Not always does the human body show symptoms that something different is happening inside it. Sometimes, there are almost imperceptible signs, or even ones that can be mistaken for other health conditions. And so it happens with women during their fertile years and the occurrences that may arise during this time, such as ovarian cysts.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

Ovarian cysts are small sacs filled with fluid that usually form inside or outside the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts, also known as ovarian cysts, are generated during ovulation or at the time of ovulation. Therefore, they are not considered a serious case or a major concern for doctors. However, more specific evaluations are necessary to confirm the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment to eliminate or at least control it. Through imaging exams it is possible to detect its shape, size, and determine the type of ovarian cyst. In the vast majority of cases, the ovarian cyst is benign and disappears completely without any intervention or treatment. In cases where it persists and symptoms occur, the gynecologist will recommend medication treatment, which is usually based on contraceptives. The ovarian cyst is considered a common situation that can occur in women of reproductive age, especially between 15 and 35 years old. Cysts may appear several times throughout life, and some disappear without ever being detected.

Types of Ovarian Cyst

As mentioned above, most occurrences of ovarian cysts are considered common and almost routine for the ovulatory cycle. However, there are also types of cysts that are of greater concern and require more specific treatment for resolution or monitoring.

Follicular Cyst

The follicular cyst is one of the types that do not cause concern. They usually occur when for some reason or due to hormonal imbalance, ovulation does not take place. In this situation, the egg does not leave the ovary and ends up generating a follicular cyst. This follicular cyst can measure around 2 to 10 cm and does not require any treatment for removal, as within 3 to 8 weeks, it disappears naturally.

Functional Cyst and Corpus Luteum Cyst

One of the most common types of cysts, the functional cyst happens when the follicle is unable to release the egg during ovulation and ends up producing a fluid inside, giving rise to the functional cyst. During an ultrasound scan, it is possible to detect the presence of several functional cysts, which may indicate that the woman has had multiple ovulations. They usually disappear naturally without intervention. In this same process, a corpus luteum cyst can also occur. It develops in a similar manner to the functional cyst, but inside instead of fluid, it contains a small amount of blood. In this case, the corpus luteum cyst can measure from 3 to 4 cm and may rupture during sudden movements or even during sexual intercourse. In some cases, if it causes symptoms and discomfort, surgical intervention may be necessary for removal, or even by laparoscopy.

Theca-Lutein Cyst

Considered a rarer type of cyst, it usually occurs in women undergoing fertility treatments. It is usually due to ovarian overstimulation caused by medications. It can be managed by stopping the treatment or switching the substances used.

Hemorrhagic Cyst

A little more concerning than other cysts, the hemorrhagic cyst is also considered a common type. But unlike other cysts that contain fluid, the hemorrhagic cyst is filled with blood. Normally, cysts disappear after the ovulatory phase, but the hemorrhagic cyst, besides remaining active, continues to grow. The greatest risk is that the hemorrhagic cyst may rupture and the blood inside simply “leaks” through the ovaries. Depending on the size and severity of the hemorrhagic cyst, the gynecologist will recommend a surgical procedure to remove this blood from inside it. Treatment for the hemorrhagic cyst will depend on the type, size, and risks it presents.

Dermoid Cyst

Unlike other cysts, the dermoid cyst arises from an accumulation of cells in the ovary region. Therefore, it may take years and years to be detected through imaging exams or even to present any symptoms. Even though it is located in the ovaries, if the dermoid cyst is not too large, it does not interrupt ovulation. But when detected in exams, monitoring or even surgical intervention may be necessary to remove it. Over time it can grow and even surpass the size of the ovaries, causing intense pain in women.

Endometrioma Cyst

As the name implies, the endometrioma cyst usually occurs in women who suffer from endometriosis. This type of cyst can occur both inside and outside the ovaries, even in the uterus. Any area that has contact with endometrial blood can harbor an endometrioma cyst. Treatment may be managed with hormonal therapy or, in some cases, surgical intervention to remove it.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst

As previously mentioned, ovarian cysts do not always produce symptoms. In some cases, they can be so silent that women discover them years later during an ultrasound scan. In cases of larger cysts, greater than 3 cm, some signs can appear and are sometimes mistaken for other causes. That is why it is important, in case of doubts, to seek your gynecologist immediately or to keep up with routine gynecological visits and exams.

Other symptoms may occur, such as increased breast sensitivity, intense cramps, back pain, feeling of abdominal bloating. For a correct diagnosis, the doctor cannot rely only on symptoms, so additional tests will be requested for analysis and confirmation.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cyst

The exams usually requested by the gynecologist to analyze and confirm the presence of cysts, as well as their size and type, are imaging exams, such as transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and a beta HCG test may also be requested to check for the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.

Does Ovarian Cyst Prevent Pregnancy?

It is very common for women, upon receiving a diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, to panic and think they are infertile. In fact, the cyst does not cause infertility, but in some cases it can make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant; however, this depends on several factors. The difficulties in getting pregnant caused by ovarian cysts occur due to hormonal changes that the problem induces. Usually, the cyst causes irregular periods or even absence of menstruation, which naturally affects the ovulatory phase, and without ovulation, it is not possible to get pregnant. Therefore, if you want to get pregnant, the best thing to do is to seek your trusted gynecologist, do all the requested tests and the indicated treatment. Normally, treatment for ovarian cysts involves contraceptives, which will act on the ovaries, causing the cyst to disappear. With proper monitoring, in a few months your ovaries will be clear, and soon you will be ready to start trying to conceive. The best way to resolve the situation quickly is to do the treatment properly, under medical supervision. If the woman becomes pregnant with ovarian cysts, specific monitoring during prenatal care is necessary to ensure that no hormonal effect from the cyst affects embryo development, especially in the first trimester, which is crucial. Photo: Ed Uthman, MD