Ovarian cysts are a very common female condition. If the egg is not fertilized, the egg and the inner lining of the uterus are discharged to the outside of the body during the menstrual period. This cycle repeats itself every 28 days, while the ovaries are still active. For more information visit at https://bit.ly/2HXu8pK

1. Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Types, Risk,
Treatment, and Prevention
What is an ovarian cyst?
Ovarian cysts are a very common female condition. As ovarian cyst is
a fluid-filled sac on an ovary in the female reproductive system. Most
women have this sometime during their lives and fortunately, most of
these cases are benign and do not require any special treatment.
Anatomy
The female reproductive organs are located in the pelvis, between the
urinary bladder and the rectum. The ovaries have two main functions,
one, the production of specialized hormones, such as estrogen and
progesterone, and second, ovulation, which is the release of eggs that
are needed for reproduction. The hormones produced by the ovaries
are very important in keeping ovulation regular. These hormones also
prepare the inner lining of the uterus to proceed with a pregnancy.
Before the egg is released small cyst forms on the ovary. A cyst is a
fluid-filled area. When the egg is released, it goes down to the uterus
through the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilized. The cyst on the
ovary usually disappears at that time. If the egg is not fertilized, the
egg and the inner lining of the uterus are discharged to the outside of
the body during the menstrual period. This cycle repeats itself every
28 days, while the ovaries are still active.

2. Ovarian Cysts: Facts You Should Know
The uterus is pear-shaped and is about 3 inches long and has 3
layers. The inner layer of the uterus is called endometrium.
Symptoms
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and may never even trigger any
symptoms at all. These typically need no treatment and disappear in a
few months. If symptoms do appear, it’s probably because the cyst
has grown to a significant size. A large ovarian cyst can cause the
following:
 Pelvic pain in the form of a dull or sharp ache in the lower abdomen
on the side where the cyst has grown.
 A feeling of fullness or heaviness in your abdomen.
 Abnormal bloating.

3. However, in rare instances, an ovarian cyst may rupture, causing
serious symptoms and an imminent danger to your health. Seek
immediate medical attention if you have sudden, severe abdominal or
pelvic pain, pain with fever or vomiting, shock, cold and clammy skin,
rapid breathing, lightheadedness or weakness.
Types of ovarian cysts
The most common types of ovarian cysts are known as functional
cysts, an ovarian cyst that forms due to malfunction of follicle
maturation. There are two types of functional cysts, and they are:
Follicle cyst: this happens when the follicle fails to rupture and
release the egg at ovulation, instead it continues to grow, forming a
cyst.
Corpus luteum cyst: After ovulation, once the egg is released, the
follicle changes to what is called the corpus luteum. The development
of a corpus luteum cyst happens when the opening in the follicle
where the egg was released seals off and then causes the corpus
luteum to accumulate fluid and grow into a cyst.
Other ovarian cysts are due to benign tumors. A benign tumor is a
tumor that does not invade other tissues and is not cancerous. These
include:
Dermoid cysts: the cells in the ovary are able to make hair, teeth,
and other growing tissues that become part of a forming ovarian cyst.
These cysts can become large and cause pain.
Endometriomas: these cysts develop in women who have
endometriosis, when tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside
of the uterus. The tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth.
These cysts can be painful during sexual intercourse and during
menstruation.

4. Cystadenomas: These cysts develop from cells on the outer surface
of the ovary. They are often filled with watery fluid or thick, sticky gel.
They can become large and cause pain.
Polycystic ovaries: the eggs mature within the follicles or sacs, but
the sac doesn’t break open to release the egg. The cycle repeats,
follicles continue to grow inside the ovary, and the cyst is formed.
In this case, increased body hair may be noticed by the patient.
Risks
Pain and discomfort: ovarian cysts may rupture, bleed or twist the
ovary. They can cause pelvic pain and discomfort during intercourse.
If you experience severe sudden pelvic pain, especially if it is
accompanied by vomiting or a fever, you should visit your doctor.
Ruptured ovarian cysts: this can potentially cause serious
complications which must be considered. The twisting of the ovary is
one of those complications, which may lead to infertility. Leakage of
cystic fluid into the abdominal cavity may also result in a condition
called Sepsis. Ruptured cysts can also lead to dangerous
hemorrhagic complications.
Peritonitis: it is another complication caused by a ruptured ovarian
cyst. It is an inflammation of the mucous membrane, which lines the
abdominal cavity. Peritonitis is a serious condition that can endanger
your health.
Cancerous growths: Some benign ovarian cysts may increase the
risk of ovarian cancer. Malignant tumors, or cancer of the ovaries, can
start as a cyst on the ovaries.
Treatment
Birth control pills: these prevent ovulation, therefore the formation of
functional ovarian cysts cannot happen. Oral contraceptives can also

5. reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer is higher
in postmenopausal women.
Surgery: if an ovarian cyst, becomes too large, is considered to be a
higher risk for rupture, is a complex cyst, has twisted or has become
attached to other parts of the internal body, then a doctor may choose
to remove it surgically.
Supplement with DIM: DIM helps to clear the body of excess
estrogens, aiding in hormonal balances and reducing the promotion of
ovarian cyst growth. DIM should be taken daily for at least three
months along with lifestyle changes which include avoiding
xenoestrogens found in products, foods and the environment.
Prevention
Ovarian cysts can’t be prevented but can be detected early. If any
symptoms of ovarian cysts are observed, it is good to see the doctor
to receive a diagnosis. The symptoms that must be reported to the
doctor immediately are pelvic pain, loss of appetite, abdominal
fullness, unexplained weight loss, and changes in menstrual cycle.
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