Cysts on
ovaries are
abnormal swellings in the ovary which may be either
fluid-filled sacs or solid tumors. They are usually
benign and require no medical intervention. Most
disappear on their own. Ovarian cysts are usually
painless and without symptoms and are often discovered
as incidental findings during a routine pelvic exam.
While little is known about what causes them, women on
fertility drugs are more likely to develop cysts.
Endometriosis may also cause ovarian
cysts.
In the
female abdominal cavity, there are two ovaries, one at
the end of each Fallopian tube on either side of the
uterus. The ovaries produce hormones and an egg each
month. Following each menstrual period, a little cyst
starts to grow in the ovary. This cyst contains the egg.
It continues to grow for the first 2 weeks of the cycle
and when it reaches about 2 cm across; it bursts and
releases the egg. This cyst is called the follicle and
makes the hormone estrogen. The cyst then changes to a
more solid structure in the second half of the cycle and
is then called a corpus luteum and makes the hormones,
estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cysts
can therefore be normal physiological phenomenon.
However, any cyst which does not go away or is bigger
than 5 cm may be abnormal and require medical
intervention. A cyst may cause dull sort of pain. If it
produces hormones it can cause abnormal bleeding. A
large cyst may press on the bladder and intestines. At
times, the cyst can twist round on itself causing
necrosis or may rupture in the abdominal cavity. Both
are emergency situations. Very few ovarian cysts are
malignant. This is more likely in women over the age of
40 or where the cyst contains areas of solid tissue
instead of just fluid. Sometimes, both ovaries develop
multiple small cysts at quite an early age. These are
called polycystic ovaries.
Some
symptoms associated with ovarian cysts are:
- Intense
abdominal pain.
- Menstrual
changes such as late periods, bleeding between periods
or irregular periods.
- Heavy
menstrual flow.
- Infertility.
- Internal
bleeding.
- Severe
menstrual cramps.
- Pain
during sexual intercourse.
- Pain
during a bowel movement.
- Weight
gain.
Ovarian
cysts
may have to be removed surgically if they cause
discomfort or if they interfere with normal ovarian and
reproductive functioning. But benign cysts are best
treated with holistic medicine or alternative therapies
using modalities such as hormone therapy, stress
reduction techniques, acupuncture, dietary
modifications, and herbal remedies etc. This method is
safe, permanent and
effective.
