GYNAECOLOGY

What are the types of ovarian cysts?

There are two types of ovarian cysts:

• Functional ovarian cysts are the most common. They do not cause any harm, are non-cancerous and short-lived.
• Pathological cysts may be benign or cancerous (malignant).

What are the causes of ovarian cysts?

The causes of ovarian cysts depend on the type.

Functional ovarian cysts

These cysts are associated with the monthly menstrual cycle. They form when

• fluid inside a follicle is not released at the time of egg release (corpus luteum cyst)
• the follicle swells up but doesn't release the egg (follicular cyst)

What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Some cysts do not show any signs or symptoms. If symptoms present, the most common is pain, which may be characterised as follows:

• Pelvic pain before your period starts or before it ends
• Dull pelvic ache that radiates down your lower back and thighs
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain with bowel movements

Other symptoms may include

• Nausea, vomiting or tenderness in your breast like that experienced during pregnancy
• Abdominal fullness or heaviness
• Urination problems due to pressure on your bladder

The symptoms that indicate an emergency include:

• Sudden extreme pelvic or abdominal pain
• Fever or vomiting that accompanies pain
• Shock
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness or light-headedness
• Ovarian torsion: painful twisting of the ovary when they grow large and move out of their usual position
• Rupture of a cyst, causing severe pain and internal bleeding

Cysts are common during pregnancy and can lead to complications such as torsion or rupture. Ovarian cysts present during pregnancy are closely monitored.