- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Ovarian Cysts
OAn ovarian cyst is a small fluid filled sac that can develop in a woman’s ovaries for a number of reasons. These cysts are often nothing to worry about, as they are a part of the menstrual cycle. It is possible for ovarian cysts to be tumours, though they are often benign and therefore pose no threat. Ovarian cysts become a problem when they are either too large and cause pain or discomfort, or if they are malignant and may potentially cause the development of cancer.
Many women will visit their local GP or gynaecologist complaining of pain in their lower abdomen, irregularities in their menstrual cycle or other similar problems. These symptoms could indicate a number of menstrual disorders or other conditions, but in some cases they may suggest the presence of ovarian cysts. These cysts are very common, and most women who have them will not be aware of them.
The majority of women who actually suffer from the condition will only experience mild symptoms such as discomfort due to the size of the cyst, and maybe irregular periods. There are a number of other minor symptoms of harmless ovarian cysts, such as irregular development of a woman’s breasts and body hair. These symptoms are rarely severe, but can help support a diagnosis if other symptoms are present.
Harmless cysts, also known as functional cysts, mostly form in the ovaries as a result of menstruation. The follicles in the ovaries can sometimes swell and form cysts, but these normally only last for a short period of time before they naturally go away. A luteal cyst is a less common type of functional cyst that forms when the tissue in the ovaries fills with blood and swells. Functional cysts can sometimes cause problems if they burst, if they become infected or if they cause the ovaries to move or twist. The pain or discomfort will be noticeable if this has occurred, and it can then be dealt with accordingly.
Certain cysts can form that contain hair cells or skin cells as a result of the cells in the egg. These cysts can cause problems, and are more commonly found in younger women. Tumours can form that often grow outside the ovaries. They are often benign, but can cause problems if they grow too large or if they become malignant. In this case they would have to be removed during surgery.