Do you have a small, fluid-filled sac forming on or within an ovary? It’s an ovarian cyst, a gynaecological condition that many women commonly experience at some point in their lives. 

Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid-filled sacs forming inside or on top of your ovary. Often, these cysts go unnoticed and resolve silently without posing any harm to your health. But occasionally, they can enlarge, burst, or result in other issues, causing a variety of symptoms that might interfere with day-to-day activities and signal a more significant medical problem.

You can manage the impact of ovarian cysts on your body by detecting them early. So, let's go through the article to know the warning indicators, their causes, and methods for treating and preventing ovarian cysts.

Knowing the Warning Signs of Ovarian Cysts

The ovarian cyst symptoms and signs can vary widely, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain or frequent urination. Below outlined are some symptoms and signs indicating development of ovarian cysts:

• Pelvic Pain: The most obvious sign any woman can notice is frequent pain in her pelvic region. This pain's intensity can vary from being sharp to dull and might occur on one side of the lower abdomen. Moreover, you might experience pelvic pain constantly or intermittently.
• Bloating and Swelling: Your abdomen can feel swollen or bloated because of cysts in or on your ovaries, leading to a sensation of fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen.
• Irregular or Heavy Menstrual Cycles: Sometimes ovarian cysts can disrupt your hormonal balance, changing your menstrual cycle. You can have heavier, lighter, or irregular periods, and if the condition persists, it’s essential to investigate further.
• Pain During Menstruation or Intercourse: While experiencing some discomfort during menstruation or sexual intercourse is normal, persistent and severe pain can be indicative of large ovarian cysts that cause inflammation.
• Frequent Urination: Large cysts can put pressure on your bladder, arousing the need to urinate more frequently.
• Difficulty in Passing Bowel Movements: If you find it difficult to pass bowel movements, it could indicate ovarian cysts pressing on nearby organs and disrupting their functioning.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Various reasons can cause cysts to develop on or inside your ovaries. Understanding these causes can aid in identifying risk factors and prevention or treatment strategies. The following mentioned common ovarian cyst causes:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in hormone levels can lead to the formation of functional cysts that are related to the menstrual cycle.
• Endometriosis: You are susceptible to this condition when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside it. Sometimes, these tissues that attach to your ovary can form a cyst on the same.
• Pregnancy: Cysts can form on your ovaries during the initial days of pregnancy to help support your pregnancy until the placenta develops. It happens when the follicle that forms during ovulation stays on your ovary throughout your pregnancy. 
• Severe Pelvic Infections: If the infections spread to your ovaries and fallopian tubes, it can cause cysts.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts

You might wonder how to detect ovarian cysts. Diagnosing ovarian cysts might involve conducting a pelvic exam or a combination of medical history, physical examination, and other diagnostic tests. Your healthcare provider might diagnose ovarian cysts via the following tests:

• Pelvic Examination: During this examination, your doctor might feel for swelling or masses in your pelvic area.
• Ultrasound: Your doctor can determine the kind, size, and location of cysts inside or on your ovaries by viewing the image of your ovaries created by sound waves. Some care providers also recheck their patients in 6-8 weeks to ensure the cyst is gone. 
• Blood Tests: When you have an abnormal ultrasound, a specialist may screen for cancer-related markers like CA-125, evaluate your hormone levels, and do a pregnancy test.
• MRI Abdomen or CT Scan Abdomen - is sometimes required for evaluation.
• Laparoscopy: In some cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure may be needed to view the ovaries directly and obtain a biopsy.’

How to Prevent Ovarian Cysts?

While it may not always be possible to prevent ovarian cysts, the following preventive measures can reduce the risk and preserve your ovaries' health:

• Monitoring Symptoms: Paying attention to changes in your menstrual cycle, pelvic pain, and other symptoms can help detect the possibility of ovarian cysts beforehand and treat them on time.
• Regular Check-ups: Scheduling gynaecological exams at regular intervals can assist in identifying ovarian cysts beforehand.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Your lifestyle should do good to your general reproductive health. Eat a balanced diet, exercise frequently, and manage your stress.

What Does the Treatment of Ovarian Cysts Entail?

The kind, size, and intensity of the symptoms associated with an ovarian cyst can determine the course of treatment:

• Watchful Waiting: Many ovarian cysts can resolve themselves without needing any treatment. So, consider monitoring them regularly with follow-up ultrasounds to ensure they are shrinking.
• Medications: Hormonal contraceptives are one type of medication that can control your menstrual cycle and stop cysts from coming again.
• Surgery: If a cyst is large, persistent, or causing significant symptoms, it’s advisable to opt for surgical removal - laparoscopy or laparotomy surgery.

All-in-All

Ovarian cysts are common, and by being aware of the early warning signs, you can seek timely medical advice and treatment, reducing the risk of complications. Regular gynaecological check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and prompt attention to unusual symptoms are key to managing ovarian cysts effectively. 

Trust no other than Medanta obstetrics & gynaecology department for early detection and intervention of ovarian cysts!