Ovarian Cysts – Things Each Woman Should Be Aware Of

Introduction – Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs situated on or inside an ovary. The ovaries are two small female reproductive organs located superior to and on either side of the uterus. They are about the size and shape of an almond. From the day she is born, the ovaries hold all of the eggs, or ova, that a woman is ever going to release during the menstrual cycle with the potential to be fertilized as a result of sexual intercourse. The ovaries are analogous in function to testes in the male.

Similar to testes in men, the ovaries also function as endocrine organs in that they produce and release female sex hormones, chiefly estrogen and progesterone.

Multiple types of ovarian cyst exist. The most common are called, ‘functional cysts.’ These form is a natural consequence of ovulation and rarely cause problems. They are particularly common during a woman’s fertile years. There are other sorts of ovarian cyst that may cause problems and require medical attention. These include polycystic ovaries, cystadenomas, ectopic pregnancy, dermoid cysts and, finally, ovarian cancer.

In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), cysts form when the follicles in which ova normally reach maturity fail to open. Cystadenomas form on the outside of the ovary and are normally filled with fluid. Dermoid cysts contain tissue similar to that in other parts of the body, even hair, teeth and skin.

Another type of ovarian cyst is an ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes, a fertilized egg becomes implanted outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes but it may implant itself onto or inside an ovary or, even more rarely, the cervix or stomach. The final classification of ovarian cyst is ovarian cancer.

Symptoms – Often asymptomatic, when symptoms do occur, they are usually pain or maybe a period that is late. An ovarian cyst will cause pain if it has been bumped by sexual intercourse, if it bleeds, grows large, breaks open or causes one of the fallopian tubes to become twisted. Other possible symptoms are bloating, painful bowel movements, pain during movement or sexual intercourse or right before a period. Uncommonly, there may be spotting or light bleeding in between periods.

While most ovarian cysts are benign in nature and do not give cause for concern, the symptoms they produce, if any, are identical to more sinister, life-threatening conditions like ovarian tumors or cancer in other parts of the reproductive system such as the uterus or the cervix. Women need to re-educate themselves out of the notion that ‘female trouble is just part of being a woman’ and therefore ignoring the warning signals until it is too late. You don’t get points or prizes for stoicism when it comes to this area of personal health and well-being.

Functional cysts and most others usually don’t require medical treatment. When intervention is indicated, this is usually in the form of painkillers, warm baths or oral contraceptives. Complicated problems that refuse to go away or those that occur around the cessation of menstruation may necessitate surgical removal. Where possible, ovarian function (and hence, fertility) can often be preserved. When it cannot be avoided, however, it is sometimes necessary to remove one or both ovaries.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome and ovarian cysts are conditions that affect for the quality of life of millions of women worldwide. To find some natural remedies for ovarian cysts visit PCOSandFibroids.com today.