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Ovarian cyst
How to treat ovarian cysts?
The majority of ovarian cysts are physiological. If an ovarian cyst is detected for the first time during an ultrasound, it can be observed temporarily. Generally, such cysts will gradually shrink or disappear naturally after two to three months. If the cyst is relatively large, exceeding 5cm, and the ovary has not shrunk after two to three months of observation, but instead the cyst has grown, it is likely an ovarian tumor, which requires surgical treatment. If an ovarian tumor occurs, there is a potential for malignancy or torsion, so timely surgical intervention is necessary.
Can you get pregnant with ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are generally physiological and may affect pregnancy, as physiological ovarian cysts secrete hormones. At this time, there may be abnormal hormone secretion, or the cyst itself may be caused by abnormal follicle development, mainly presenting as follicular cysts. Therefore, if there is a follicular cyst, there is generally no normal ovulation, so pregnancy will not occur. Ovarian cysts can be observed for 2 to 3 months; if they are physiological, they will disappear naturally. If the ovarian cyst has not decreased in size or has increased after 2 to 3 months, it indicates that it is an ovarian tumor, and surgery is required.
Do ovarian cysts hurt?
Most ovarian cysts do not cause abdominal pain, especially when they are small and benign. However, some patients with ovarian cysts may experience abdominal pain symptoms. For example, endometriotic cysts, also known as chocolate cysts, can cause severe lower abdominal pain, particularly manifesting as menstrual-like abdominal pain. When these pain symptoms occur, the primary reason patients initially visit local hospitals is to undergo medical examination for the condition.
Is an adnexal cyst an ovarian cyst?
In clinical terms, the adnexa include the fallopian tubes and ovaries, so an adnexal cyst is not solely an ovarian cyst; rather, ovarian cysts are just one type of adnexal cyst. Adnexal cysts can also include fallopian tube cysts, but in clinical practice, most adnexal cysts are manifestations of ovarian cysts. Therefore, when patients hear the term "adnexal cyst," they should further inquire whether it is an ovarian cyst, instead of simply assuming it to be one.
Symptoms of benign ovarian cysts
When women develop benign ovarian cysts, the clinical symptoms are somewhat related to the number and size of the cysts. For example, when the cysts are relatively small in diameter, they usually exhibit no clinical manifestations and are often only discovered during routine gynecological exams or ultrasound screenings. As the cysts grow in size, some women may experience heaviness and pain on one side of the lower abdomen, along with a sore back. These abdominal symptoms can worsen with excessive fatigue, staying up late, or during intercourse. Some women may also experience abnormalities in their menstrual cycle, such as changes in the amount of menstrual bleeding, duration of menstruation, or irregular vaginal bleeding.
Causes of ovarian cysts
The cause of ovarian cysts is unclear, with many factors that can lead to ovarian cysts. The most common type of physiological ovarian cyst is the follicular cyst. The most common pathological causes are chronic inflammation or abnormalities in hormone secretion and endocrine factors, but most causes are unclear. If an ovarian cyst is discovered, it is recommended to regularly check with a color Doppler ultrasound, which is a common gynecological test for tumor markers. If the results are abnormal, timely surgical treatment is recommended to more directly understand the nature of the ovarian cyst. If the cyst is smaller than five centimeters in diameter and has good internal sound transmission, it can be observed regularly; otherwise, aggressive surgical treatment is advised.
How to check for ovarian cysts?
Firstly, in gynecological outpatient clinics, an ovarian cyst requires examination through a gynecological color ultrasound, which can clearly determine the presence of an ovarian cyst, or evaluate the size and echo of the ovarian cyst to assess the severity of the condition. Additionally, a gynecological examination can also be performed to confirm the presence of an ovarian cyst. The main purpose is to assess the severity of the ovarian cyst disease through palpation.
What should I do if an ovarian cyst ruptures?
Ovarian cyst rupture refers to the expulsion of the fluid inside an ovarian cyst out of the cyst due to external forces. When an ovarian cyst ruptures, the patient can suddenly experience severe pain in the lower abdomen on one side, which is often unbearable. At the same time, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may accompany the pain. If the fluid inside the cyst is irritating, for example, the fluid in an endometriosis cyst which resembles chocolate, this fluid can promote widespread abdominal pain. This irritation can lead to peritonitis. Generally, an ovarian cyst rupture requires immediate surgical intervention for treatment.
Is an adnexal cyst the same as an ovarian cyst?
Adnexa clinically refers to the fallopian tubes and ovaries combined, thus, adnexal cysts are not necessarily ovarian cysts. During gynecological ultrasound, these are often reported as cysts in the adnexal area because the proximity of the ovaries and fallopian tubes makes it difficult to conclusively determine if an adnexal cyst is an ovarian cyst. Clinically, cysts in the fallopian tubes are also referred to as cysts in the adnexal area. Distinguishing them often requires surgery to see the exact location of the cyst for identification.
How to prepare for pregnancy with ovarian cysts
If you have ovarian cysts and the cysts are relatively large, it is recommended to control the cysts before considering pregnancy. If the cysts are not very large and do not have a significant impact on the body, you can also consider pregnancy and preparing for pregnancy, which generally proceeds as per the normal preparatory process. During the preparation period, try to avoid eating particularly stimulating foods, and abstain from drinking and smoking, as these may likely impact the fetus. It is also important to pay attention to regular exercise, strengthen the body, and maintain a robust constitution, which is conducive to the conception of a healthy fetus.