An ovarian cysts is small fluid-filled sacs that develop in a woman's ovaries, it is a very thin wall. Depending on the type of cyst, the fluid within the cyst can range from thin and watery to thick and paste-like. If the cysts larger than 5 centimeters in diameter, it may need to be surgically removed. Most ovarian tumours are benign, they are harmless in most cases. Pathological cysts and functional ovarian cysts are two main types of ovarian cysts. Functional cysts can form during your menstrual cycle.
What Causes Ovarian Cysts?
The following are risk factors for developing ovarian cysts:
Using progestogen contraception
Smoking
Lack of physical exercise ( Women who work out regularly improve their overall health, and it is suspected that the healthy and stronger circulatory system leads to more efficient functioning in the ovaries thereby lessening the risk of ovarian cysts )
Bad eating habits ( women who do not get enough of the right types of vitamins and minerals are certainly at a higher risk )
Irregular menstrual cycles
Infertility treatment with gonadotropin medications
Hormonal imbalance
History of previous ovarian cysts
Pelvic pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Menstrual irregularities
Difficulty with bowel movements
Postmenopausal bleeding
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating, swelling, or heaviness in the abdomen
Pain in the lower back
Loss of appetite
These symptoms may be caused by problems other than ovarian cysts. If you have any of these symptoms, please see your doctor.
Ovarian Cysts Diagnosis
A health care practitioner may perform the following tests to determine if a woman has an ovarian cyst or to help characterize the type of cyst that is present:
CT or MRI scanning -- They can aid in assessing the extent of the condition.
CA 125 blood test -- Your doctor may test the level of CA 125 in your blood to determine whether your cyst could be cancerous.
Endovaginal ultrasound -- It is the best test for diagnosing an ovarian cyst.
Pregnancy test
Laparoscopic surgery
