What is a functional ovarian cyst?
A functional ovarian cyst is a sac that forms on the surface of a woman's ovaryduring or after ovulation. It holds a maturing egg. Usually the sac goes away after the egg is released. If an egg is not released, or if the sac closes up after the egg is released, the sac can swell up with fluid.
Functional ovarian cysts are different from ovarian growths caused by other problems, such as cancer. Most of these cysts are harmless. They do not cause symptoms, and they go away without treatment. But if a cyst becomes large, it can twist, rupture, or bleed and can be very painful.
What causes functional ovarian cysts?
A functional ovarian cyst forms because of slight changes in the way the ovary makes or releases an egg. There are two types of these cysts:
- A follicular cyst occurs when a sac on the ovary does not release an egg, and the sac swells up with fluid.
- A luteal cyst occurs when the sac releases an egg and then reseals and fills with fluid.
What are the symptoms?
Most functional ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms. The larger the cyst is, the more likely it is to cause symptoms. Symptoms can include:
- Pain or aching in your lower belly, usually when you are in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
- A delay in the start of your menstrual period.
- Vaginal bleeding when you are not having your period.
Some functional ovarian cysts can twist or break open (rupture) and bleed. Symptoms include:
- Sudden, severe pain, often with nausea and vomiting.
- Pain during or after sex.
If you have these symptoms, call your doctor right away. Some ruptured cysts bleed enough that treatment is needed to prevent heavy blood loss.
How are functional ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Your doctor may find an ovarian cyst during a pelvic exam. He or she may then use a pelvic ultrasound to make sure that the cyst is filled with fluid.
If you see your doctor for pelvic pain or bleeding, you'll be checked for problems that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and menstrual periods. He or she will do a pelvic exam and may do a pelvic ultrasound.
SIGNS YOU MIGHT HAVE AN OVARIAN CYST
1 – MENSTRUAL CYCLE PROBLEMS
Ovarian cysts can cause heavy or irregular periods or spotting. You get these menstrual cycle problems if the ovarian cyst produces too many sex hormones so that the lining of your womb starts to grow.
2 – PAIN IN YOUR LOWER ABDOMEN
Your pain may feel dull and constant. Sometimes ovarian cysts rupture or they cause a twist, which is especially painful. You may also feel heaviness in your lower abdomen too.
3 – SWOLLEN STOMACH
Sometimes, ovarian cysts grow large and cause bloating due to fluid retention due to your body’s inflammatory response. You may feel discomfort from pressure around your stomach area.
4 - PAIN IN THE LOWER BACK
This red flag often gets misinterpreted as something else besides an ovarian cyst. You may think you’ve been working out too much at the gym, but if the pain in your lower back persists, you might have an ovarian cyst. As the cyst fills with fluid, they put pressure on your abdomen, upsetting your menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes, which may cause a dull aching feeling in your lower back.
How are they treated?
Most functional ovarian cysts go away without treatment. Your doctor may suggest using heat and medicine to relieve minor pain.
If a large cyst bleeds or causes severe pain, you can have surgery to remove it.
Your doctor may suggest that you take birth control pills, which stop ovulation. This may prevent new cysts from forming.
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