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Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence among women of reproductive age, often causing concern due to their potential to cause discomfort and other symptoms.
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Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can affect one or both ovaries at any time. They are very common; most women will experience an ovarian cyst at some point in their life. Ovarian cysts often do not present with symptoms unless they rupture or are particularly large, and they typically resolve on their own.
While it is unusual for ovarian cysts to cause symptoms, when they do, these may include pelvic pain (either severe, sharp, and sudden, or a dull and heavy sensation), pain during intercourse, constipation, increased urinary frequency, menstrual problems (such as heavy, light, or irregular periods), a swollen abdomen with bloating, and in some cases, difficulty conceiving.
There are two main types of ovarian cysts: Functional and pathological.
Functional cysts are common and benign, developing during the menstrual cycle. They include follicular cysts, which form when an egg follicle does not release its egg, and corpus luteum cysts, which fill with fluid after releasing an egg.
Pathological cysts, less common, result from abnormal cell growth. Examples include endometriomas from endometriosis, dermoid cysts containing various tissues, and cystadenomas filled with fluid. While usually non-cancerous, post-menopausal women have a higher risk of cancerous cysts.
Diagnosis is usually made with a transvaginal ultrasound scan using a small probe. Any cysts identified may need to be monitored with repeat scans.
If there is concern that your cyst may be cancerous, a blood test will also be taken. In many cases, the cysts will disappear on their own after a few months. If the cysts are especially large, causing significant symptoms, or potentially cancerous, they can be surgically removed.
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cysts:
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Screening and testing for ovarian cysts typically involve a series of steps to assess the presence, size, and characteristics of the cysts. Your healthcare provider will typically start by asking about your medical history, including any symptoms you may be experiencing such as pelvic pain, irregular menstruation, or abdominal discomfort.
A physical examination, including a pelvic exam, may be performed to feel for any abnormalities in the ovaries or surrounding areas, however, a transvaginal ultrasound is the primary imaging technique used to visualise ovarian cysts. This involves inserting a small ultrasound probe into the vagina to get a clear picture of the ovaries and detect any cysts. This is painless and non-invasive. Blood tests may be conducted to measure certain hormone levels which can sometimes be elevated in cases of ovarian cysts, though this is not always definitive for detecting or diagnosing cysts.
Your healthcare provider will review the results of your tests with you. They will explain whether ovarian cysts were found, their size, characteristics, and any implications for your health. If ovarian cysts are detected and require treatment, your doctor will discuss appropriate next steps. Treatment options could include monitoring with follow-up ultrasounds, medications to manage symptoms or shrink the cysts, or in some cases, surgical intervention.
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