyst, we don’t bother you anymore. Just book an appointment with Origyn IVF and get a free consultation with our IVF Specialist Dr. Rashmi Sharma. Contact us at 8080809084 our consultancy expert will guide you from end to end.