Ovarian Cysts

An ovarian cyst occurs when a cyst or fluid-filled sac or pouch develops in or on the surface of an ovary. It can be as small as a pea or larger than an orange. The common ovarian cyst causes are: 

Follicular cysts  

In a normal situation, the egg is formed in the follicle, which contains fluid to protect the egg. When the egg is released, the follicle will burst. After that, the egg would move from an ovary into the womb, from where it can be fertilised by sperm. 

A follicular cyst occurs when the follicle does not shed its fluid and shrink after releasing the egg or does not release an egg. When this happens, the follicle could swell with fluid and become a follicular ovarian cyst.

Luteal ovarian cysts

After an egg is released, it leaves some tissues behind. The tissue, known as the corpus luteum, can grow into a cyst, trap blood, split, rupture, and cause ovary pain and bleeding. 

The common ovarian cyst symptoms are abdominal bloating or swelling, severe or sharp pelvic pain before or during the menstrual cycle, and pain in the lower back or thighs. Other symptoms include fever, dizziness, tenderness of the breasts, and bloating. 

Diagnosis includes pregnancy test, pelvic examination, an ovarian cyst ultrasound examination, and blood tests. 

The treatment method depends on the age of the patient, the type and size of the cyst, and the prevalent symptoms. If the cyst is benign, Dr Cilly may recommend a waiting period to see if the cyst would go away. Medication and ovarian cyst surgery are other available options.