Most ovarian cysts are found either on or inside the ovary and contain harmless fluid. The ovaries are two almond-shaped organs situated either side of the uterus. After the age of puberty, they release an ovum (egg) each month that travels through the fallopian tube in preparation for fertilization. In the male, the testes perform similar functions to the ovaries, i.e., production of sex cells and secretion of hormones.
Similar to testes in men, the ovaries also function as endocrine organs in that they produce and release female sex hormones, chiefly estrogen and progesterone.
Multiple types of ovarian cyst exist. The most common are called, ‘functional cysts.’ These form is a natural consequence of ovulation and rarely cause problems. They are particularly common during a woman’s fertile years. There are other sorts of ovarian cyst that may cause problems and require medical attention. These include polycystic ovaries, cystadenomas, ectopic pregnancy, dermoid cysts and, finally, ovarian cancer.
With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the follicles containing the developing ova fail to open properly when the egg reaches maturity, forming cysts. Cystadenomas are formed outside the ovary and usually contain fluid. Dermoid cysts may be composed of any tissue that is found in the body, including teeth, skin or hair.
An ectopic pregnancy may also be a type of ovarian cyst. These occur when the fertilized egg becomes implanted outside the uterus. The most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is within one of the fallopian tubes; however, in extremely rare cases the fertilized egg can find its way into or onto an ovary, or even the stomach area or cervix. Finally, some ovarian cysts are cancerous.
The vast majority of ovarian cysts do not show symptoms but those that do occur, usually pain or a late period, should never be ignored. Pain may occur if the cyst starts to bleed, grows large, becomes disturbed by sexual intercourse or other activity, if it breaks open or causes twisting in a fallopian tube. Other warning signs are bloating, pain during bowel movements, sexual intercourse or preceding a menstrual period. There may also be light bleeding, called ‘spotting’, in between menses.
The problem is that the symptoms of harmless ovarian cysts are often identical to those signalling cancer of the ovaries or other parts of the female reproductive system such as the uterus or cervix. In many cultures, women are raised to ‘put up with it, don’t be silly and, above all, don’t ‘bother’ the doctor.’ This attitude needs to change, and women should always consult a medical professional such as a nurse, nurse practitioner or their physician if they notice anything unusual in this area.
Functional cysts and most others usually don’t require medical treatment. When intervention is indicated, this is usually in the form of painkillers, warm baths or oral contraceptives. Complicated problems that refuse to go away or those that occur around the cessation of menstruation may necessitate surgical removal. Where possible, ovarian function (and hence, fertility) can often be preserved. When it cannot be avoided, however, it is sometimes necessary to remove one or both ovaries.
There are many ovarian cyst and PCOS treatment options for women who are suffering from the condition. While natural home remedies for ovarian cysts are usually the most effective ones, you should take a closer look at those possibilities first. Get more information by visiting at PCOSandFibroids.com