Nurses Meeting Lounge

Ovarian cysts are basically small sacs that have fluids within them and they occur inside the female ovary. Most of these cysts are benign in nature i.e. they do not lead to any harm. However in some cases complications like rupturing, bleeding and pain might occur. Surgery is one of the ways that can help get rid of the cysts.

Physiological ovarian cysts

In the ovaries of most women who fall in the age group when they can have a child, barring those who are on pills (birth control medications), there are a few cystic structures that come and go. These structures are needed for the development of the egg and its release thereafter. They are referred to as ‘physiological’ because they are a part of the common ovarian function.

During the first part of the 28 day cycle, the still maturing egg is carried to the surface of the ovary that contains a cystic structure known as ‘follicle’. The follicle is not only responsible for carrying the egg, it is also responsible for the manufacture of the estrogen. Estrogen on its part is responsible for stimulating the uterine lining’s growth. The intrauterine allows the fertilized egg to be implanted and it also develops the embryo. During the period of ovulation the follicle’s size is that of an olive. The egg is released when the follicle ruptures. The fluid within the follicle, which is a clear substance till now is replaced by blood which follows the rupture. Progesterone’s secretion begins after this happens. A yellow coloured substance starts forming during this stage.

If there is no pregnancy at this time, the yellow matter begins to look scarred. The cystic structure is often referred to as corpus luteum, and it is quite small. In many cases, this process gets carried away and this is when this physiological structure is filled with the follicular fluid or blood, and it looks like one small plum. These cysts may or may not be accompanied with pain. Irregular menstrual cycle - this is the instant side effect of this cyst. These cysts may also twist or leak within the ovary. And when this happens, the abdomen may become tender and there can be some pain too. Surgery may become necessary now - but ultrasound is needed to identify the large cyst.

Pathological Ovarian Cysts

Cystic structures within the ovary are not a part of an ovulation cycle, and they are referred to as ‘pathological ovarian cysts’. These growths are also termed ‘tumours’. Tumours again may be divided into two categories - non-cancerous or benign and cancer or malignant. Pathological ovarian cysts contain sundry materials - in a few there is mucous and in others there is stale blood. These cysts are not uncommon among young women who bear tissues in a very disorderly form. These tissues may be associated with fat, hair follicles, teeth, bone fragments, or thyroid. Pathological cysts biggest drawback is that there can be no regression. The fluid can get accumulated and it thus grows in size.

Reasons behind the formation of ovarian cysts

If you look at ovarian cysts through ultrasound, you will immediately realize that they resemble bubbles. As we said earlier, fluid forms virtually the only component of a cyst, and it is surrounded by a slim wall. A cyst such as this is known as a ‘Simple Cyst’ or ‘Functional Cyst’. If however, it is the follicle which has failed to rupture and release the egg, the fluid remains and it is likely that it will form a cyst in the ovary. Because of this, one of the two ovaries gets affected. It happens sometimes that tiny cysts may be present in a normal ovary while the follicles are being formed.

Adverse Effects

Ovarian cysts may be seen in any woman, no matter what the age. Research has proved that most cases of cysts in the ovary are benign in nature (which means they are non cancerous), they are neither related to any disease. In fact, many cysts disappear on their own in just a few weeks of their appearance. Ovarian cysts can be classifies in two broad categories: cancerous and non cancerous. Ovarian cancer does show the occurrence of cysts, but in normal conditions cysts denote a harmless condition. Some ovarian cysts include dermoid cyst, hemorrhagic cyst, Corpus Luteum cyst, follicular cyst and others.

Holistic Approach

A large number of medicinal methods are being used nowadays to try to cure ovarian cysts but none of these are able to guarantee full success. The only way that a woman can rise above ovarian cysts is through the holistic approach. And it has the added advantage of having no side effects and being wholly trustworthy. The holistic approach believes in the saying “Forewarned is Forearmed” and tries to eradicate ovarian cysts by its very roots. The holistic approach tries to create fitness on the mental, spiritual as well as the physical level. So it basically persuades you to face ovarian cysts with courage and not to run away from it.