Ovarian Cysts: What Every Woman Must Know

Many women have ovarian cysts and remain unaware of them. However, other women have cysts that impact their lives in countless ways. Ovarian cysts come in many sizes, and the size plays a key role in the impact the cyst has on the woman’s life. A fluid-filled sac may form within a woman’s ovaries, and she never knows it’s there because it resolves on its own. Other women have cysts that are extremely large and are dangerous.

Understanding Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts develop for many reasons. A woman may have a functional cyst that develops during her menstrual cycle and resolves without her knowing of its presence. Another woman may have a fluid-filled sac that is pathological. A pathological cyst typically requires the woman to see a doctor because these cysts are complex and may cause issues. Women might want to look at this how big is too big dangerous size for an ovarian cyst guide for more information.

The Prevalence of Ovarian Cysts

Most women will have at least one ovarian cyst during their lifetime. Ladies often remain unaware that they have functional cysts, which are extremely common during their reproductive years. These cysts are typically harmless. Post menopausal women who have an ovarian cyst need to see a doctor quickly, as cysts during this period of life are more likely to be malignant.

How Big is Too Big?

A cyst that is less than four cm in diameter is usually harmless. Cysts of this size typically don’t come with any symptoms or complications. They may resolve without the woman even knowing they are present. If a cyst is detected, the woman’s doctor might recommend that it be monitored with the help of periodic ultrasounds to ensure it doesn’t grow and cause complications. 

Cysts that are larger than four cm but under six cm should be closely observed. Some are benign, while others are malignant. However, even benign cysts of this size can lead to discomfort and other problems. A doctor will typically recommend that the woman have follow-up ultrasounds to see if the size and structure change over time. They use the information gathered from these tests to determine how rapidly a cyst is growing and whether there is cause for concern. 

Every woman should be concerned if she has a cyst that is larger than six cm. These cysts typically cause problems and complications. She may find herself dealing with ovarian torsion or rupture. A doctor should evaluate the cyst and monitor it. Many large cysts must be removed surgically to reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

Symptoms Every Woman Should Watch For

Women who have pelvic pain, especially when this pain comes on suddenly or is severe, should make an appointment with their doctor immediately. This pain could indicate that they have a cyst that needs attention. The cyst may be pressing on surrounding tissues, or it could rupture. Ovarian torsion is a concern with this pain.

When a cyst grows, it can leave the woman feeling full even if she has had little to eat. Persistent bloating is a cause for concern as well. The doctor needs to do a complete evaluation of the woman to ensure the cyst is not causing other complications.

Any woman who experiences a period that is heavier than normal or bleeding between her periods should visit her doctor. This might be a sign of an ovarian cyst. The doctor can determine why this bleeding is occurring and develop a treatment plan to address it.

Possible Complications from Ovarian Cysts

A large ovarian cyst may result in ovarian torsion. The ovary twists around the ligaments that support it, which restricts the blood supply. A woman will experience sudden, intense pain in her pelvis, and she may begin vomiting. Emergency medical treatment is required to protect the ovary and prevent long-term damage.

An ovarian cyst may break open and cause sudden, sharp pain. The woman may begin bleeding internally and not realize there is an issue. Sudden sharp pain in the pelvis requires immediate medical attention to ensure she does not lose significant quantities of blood or develop an infection. A ruptured cyst results in extreme abdominal pain.

Postmenopausal women are at higher risk of a malignant cyst. Furthermore, any large cyst with a complex structure or solid area needs further attention to ensure it is not cancerous. If a malignant cyst is caught early, treatment can begin promptly, and the woman will have a better outcome. Women with ovarian cysts may also find it difficult to become pregnant, depending on the severity of the cyst and the type.

Treating Ovarian Cysts

Doctors often advise watching a small and uncomplicated cyst, particularly in women who have yet to reach menopause. They may recommend regular ultrasounds to ensure that the cyst does not grow and begin to cause complications. Many women find that their ovarian cysts resolve with watchful waiting.

A doctor could recommend hormonal treatments to stop cysts from forming. Regulating a woman’s menstrual cycle will not shrink any cysts she already has, but it will reduce the risk of recurring functional cysts. The doctor will need to determine the best approach for each patient.

If a woman has one or more large, systematic, or potentially cancerous cysts, the doctor will typically perform surgery. The type of surgery depends on the size of the cyst.

Special Circumstances

Postmenopausal women must be particularly cautious when it comes to ovarian cysts because they are at a higher risk of cancer. The doctor will be more aggressive in treating these cysts. Recurring cysts should also be carefully monitored to ensure the condition is managed effectively and the cysts don’t affect the woman’s daily life. 

Every woman should see their doctor regularly to detect and treat cysts early. The doctor might also recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to improve their ovarian health. Awareness and education are crucial, as the more a woman knows about her health, the easier it is to take action when problems arise. Early action leads to better outcomes.