Ovarian cysts – diagnosis and treatment
It is estimated that 10% of all women suffer from ovarian cysts. Mostly they are harmless and do not cause any discomfort. They are discovered by chance during ultrasound examinations and do not require treatment. Sometimes, however, they lead to pelvic pain or cause menstrual disorders. Very large ovarian cysts press on the surrounding organs and can burst. A cyst can also become strangulated, in which case it must be operated on immediately. Ovarian cysts can be the cause of fertility problems.
Why do cysts form in the ovaries?
Ovarian cysts are most often remnants of the normal maturation of the egg cell. After ovulation, some egg cells or ovarian follicles are not broken down and remain in the ovary. These develop into functional ovarian cysts. They are more frequent during puberty and prior to menopause. Chocolate cysts are ovarian cysts that are filled with old blood. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves many small ovarian cysts in the ovaries. The precise cause of this is unknown.
What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Most often, a gynaecologist will discover ovarian cysts by chance during an ultrasound scan. The women affected do not even notice them. If the cysts are a little larger, they press on the intestines or the bladder. This leads to discomfort during bowel movements or urination. Those affected also notice ovarian cysts as a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen. If a cyst bursts or becomes strangulated, the woman will experience severe pain. Infertility can be the result of numerous small cysts.
How are ovarian cysts treated?
In most cases no treatment is necessary. Ovarian cysts are not bothersome and go away on their own. If they cause discomfort, hormone therapy can help. If they are too big, they can be surgically removed. They can also be punctured and the fluid drained off. Ovarian cysts should be monitored more closely in menopausal women as it may indicate ovarian cancer. If a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) wants to have children, hormones are also used in treatment.