Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that could grow in the ovaries, and affect a woman’s reproductive health.
There are types of ovarian cysts, some are not very harmful and recover soon naturally, while some cryst can lead to several health problems such as heavy or irregular periods, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Understanding how ovarian cysts affect the menstrual cycle is important to recognize the symptoms early and treat them in the right manner.
In this guide will discover what ovarian cysts are, the different sorts, how they affect menstrual cycles, their potential effect on fertility, methods for diagnosis, and the diverse remedy options to be had.
A] What Is An Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a sac packed with fluid that grows on or internal an ovary. These cysts are common and can occur in women of all ages, especially in their reproductive years. Ovarian cysts can be in different ranges of size. It could be from as small as a pea to as large as an orange, and their effect on fitness can range from minor to severe.
- Functional cysts
It is the most common type of ovarian cyst, naturally forming during the menstrual cycle. There are two types in it, follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Follicular cysts grow while the follicle (the sac that holds an egg) does not release the egg during ovulation. It can cause the sac to swell with fluid. On the other hand, corpus luteum cysts, alternatively, occur after the egg has been developed. If the sac that holds the egg doesn’t reduce after ovulation, it can fill with blood that leads to a cyst.
- Dermoid cysts
It is also known as mature cystic teratomas. Dermoid cysts are a type of benign tumour that could contain a variety of different tissues, inclusive of hair, skin, and tooth. These cysts mostly develop in younger women and they could grow large which can lead to discomfort or complications.
- Endometriomas
These cysts are associated with endometriosis, a circumstance where tissue much likely to the lining within the uterus begins to grow outside. Endometriomas, frequently known as “chocolate cysts,” contain old menstrual blood and may cause severe pelvic pain, mainly during menstruation. They are a big reason for infertility in women.
- Cystadenomas
These cysts mostly develop on the surface of the ovary and may contain either a watery fluid or a thicker, mucous material. It can develop quite huge, can reach several inches in diameter, and might cause belly pain and bloating.
Explore how ovarian cysts affect menstrual health and what you can do about it.
B] How do Ovarian Cysts affect Periods
The question “Can an ovarian cyst stop periods?” is very common. Ovarian cysts can have a profound impact on menstrual health, disrupting the regularity and flow of periods and growing menstrual discomfort. Here’s how they can affect menstruation:
- Changes in Menstrual Flow
One of the major effects of ovarian cysts on menstruation is a change in the menstrual flow. Women may face surprisingly heavy or mild flow depending on the type of cyst. For instance, corpus luteum cysts can result in heavier menstrual bleeding because of the extra production of progesterone. On the other hand, cysts that disrupt regular hormone production can bring about lighter or skipped periods. It creates noticeable changes within the menstrual pattern.
- Irregular Periods
One often thinks about how long can cyst delay periods. Ovarian cysts can cause irregular menstrual cycles. These irregularities can possibly turn into skipped periods, unpredictable bleeding, or spotting between periods. This irregularity is mostly related to the cysts that regulate the development of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Women may notice their period dates become much less predictable, and make it difficult to track ovulation and menstrual fitness.
- Increased Menstrual Pain
Many women with ovarian cysts are found experiencing extended menstrual pain, which is known as dysmenorrhea. This pain can range from mild pain to severe cramping and these cramps are more severe than usual menstrual cramps. Cysts like endometriomas, which can be filled with old blood, can cause severe pain during menstruation, as the trapped blood in the cysts irritates surrounding tissues. This pain generally occurs in the lower abdomen but also can radiate to the lower back and thighs, and create trouble in daily activities.
Moreover, large cysts can create stress on surrounding organs, which can lead to symptoms such as bloating, pain at some stage in intercourse, and even trouble in passing urine. In a few cases, the pain can be surprising and severe, indicating a cyst rupture or torsion, both of which require immediate medical attention.
C] Do Ovarian Cysts Impact Fertility?
