Ovarian cyst is a well known disease of women today. You should be aware of it because though most cysts are harmless, some can risk your health and may cause your death. Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs similar to blisters that develop in the ovaries of a woman. Women are more likely to have this disease during their reproductive years. The cysts are form on the two almond sized organs on each side of the uterus called ovaries. It can be classified as cancerous and non cancerous. Non cancerous cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment. But serious case can cause pain, bleeding and even death.

In an ultrasound, the cysts look like bubbles containing fluid surrounded by a thin wall. Such kind of cyst is called a functional cyst or simple cyst. Forming of cyst in the ovaries is caused by the fluids that remain on it when a follicle fails to rupture and release egg. It is normal to see small cysts in a normal ovary while follicles are being formed.

Majority of the cysts formed are considered benign, they are not harmful and nothing to do with the disease. It may disappear and heal on their own in a matter of weeks without undergoing any kind of treatment.

Ovarian Cysts Causes

Ovaries function to produce an egg each month. The process of producing egg is called ovulation. During this process, a cyst-like called a follicle is formed inside the ovary. The mature follicle will rupture when an egg is released during the process of ovulation. The empty follicle will form corpus leteum. If the woman did not get pregnant, the corpus leteum will dissolve. While the female body is under going this process, most common type of cysts which is the functional cyst is formed.

Other types of cysts such as dermoid ovarian cyst, cystadenoma cysts, endometrioma cysts, and polycystic ovarian disease are considered abnormal. They often occur as the result of an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Types of Ovarian Cysts

The cysts are classified as benign or non cancerous and cancerous:

• Functional Cysts – these are just normal cysts that are formed during the ovulation period. These can affect women in their early age but it will eventually disappear within two to three menstrual cycles.
• Dermoid Cysts – these are the type of ovarian cysts that are filled with various types of tissues including hair or skin.
• Endometrioma Cysts – these are also refer to as the chocolate cysts of endometriosis which are formed when a tissue similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries.
• Cystadenoma Cysts – such cysts are developed from the cells on the outer surface of the ovary.
• Polycystic ovarian disease – these are cysts that are formed from the buildup of follicle cysts which causes the ovaries to thicken. These may cause the enlargement of ovaries creating a thick outer covering that prevents the process of ovulation and some fertility problems.

Common Ovarian Cysts Symptoms

Often times, ovarian cysts have no symptoms. If there are any symptoms, it can cause a dull ache or a pressure in the abdomen. The pain experience during sexual intercourse is also a sign of ovarian cysts.

The pain or pressure is caused by some factors such as size, bleeding of bursting of a cysts which often cause irritation to the abdominal tissue, which can block the flow of the blood to the cyst.

Having delayed, irregular, and unusual painful periods is also a symptom of having ovarian cyst. In case you experience some of the symptoms, it is necessary to have a check up with your doctor.

Treatment of Ovarian Cysts

Although majority of the ovarian cysts are benign, treatment for cysts depends on the size, and symptoms. If the cyst is small, the wait approach is recommended with a regular check ups.

Pain caused by ovarian cysts can be treated with:

• pain relievers
• a warm bath applied in the lower part of the abdomen can relax tense muscles and relieve the cramping, reduces the discomfort and help the blood circulation which may heal the ovaries.
• Drinking chromomite herbal tea can lessen the pain and also soothes the tense muscles.
• Urinating as soon as you feel the urge
• Preventing constipation from occurring
• Having a healthy diet
• Combining the hormonal contraception, taking contraceptive pill can be a big help

Cysts that occur in menopausal women may indicate more serious disease and needed to be examined through ultrasonography and laparoscopy. If your family has the history of having a ovarian cancer, you can undergo surgical biopsy after the testing of your blood.

In more serious cases, it is a must to undergo a surgery. Some surgery can be done successfully without hurting the ovaries, but in some cases removal of your one ovary is required.