Authored by Michelle Fairbrother in Women’s Health 
Published on 09-27-2009

There are so many different health issues that women have to worry about these days. One of the most common conditions involve ovarian cysts. These are little fluid-filled sacs that appear to be similar to blisters, but which develop on the two almond sized organs on each side of the uterus in the woman’s body called the ovaries.

The ovaries are the reproductive glands in women’s bodies, which produce eggs and female hormones. Ovarian cysts are quite common but can be frightening nonetheless. There are actually a few different types of ovarian cyst that a woman can develop, including follicular cysts and luteum cysts.

Women always wonder what the causes of ovarian cysts are, especially since they often develop out of nowhere without any notice. Unfortunately there are a few different risk factors that are considered as being possible explanations for why a woman may develop these cysts. Irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and hypothyroidism are all considered to be possible ovarian cyst causes.

Perhaps most important of all on the topic of ovarian cysts involves the symptoms of these ovarian cysts. How can a woman tell or at least get an idea that they may be dealing with ovarian cysts? Without proper treatment the cysts can result in being incredibly dangerous and even potentially life threatening under certain circumstances.

So it is crucial that all women, even if they do not have any of the known risk factors, are aware of at least the most commonly experienced symptoms of ovarian cysts so that they would be able to recognize these symptoms if they ever began exhibiting them. Pelvic pain is one of the first symptoms that most women describe when they are dealing with ovarian cysts. The pain is usually most intense immediately before and after the woman’s menstrual cycle. Nausea, vomiting, a heavy feeling in the abdomen, and pressure on the rectum and bladder are all possible symptoms that may be present.

It is important to remember however, that there are often no symptoms at all. This is why it is vital for women to have regular doctor’s appointments and checkups in order to ensure that they are in a good state of health and that there are no ovarian cysts present or developing.

If ovarian cysts are ever found, treatment is necessary immediately. Waiting is probably the worst part of this whole thing, as there will be various tests that need to be performed. Doctors need to take all the information and consider which treatment is going to be most appropriate for a particular patient.

In the most serious cases, surgery is the most likely treatment choice. This is a procedure that is performed in order to remove the cyst. Surgery is used when the cysts are causing pain or when there is a cyst that is quite large and considered to be dangerous. Cystic masses can be cancerous and in these cases surgery is often not enough. Sometimes a hysterectomy may be necessary. This is a procedure during which the ovaries and uterus will be removed.

Women need to take control and take care of themselves, and this means getting in to their doctor regularly and making sure that they are healthy and that there are no ovarian cysts or other growths or developments.