Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled lumps that appear in or around the ovaries. They can be benign or malignant depending on their characteristics. A woman may develop one or several ovarian cysts, which may be microscopic or grow to several centimetres in diameter and hinder the normal ovulation process.

Causes of ovarian cysts

The main cause is due to the normal process of ovulation, when each month, during a woman's menstrual cycle, a follicle (small sac containing the egg) develops inside an ovary. Normally it is released, but sometimes it fails to open properly and forms a cyst, which is called a functional cyst.

Other factors that may be involved in the formation of ovarian cysts are:

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Endometriosis

Pelvic infections

Hormonal disturbances

Symptoms of ovarian cysts

Chronic or acute pelvic pain

Feeling of pelvic heaviness

Abdominal distention or bloating

Irregular menstrual periods

Amenorrhoea or absence of menstruation

Menstrual disturbances

Metrorrhagia (bleeding not related to menstruation)

Hirsutism (unwanted hair growth)

Infertility

Diagnosis of ovarian cysts

In addition to the analysis of the patient's medical history, procedures to diagnose ovarian cysts include:

- A pelvic examination that may reveal an enlarged ovary or the presence of a cyst.

- A transvaginal ultrasound. This test is simple and painless and can determine the size, shape and location of the cyst in 100% of cases.

Can I have a baby if I have ovarian cysts?

The answer is yes. One of the alternatives to have a baby in case you have not been able to have one is In Vitro Fertilization. In this procedure we stimulate your ovaries in order to obtain several eggs through a process of egg retrieval.

It is important to remember that medications are administered to obtain the eggs and must be monitored by a reproductive specialist.