OverviewThe ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina (vaginal canal) make up the female reproductive system. Show
Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, in an ovary or on its surface. Females have two ovaries. One ovary is located on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. Eggs develop and mature in the ovaries. Eggs are released in monthly cycles during the childbearing years. Ovarian cysts are common. Most of the time, you have little or no discomfort, and the cysts are harmless. Most cysts go away without treatment within a few months. But sometimes ovarian cysts can become twisted or burst open (rupture). This can cause serious symptoms. To protect your health, get regular pelvic exams and know the symptoms that can signal what might be a serious problem. SymptomsMost ovarian cysts cause no symptoms and go away on their own. But a large ovarian cyst can cause:
When to see a doctorGet immediate medical help if you have:
CausesA follicular cyst occurs when the follicle of the ovary doesn't rupture or release its egg. Instead, it grows until it becomes a cyst. Changes in the follicle of the ovary after an egg has been released can cause the egg's escape opening to seal off. Fluid builds up inside the follicle, and a corpus luteum cyst develops. Most ovarian cysts form as a result of your menstrual cycle. These are called functional cysts. Other types of cysts are much less common. Functional cystsYour ovaries grow small cysts called follicles each month. Follicles produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and break open to release an egg when you ovulate. A monthly follicle that keeps growing is known as a functional cyst. There are two types of functional cysts:
Functional cysts are usually harmless. They rarely cause pain and often disappear on their own within 2 to 3 menstrual cycles. Other cystsThere are other types of cysts that are not related to menstrual cycles:
Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can become large and move the ovary out of position. This increases the chance of painful twisting of the ovary, called ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion may reduce or stop blood flow to the ovary. Risk factorsThe risk of having an ovarian cyst is higher with:
ComplicationsThey don’t happen often, but complications can occur with ovarian cysts. These include:
PreventionThere’s no way to prevent most ovarian cysts. But, regular pelvic exams help ensure that changes in your ovaries are diagnosed as early as possible. Be alert to changes in your monthly cycle. Make a note of unusual menstrual symptoms, especially ones that go on for more than a few cycles. Talk to your health care provider about changes that concern you. DiagnosisA cyst on your ovary can be found during a pelvic exam or on an imaging test, such as a pelvic ultrasound. Depending on the size of the cyst and whether it’s filled with fluid or solid, your health care provider likely will recommend tests to determine its type and whether you need treatment. Possible tests include:
Sometimes, less common types of cysts develop that a health care provider finds during a pelvic exam. Solid ovarian cysts that develop after menopause might be cancerous (malignant). That’s why it’s important to have regular pelvic exams. TreatmentTreatment depends on your age and the type and size of your cyst. It also depends on your symptoms. Your health care provider might suggest:
Preparing for an appointmentYour first visit may be with your primary care provider or a specialist in conditions that affect the female reproductive system (gynecologist). Think about bringing a family member or friend with you to the appointment, if you can. They can listen to what your provider says and help you recall information later. What you can doBefore your appointment, make a list of:
Questions to ask include:
Don’t hesitate to ask other questions as they occur to you during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorQuestions your provider might ask include:
Your provider will ask other questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Being ready to answer the questions will help you make the most of your appointment time. Can ovarian cyst affect HCG levels?Conclusion: Mature ovarian cystic teratomas have rarely been reported to secrete HCG. They can be an infrequent source of HCG production and may lead to emergency surgery to treat a suspected extra-uterine pregnancy.
Can ovarian cyst hide early pregnancy?Sometimes, the shell reseals and fills with fluid or blood. Most functional cysts spotted during an ultrasound in early pregnancy disappear on their own by the second trimester. However, a corpus luteum cyst may remain longer than a few weeks or months, and continue to grow larger.
Why do ovarian cysts cause false positive pregnancy test?All cancers produce some kind of hormone, and certain cancer cells produce beta HCG, which might sway pregnancy test results. “Certain medical conditions, such as ovarian tumors, can lead to elevations in the HCG hormone," says Bartos.
Can an ovarian cyst cause missed period?Ovarian cysts can also lead to problems with the menstrual cycle, such as heavy or irregular periods, or spotting (abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods). Menstrual cycle problems occur if the cyst produces sex hormones that cause the lining of the womb to grow more.
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