In some cases, ovarian cysts can affect a woman’s fertility on an extreme level. Not all cysts are harmless and can disrupt the woman’s capability to conceive a baby, but there are a few types like endometriosis and cysts related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), that can drastically impact fertility.
Endometriomas can also damage ovarian tissue and affect the egg, it makes it tougher for women to conceive. Women with PCOS develop multiple small cysts on their ovaries, which may result in hormonal imbalances and abnormal ovulation, that create complications in efforts to grow to be pregnant. In some cases, ovarian cyst removal surgery is necessary when the size is bigger, but it can harm the ovaries. However, with proper medical treatment, many women with ovarian cysts can still achieve a healthy pregnancy.
D] Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts
Diagnosing ovarian cysts treatment requires some prior text which is helpful for doctors to understand the condition. The test may include body check-ups, imaging tests, and sometimes blood tests, it gives an accurate understanding of hormone levels. Here are the most common diagnostic strategies:
1. Pelvic Test
A pelvic test is the first step in detecting ovarian cysts. During the test, the doctors check for any lumps or abnormalities within the ovaries. Although a pelvic test can not give accurate results for a cyst, it gives suspicion to proceed with further testing
2. CT Scan
A CT scan provides in detail images of the body’s internal structures and helps in figuring out the size, shape, and composition of ovarian cysts. CT scans are often used when detailed photography is required to differentiate among special types of cysts or to evaluate whether a cyst is probably cancerous.
3. MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) gives high-resolution images of the ovaries and surrounding tissues. It is specifically useful for evaluating complicated or large cysts and for distinguishing between benign and malignant growths. MRI scans are non-invasive and provide a clear picture, making them a valuable tool in the diagnosis of ovarian cysts.
4. Ultrasound
It is the most common and reliable method for diagnosing ovarian cysts. It makes use of sound waves to create an image of the ovaries, allowing the doctors to understand its size, shape, and type of cyst. Ultrasounds also can help determine whether a cyst is packed with watery fluid or solid.
E] Treatment Options
Treatment for ovarian cysts relies upon factors such as the size and type of the cyst, and the severity of symptoms, whether the cyst is causing complications. Here are the primary treatment options:
1. Medication
Hormonal contraceptives, inclusive of birth control pills, are mostly prescribed to prevent the formation of new cysts in women. These medicinal pills work by regulating the hormones that manage the menstrual cycle, which reduces the probability of cyst formation. Painkillers can also be prescribed to control signs of cysts, especially in cases wherein surgical operation is not required immediately.
2. Surgical Procedure
In some cases, surgery might be required if the cyst size is large, persistent, or causing complications. There are two main types of surgical operation used to treat ovarian cysts:
- Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves making small cuts on the abdomen to remove the cyst with the use of a laparoscope. Laparoscopy is generally used for smaller cysts and gives a quicker recovery.
- Laparotomy: In some cases where the cyst is large in size or suspected to be cancerous, a laparotomy is a suitable surgery. This involves a bigger cut on the abdomen area to remove the cyst. Recovery from a laparotomy surgery takes longer than a laparoscopy.
3. Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy balances the hormone level to minimise cysts or stop new ones from forming. This treatment is specifically effective for functional cysts and those associated with conditions like endometriosis. Hormonal therapy involves birth control pills, gonadotropin-liberating hormone (GnRH) agonists, or different hormone-regulating medications.
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Conclusion
Ovarian cysts are common but could be risky components of women’s reproductive health that can affect menstrual health and fertility. By understanding the types of ovarian cysts, their symptoms, and complications, one can take proactive steps to manage them. Early recognition and timely treatment can help reduce the effect of ovarian cysts and ensure higher reproductive health outcomes. We are a private gynaecologist in London and provide expert care and support to help women navigate these challenges effectively.
Neha Goel
Neha Goel, a Psychology alumna and MBA graduate from CASS Business School, London, brings together her expertise as a Reiki Practitioner and Practice Manager. She integrates psychology and business strategies to foster holistic well-being and personal development.