Ovarian Cysts - What Are The Causes And Symptoms Of It?

The ovaries are the egg-producing organs, an essential part of the female reproductive system, they are responsible for the production of estrogen and release and egg every month. If the egg fertilizes with sperm it can result in a pregnancy.

Ovarian cysts are quite common among women. Ovarian cysts are known to be small sacs filled with fluid that are situated in the ovaries.

Causes of ovarian cysts:

Among ovarian cysts, the most common one is called the functional cyst. This type of cyst generally forms during the process of ovulation, during which either the eggs do not successfully release from the sac or the sac (follicle) fails to disintegrate properly after the release of the egg. Certain factors that can cause ovarian cysts are-

1.   Age - Ovarian cysts can occur at any age.
2.   Being overweight or obese 
3.   Consumption of fertility drugs 
4.   Hormone replacement therapy 
5.   Infertility especially with endometrial cyst
6.   Family history of ovarian cysts, breast cancer, uterine cancer and a few bowel cancer
7.   Endometriosis
8.   Dermoid cysts. They have very high chance of tortion

Symptoms related to ovarian cysts-

Generally, ovarian cysts show no specific symptoms and are generally only located during a physical examination or an ultrasound. But, in case you suffer from large cysts or those that have ruptured, you may experience certain signs like-

1.   Pain while having sex. Great discomfort may be felt, particularly when deep penetration is attempted.
2.   Pain in the lower abdominal and pelvic region. This pain may be intermittent or persistent. It can also vary from being mild to quite sharp.
3.   Irregularity in the menstrual cycle.
4.   Uncomfortable pressure in the lower abdominal and pelvic area.
5.   Acute pain in the pelvic area and the lower back all throughout the menstrual period. Acute pain occurs due to torsion. If treatment is delayed in such cases then sometimes removing of whole of ovary becomes the only solution.
6.   Pain in the pelvic area after a session of vigorous exercise or strenuous physical activity.
7.   A feeling of discomfort or pain while urinating or during bowel movements.
8.   Nausea, followed by vomiting.
9.   Pain in the vaginal area, or light bleeding 
10. Infertility
11.  Problems with healthy bowel movements 
12.  Bloating