Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the ovaries. These cysts often do not show symptoms, which means many people may not realize they have them until they undergo a test. While certain types of ovarian cysts are benign and can resolve on their own, others may require medical attention and need to be removed through surgery.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a small, fluid-filled or semi-solid sac that forms in one of the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and do not result in serious issues. However, it’s important to have routine check-ups to manage any potential symptoms or concerns, ensuring that the ovaries remain healthy.

Ovarian cysts can be categorized based on their origin. The primary cause is linked to the ovulation process. For instance, functional cysts occur when the ovary releases an egg in preparation for fertilization. If the egg continues to grow larger each month, this may lead to the formation of a functional cyst.

Apart from the natural ovulation cycle, there are other factors that can contribute to ovarian cysts. These include conditions such as endometriosis, abnormal cell growth, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

In most cases, ovarian cysts don’t present noticeable symptoms, particularly when they are small. However, if symptoms do appear, they can vary from person to person. Common signs may include:

• Absence of pain
• A sensation of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Sharp or dull pains in the lower abdomen
• Pain or discomfort that comes and goes without any clear cause
• Pain in certain areas during menstruation
• Irregular or painful periods
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty passing stools

Signs of Ovarian Cysts Needing Surgery

Many ovarian cysts shrink on their own without requiring any treatment. Although some women worry that ovarian cysts could indicate cancer, most cysts are not cancerous. Studies show that ovarian cysts are not associated with ovarian cancer, even when they grow larger in size.

However, there are situations where a doctor may suggest surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. Surgery may be needed if the cyst:

• Causes persistent pain or pressure that requires removal to avoid rupture or torsion.
• Is linked to endometriosis and affects fertility, making removal necessary.
• Continues to grow, reaching sizes larger than 5-10 cm.

If a test reveals that the cyst appears suspicious for cancer, especially if the patient has a history of ovarian cancer risk factors, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment

Treatment for ovarian cysts depends on their type and underlying cause. Possible treatments include monitoring the cyst over time, prescribing medication, or removing the cyst through surgery. When deciding on treatment, factors such as the patient's age and whether they have gone through menopause are also taken into consideration.

Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, may be prescribed to prevent ovulation and reduce the risk of new cysts forming in the future. If surgery is necessary, two common procedures are laparoscopy (a minimally invasive surgery) and laparotomy (a more invasive option).

While most ovarian cysts are harmless and do not increase the risk of ovarian cancer, larger cysts or those accompanied by other symptoms may require surgical removal. If the cyst grows larger than 5 cm or causes significant discomfort, surgery may be the best option.

If you experience irregular periods or pain during menstruation, it’s important to consult a doctor. For added convenience, you can use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download on both the App Store and Play Store.

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