Womans Health

Certain types of ovarian cysts (fluid-filled pockets) on the outside and inside of the ovaries can cause infertility. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and occur frequently during the child bearing years. Usually women are not even aware that they have cysts. Sometimes, however, ovarian cysts create problems with conception. If you are experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant it is recommended that you consult with your medical care provider in order to rule out the possibility of ovarian cysts.

Ovarian cysts form during the normal menstrual cycle. As the ovum (egg) matures, a specific type of cyst (a follicle) envelops the egg. Each month one of these special follicles erupts and an egg is released. Occasionally, other cysts on ovaries develop and these cysts can become problematic.

There are many different types of ovarian cysts. While most cysts do not affect a woman's ability to conceive, some of these can interfere with fertility. For example, several cysts (a polycystic ovarian syndrome) may interfere with the normal ovulation cycle.

Other types of cysts may cause ovarian cyst pain as well as potentially health threatening conditions. The various types of ovarian cysts are briefly outlined and explained as follows:

Follicular cysts, and functional cysts, are the most common and, typically, the least painful and threatening of cysts on ovaries. They are caused when a follicular cyst develops but fails to burst open and release the ovum.

Corpus Luteum Cysts develop when fluid becomes trapped in ruptured follicles. If this happens, the cyst may develop and become quite large. These cysts may bleed, become tangled, and create ovarian cyst pain.

Endometriomas (cysts) form when a woman has endometriosis. They may also cause pain during sexual intercourse and menstruation. The endometriomas form when the endometrial tissue attaches to the ovary.

Cystademas ( cysts) appear on the ovarian surface. They also grow in size and are often filled with fluid. This fluid may be either watery or gummy in consistency.

Dermoid cysts are relatively rare. These ovarian cysts can become quite large and painful and have been known to contain tissue, hair, and teeth!

Polycystic ovaries develop when a follicular cyst develops. When this happens, a series of cysts may develop around the original cyst until the entire ovary becomes full of cysts. This occurrence is referred to as polycystic ovarian syndrome.

As mentioned, ovarian cysts are so common that almost all women experience some type of ovarian cyst during the reproductive years. Most cysts are not problematic and generally go away on their own.

Cysts that develop later in life (between the age of 50 and 70), however, may potentially create a greater health risk, such as ovarian cancer.

Some of the typical ovarian cyst symptoms include: abdominal pressure, bleeding, and pain, pressure on the rectum and bladder, difficulty while urinating, nausea, vomiting, pain during intercourse, unusual menstrual cycles and flow, and sensitivity in the breasts and lower abdomen.

Diagnosis of ovarian cysts often occurs during a woman's regular pelvic examination. The cysts typically present as bumps around the area of the ovaries. Ultrasound imaging is also used to diagnose ovarian cysts. Ultrasound shows what is inside the cyst, as well as the approximate size and location.

The various forms of cyst treatment included monitoring, holistic therapy, hormone therapy, and surgery.