After inconsistent periods since giving birth I had to go for an ultra sound of the pelvic area, to see if a cause could be found.
Now if you have just been through a pregnancy then ultra sound is a piece of cake, well did I have a reality check… First off your bladder needs to be full, and I mean really full, since I am no longer able to cope with a very full bladder we had to go for a vaginal ultra sound. Yes you got it…
The bonus, according to some medical web sites, of a vaginal ultra sound is that you are able to obtain easier and even better footage of possible cysts.
So once they do a once over of your uterus and the endometrium they zoom in on the ovaries. Now follicle ovarian cysts are common in ovulating women, this is the way nature has intended for woman to release the egg. The egg releases a hormone which matures the egg as well as let the follicle (the sac within which the egg is located) grow. One web site said that the ovary looks like a chocolate chip cookie if you look at it.
There are precursors that would possible tell you that you possible have cysts, and these are:
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may start and stop and may be severe, sudden, and sharp
Irregular menstrual periods
Feeling of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure or fullness
Long-term pelvic pain during menstrual period that may also be felt in the lower back
Pelvic pain after strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse
Pain or pressure with urination or bowel movements
Nausea and vomiting
Vaginal pain or spots of blood from vagina
Infertility
There are also a number of possible cysts you could have outlined there is the normal follicular cysts which as outlined above is the normal way within which you ovulate, it does however sometimes happen that these cysts for not burst open to release an egg, and thus just keep on growing causing problems.
There is the corpus luteum cyst, usually once ovulation has taken place, the follicle becomes known as corpus luteum it is usually broken down and dissapear. If it does however persists, an fill with fluid then it becomes a corpus luteum cysts, which will occur only on one ovary.
Then you also find the Hemorrhagic cyst these are cyst within which bleeding occurs and these also may cause abdominal pain on one side of the body.
Dermoid cyst is abnormal cyst and is ussually found in younger woman. It is a type of benign tumor sometimes referred to as mature cystic teratoma. This cyst is similar to those present on skin tissue and can contain fat and occasionally bone, hair, and cartilage.
Endometriomas or endometrioid cysts are found in women who suffers from endometriosis, these are formed when the endometrial tissue grows in the ovaries.
Polycystic-appearing ovary: Polycystic-appearing ovary is diagnosed based on its enlarged size – usually twice that of normal – with small cysts present around the outside of the ovary. This condition can be found in “normal” women, and in women with endocrine disorders. An ultrasound is used to view the ovary in diagnosing this condition.
Cystadenoma: A cystadenoma is a type of benign tumor that develops from ovarian tissue. They may be filled with a mucous-type fluid material.
Once you have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and the type of cyst an number of different treatments would be available.
If you have a follicular cyst a wait and see approach might be taken as most of these will remedy itself. You could also be put on the pill which reduces the risk of cysts as it keeps you form ovulating. Treatment also varies dependant on your age and whether you are trying to have children or would like to have children in future, as in most cases where more dangerous cysts are found a hysterectomy might be the only option.
For further information you can read articles on the following web sites:
Here are some informative links on ovarian cysts, presented in an easy-to-understand way:
- Women’s Health (womenshealth.gov) – This article gives an overview of ovarian cysts, covering their types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. It also explains when to seek medical help, especially if severe pain or unusual symptoms are present. Read more here.
- Cleveland Clinic – This resource explains common causes, symptoms, and complications of ovarian cysts. It highlights different treatment approaches based on cyst type and the severity of symptoms, with options ranging from observation to surgical removal. Explore further here.
- Verywell Health – This article discusses frequent symptoms of ovarian cysts and potential complications, such as rupture and torsion, which may require immediate medical attention. It also includes a summary of when to consult a healthcare provider. Check out the article here.
These resources provide comprehensive information and are suitable for anyone looking to understand ovarian cysts without technical jargon.
Here are some South African resources that offer general information on ovarian cysts:
- Mediclinic Infohub explains various types of ovarian cysts, their causes, symptoms, and common treatments. This article breaks down conditions like follicular and corpus luteum cysts, which often resolve naturally, and more complex cysts like dermoid cysts that may require medical intervention. It also discusses diagnosis methods, including ultrasound and blood tests, making it accessible for general readers interested in understanding ovarian health issues better. https://www.mediclinicinfohub.co.za/ovarian-cysts/
- Dr. Vaeochan Govender’s Gynaecology Practice provides insights into cyst types associated with conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The website also describes common symptoms—like pelvic pain, bloating, and menstrual irregularities—and emphasizes when medical consultation is essential, particularly for persistent pain or unusual abdominal swelling. https://vgobgyn.co.za/2024/10/16/ovarian-cysts-should-you-be-worried/
- MedicalBrief highlights research suggesting a “watchful waiting” approach for managing non-cancerous ovarian cysts, where monitoring may be preferable to surgery. This article, suitable for a general audience, can help readers understand why doctors may recommend observation over immediate surgical treatment in many benign cyst cases. https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/watchful-waiting-rather-surgery-benign-ovarian-cysts/
These resources are specifically tailored to South African audiences, providing valuable information in a clear, accessible format for general readers.
Source:
eMedicine Health. Ovarian Cysts. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm
