Sieviete, Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash
An ovarian cyst is a benign formation in the ovaries which is caused due to hormonal imbalance of the female body. Scientific publications state that they may form to any woman of childbearing age. The cysts can be as small as a pea or even reach the size of several dozen centimetres. Some women even may not notice the cysts. They can resolve themselves causing only slight discomfort but just as well ovarian cysts can be the reason why you cannot become pregnant.
If you notice any of those symptoms, apply for a visit to a gynaecologist…
Please visit your gynaecologist if any of those symptoms apply to you:
- Pain in the lower abdomen (especially on one side), sudden, sharp pain, pain during intercourse or pain in the lower back;
- Changes in menstrual bleeding;
- Increased breast sensitivity;
- Nausea and vomiting.
Usually, ovarian cysts are diagnosed during the gynaecological ultrasound. It is a painless and harmless method of gynaecological examination, with the help of which a woman's small pelvis, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and small pelvic organs are examined.
The above-mentioned symptoms should not be ignored since ovarian cysts can be the reasons for infertility.
How are ovarian cysts treated?
The treatment depends on the size and type of the cyst, symptoms, and age of the patient.
Possibly the gynaecologist will first advise waiting. Usually, the cyst resolves itself in 2-3 months, but if after repeated examinations it has not disappeared the treatment of choice is a laparoscopy. It is a harmless surgery through small holes in the abdomen. You can go home already in the evening of the surgery or on the next day, however, the first days should be spent in lenity: stay at home for a couple of days and take up physical activities two weeks following the surgery. Just to be on the safe side!
Surgical treatment of ovarian cysts is rare. It is necessary only if the cyst has not resolved within 3-4 months or becomes different in the structure.
Pregnancy should be planned about 3 months after the laparoscopic surgery but gynaecologist Vija Plūme says that it can happen already in the next menstrual cycle.
Never miss the annual visit to your gynaecologist! The visit is not only for a general inspection but also diagnostic since ultrasound can detect formations such as cysts in the uterus and ovaries.
Sieviete, Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash