Causes of ovarian cysts

Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 11, 2024
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There are several common causes of ovarian cysts. The first is during the ovulation process where the follicle fails to release an egg, resulting in the formation of follicular cysts. The ultrasound typically shows these as simple cysts containing follicular fluid. Another situation is the corpus luteum cyst, which occurs after ovulation when the ovary forms a wound surface and a corpus luteum. Cysts can also develop during the growth of the corpus luteum. These two types of cysts generally disappear after the next menstrual period and are considered physiological cysts that usually require no treatment. However, some cysts result from pathological changes in ovarian cells, or even from tumors. On an ultrasound, these appear differently, often as mixed composition masses, in which case surgical treatment is recommended.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Are ovarian cysts easy to treat?

Most ovarian cysts are physiological. If it's the first time an ovarian cyst is detected, it can be observed, and a re-examination can be conducted after two months. If the cyst disappears or reduces in size, it is physiological and there is no need for concern or treatment. However, if the ovarian cyst has not reduced but has increased in size after two months, this is pathological, indicating an ovarian tumor. In this case, surgical treatment is necessary. This is because if an ovarian tumor persists for a long period, it may become malignant or lead to ovarian torsion, both of which can affect the body adversely.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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ovarian cyst malignant symptoms

Ovarian cysts can exhibit certain symptoms if they become malignant. The primary symptom is pain in the lower abdomen. Generally, if the ovary undergoes a malignant transformation, the mass will grow larger and create a sensation of swelling and pain. Sometimes in the late stages of ovarian tumors, there can be pain throughout the abdomen, along with signs of cachexia, such as weight loss and decreased immunity after eating, which may suggest the possibility of cancer. In such cases, timely medical examinations are necessary. Typically, a pelvic and abdominal ultrasound can reveal the situation, along with blood tests including changes in certain common tumor markers. If the disease is malignant, the tumor markers in the blood will significantly increase.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

Women with ovarian chocolate cysts may experience effects on their reproductive function. When the cysts are small, they typically do not significantly impact fertility. However, as the cysts grow in size, they can compress the normal ovarian tissue, causing ovulatory disorders and leading to infertility. Additionally, certain types of ovarian cysts, such as chocolate cysts, can cause adhesions in the female pelvic area. For instance, they may result in abnormal fallopian tube function, leading to infertility due to tubal factors. These cysts may also alter the pelvic environment, making conception difficult. If the ovarian cysts are malignant or capable of secreting hormones, they can also affect normal ovulation, leading to infertility.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do ovarian cysts hurt?

Ovarian cysts are mostly painless, but larger cysts, especially those larger than 10cm and extending beyond the pelvic area, may cause some mild discomfort and bloating. Another scenario involves severe pain when there is torsion of the cyst's pedicle. Pain can also occur if the cyst becomes infected. Thus, treatment depends on the specific circumstances. Generally, simple cysts do not show obvious symptoms and are often discovered during routine examinations, especially during an ultrasound. If an ovarian cyst experiences torsion or infection, prompt treatment is necessary. Larger ovarian cysts may also require surgical intervention. Therefore, the treatment for ovarian cysts should be based on the presence of symptoms and size.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
55sec home-news-image

Do ovarian cysts hurt?

Some ovarian cysts do not have painful symptoms, while others may cause abdominal pain, thus there are individual differences. This varies depending on the size of the ovarian cyst and whether it is accompanied by any infections. If an ovarian cyst is combined with torsion, the affected ovary might suffer from ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in acute abdominal pain. This situation is quite dangerous and requires emergency surgery. However, if the ovarian cyst does not undergo torsion, most are asymptomatic and are often incidentally found during physical examinations or routine ultrasound scans. If cysts are discovered without any significant symptoms, special treatment is generally not necessary initially; a follow-up check after three months is recommended, as many cysts may disappear naturally, which is a normal occurrence.