Fluid filled sacs that form in the ovaries are known as Cysts. Ovaries are two tiny little organs located on the opposite sides of the uterus in a female body. These organs perform a number of functions like releasing hormones, triggering menstruation and developing and releasing the egg into the fallopian tube.
Ovarian cysts are of three types namely:
- Functional: These cysts form during ovulation, when the egg produced is either not released or when the egg forming sac does not dissolve post the release of the egg.
- Endometriomas: Cysts formed when the tissues lining the uterus, grow into the surrounding areas, including the ovaries.
- Cystadenomas: When the cells present on the surface of the ovary form into fluid filled cysts, its termed as Cystadenomas.
- Dermoid: Dermoid cysts are formed out of tissues similar to those present on the other parts of the body like hair, teeth and skin.
- Polycystic Ovaries: When the eggs formed by ovaries mature but fail to open, polycystic cysts form. The disorder is commonly known as the PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
The presence of ovarian cysts poses symptoms which include:
- Bloating of and pain in the abdomen
- Frequent urination or witnessing difficulty in urinating
- A dull fading ache in the lower back that lingers
- Witnessing pain in sexual intercourse
- Abnormal bleeding or immense pain during menstruation
- Vomiting or nausea
- Appetite loss
- Gaining weight