Ovarian Cysts Kasey Durham

What are Ovarian Cysts? The Mayo Clinic defines ovarian cysts as fluid filled sacs or pockets located within or on the ovary.

Who gets Ovarian Cysts? Ovarian Cysts are very common. They are most prevalent in women who are having regular periods.

Normal and Cystic Ovaries

Ovary with cysts (dark spots)

Symptoms Pelvic pain Pain during intercourse Pain during bowel movements Nausea or vomiting Breast tenderness Fullness in abdomen Pressure on bladder

Functional Cysts Follicular cyst – occurs when the egg fails to release from the follicle during ovulation Corpus luteum cyst – occurs after egg is released from follicle, becoming corpus luteum – opening of egg is sealed and fluid builds up in egg causing a cyst to form

Functional Cysts continued Functional cysts normally go unnoticed and don’t pose any threats. They are the result of routine cycles. This is why they are called functional.

Other types of cysts Endometriomas – caused by endometriosis (uterine lining grows outside of uterus) Dermoids – caused by cells present from birth, usually asymptomatic Cystadenomas – filled with watery fluid

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Some women suffer from PCOS, where the ovaries grow multiple cysts at one time. This can cause difficulties with pregnancy or becoming pregnant.

Prevention of Ovarian Cysts Unfortunately, not much can be done to prevent ovarian cysts. If a patient has a history of cysts, certain birth controls may be prescribed that prevent ovulation.

Removal of Ovarian Cysts Sometimes, if a cyst becomes too large or does not go away on it’s own, the patient can elect to have the cyst removed.

Cysts at Different Stages of Life Most cysts are benign and go unnoticed In younger women especially, they are usually of no concern unless there is a very large growth or sharp pain In postmenopausal women, cysts are far more likely to cause ovarian cancer. The cyst will need to be further evaluated to see if it’s malignant.

Warning: Graphic Surgical Content in the link below: Cystectomy Cystectomy

Information about Ovarian Cysts Womens Health.gov Mayo Clinic Main Line Health on Postmenopausal Ovarian Cysts Cancer Screening Trial Women over 55 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometrioma

References "Easy Guide To: Ovary Cysts In Women." Women's Health Advice.. Iglesia, Cheryl B., MD. (19 November 2014). "Ovarian Cysts." Ovarian Cysts. Ed. Womenshealth.gov, cysts.html. cysts.html Mayo Clinic Staff. (13 August 2014). "Ovarian Cysts.” ovarian-cysts/basics/definition/con ovarian-cysts/basics/definition/con Moulder, Janelle K, Findley, Austin D., Hobbs, Kumari A., Siedhoff, Matthew T. (27 May 2013) “Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy for a Dermoid Cyst at 26 Weeks Gestation”. VIDEO. UNC Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.. Stoppler, Melissa C., MD. (12 November 2014). "Ovarian Cysts Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Ovarian Cyst Pictures - EMedicineHealth." EMedicineHealth..