Pelvic Pain Doubling You Down? It’s Time to Learn About Ovarian Cysts

Imagine your ovaries as two small balloons inside your body. At times, these balloons can fill up with fluid and expand, forming ovarian cysts — similar to a small water bubble inside your ovary.

An ovarian cyst is a small sac containing fluid that may form on or within a woman’s ovary. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus, and these ovaries play a crucial role in pregnancy by releasing eggs each month.

During the process of releasing eggs, a small fluid-filled sac may form on the ovary, known as an ovarian cyst. It's normal for these cysts to develop, and most women will have at least one in their lifetime. The good news is that these fluid-filled sacs usually do not cause any issues, but sometimes they can lead to problems. According to an AIIMS study, one in every four women in India suffers from ovarian cysts.

There are different types of ovarian cysts, but don't worry about all of them. The main thing to know is that most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own.

Functional cysts

• These are the most frequently occurring varieties of ovarian cysts.
• They are harmless and often disappear on their own in a few weeks. You might not even realise you have one.

Dermoid cysts

• These are a bit unusual because they can contain different types of tissues like skin, hair, or even teeth.
• Dermoid cysts are usually harmless, but if they get big or cause pain, they might need to be removed.

Cystadenomas

• These cysts contain either a watery fluid or a thick, mucus-like substance.
• Sometimes, they can grow large, and if that happens, the doctor may need to remove them.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• This condition causes many small cysts to form on your ovaries and can mess with your periods and make it harder to get pregnant.
• PCOS also affects your hormones and can cause other symptoms like weight gain and acne.

There are several reasons why ovarian cysts are caused. Here are the most popular ones:

Menstrual cycle

During your menstruation cycle, your body creates a little sac that holds the egg. After the egg falls out with blood, the sac typically dissolves. But sometimes, the sac sticks around and fills with fluid and turns into a cyst.

Hormonal imbalance

If your body produces an excessive amount of certain hormones, cysts may form. This can occur if you are going through puberty, pregnant, or have a certain medical condition.

Pregnancy

A cyst may sometimes develop early in pregnancy to support the developing baby. It usually goes away on its own but sometimes sticks to the ovary.

Infections

A pelvic infection can sometimes spread to the ovaries, resulting in the formation of cysts.

Most ovarian cysts are so small and harmless that they rarely cause any symptoms. However, if the cyst grows larger or does not go away, it can cause some discomfort or pain. Some of the ovarian cyst symptoms are:

Lower belly pain

A mild or sharp pain, typically on one side of the lower belly, may be experienced.

Bloating

Your stomach may look enlarged or bloated.

Pain during sexual intercourse

Certain women experience discomfort during intimate moments.

Peeing or pooping difficulties

If the cyst is pressing on your bladder, it may cause difficulty in peeing and pooping.

Irregular menstrual cycles

Your period may be heavier or lighter than usual, or you may even miss it.

If you are suffering from intense pain, especially if it comes on suddenly, or if you feel dizzy, faint, or have a fever, it is recommended that you see your doctor right away.  These symptoms may indicate the presence of a more severe issue, such as a ruptured or twisted cyst, which requires immediate attention.

If your doctor finds that you have ovarian cysts, don’t worry. As we mentioned earlier, most ovarian cysts go away on their own. Your doctor may ask you to wait for some time and then schedule a follow-up visit to check if the cyst is shrinking. If it's not shrinking, they may suggest further tests and treatment options.

“Even though most ovarian cysts are safe and go away on their own, it's important to know the signs and get medical help when you need to. To keep your reproductive health and well-being at their best, you need to get regular gynaecological check-ups and be honest with your healthcare staff,” says Dr Sunita Goyal, MBBS, MD Gynaecology, Ludhiana.

Cysts in the ovaries may sound scary, but they're usually nothing to be worried about. They happen to most women at some point, and they normally go away on their own. You can take care of any signs that come up and keep your ovaries healthy by learning more about them and listening to your body. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor if you ever have any worries. They are always there to help you out.

Yes, most of the time, ovarian cysts can resolve on their own without showing any symptoms, but if they grow larger or rupture, they may require medical attention.

It is very rare for an ovarian cyst to form ovarian cancer. Most of the cysts are harmless and dissolve on their own. 

If you are having intense pain in your lower abdomen, or if you feel dizzy, faint, or have a fever, it is recommended that you see a doctor right away.

Although you cannot prevent ovarian cysts, you can adopt healthy lifestyle habits and have regular check-ups to reduce the risk