Just What Are Ovarian Cysts?

OurOvarian cysts are small, sac-like structures or growths that form inside of ovaries. These little sacs contain fluid, are usually filled with fluid. As a rule, the term cyst refers to  a fluid - filled structure. And so, just about all ovarian cysts, by definition, contain at least some fluid.

A cyst is mostly a fluid - filled sac, which may be found almost anywhere inside the body. On or in the  ovaries, different types of cysts may form. The most frequent, most common kind of cysts on ovaries is going to be the type known as " functional cyst ". Functional cysts many times form during the normal monthly menstrual cycle.

Each month, the biological cycle is that a woman's ovaries will grow tiny cysts, each carrying one of their eggs. When an egg matures, the sac holding it ruptures, releasing the egg. This takes place so that the egg can then go down the fallopian tube towards the uterus to receive fertilization.

After opening so that it will release the egg, the sac then dissolves. In the case with one kind of functional cyst, called a "follicular cyst", the cyst sac does NOT rupture and release the egg. Then it may simply keep on growing. Follicular cysts typically vanish on their own within one to three months.

Another form of functional cyst, called a "corpus luteum cyst", could form if the cyst sac does not dissolve. In the case of acorpus luteum cyst, the sac seals up once again after the egg has been released. Once sealed, fluid builds up inside the cyst sac, causing it to grow. This form of cyst also, generally goes away by itself within a few weeks. But, it sometimes grows large, to nearly four inches in diameter. It could pull the ovary out of position, or start bleeding inducing pain. Serophene or Clomid, drugs that are used to induce ovulation, may increase the risk of having this type of cyst.

An ovarian cyst is, simply speaking, a collection of fluid inside a sac within the normally more or less solidovary. There are various different types of ovarian cysts. These are a very common gynecological problem.

Ovarian cysts are a very common cause of concern among women, mainly as a result of fear of ovarian cancer. However, it is important to note that an overwhelming majority of these cysts on or in ovaries are not cancerous at all.

Still, some benign cysts do not go away by themselves. A few of those that don't go away will get bigger and cause difficulties. Many of these will demand treatment. In very rare cases, the possibility exists that some might be or might become cancerous.

An ovarian cyst is sometimes found during a routine examination, when you are feeling just fine. Or it could be discovered after it causes pain or problems and you go for a checkup to find out why.

In either case, there is good news: most ovarian cysts will just go away by themselves without treatment. Those few that do cause problems can be treated, shrunk and cured. Once you understand that the overwhelming majority of ovarian cysts are benign, discovering that you have cysts on your ovaries is not a big problem.

For more information about ovarian cysts and what to do about them, including a proven way to shrink and control painful ovarian cysts without surgery, click here on ovarian cyst symptoms.