Ovarian cysts are sacs of fluid developed on a woman’s reproductive organs. Some cysts are not harmful, but some can threaten your health and you may not show any symptoms. Getting regular pelvic exams is important in order to treat and prevent them. During menstruation, women often develop a small, fluid- or egg-filled sacs in and around the ovaries. As her cycle progresses, these sacs break, releasing eggs into the fallopian tube. A cyst is a collection of fluid surrounded by a thin wall. Cysts can range in size from a pea to a grapefruit.
Here is an outline of the various types of ovarian cysts:
Cystadenomas: Cysts that develop on the outside of the ovary, causing pain if they are particularly large.
Dermoid cysts: Cysts that can also grow hair, teeth and a variety of other tissues, causing pain if they are particularly large.
Functional cysts: Cysts filled with eggs that develop during menstruation and disappear once the eggs are released.
Endometriomas: Cysts that grow in or outside of the uterus, causing pain if they are particularly large .
Polycystic ovaries: Cysts filled with eggs that aren’t released and, instead, continue to grow.
You may not show any symptoms of having ovarian cysts, but if you do they may include:
- Achiness in the in the back (especially the lower back) and upper legs
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Painful sex
- Pressure and/or pain in the abdomen
- Pressure and/or pain on the bladder and/or rectum
- Problems passing urine
- Weight gain
In more serious cases, when the ovarian cysts are particularly harmful to your health, symptoms include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Vomiting
Be sure to consult with your doctor!
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