Complicated ovarian cysts are generally quite uncommon, but that does not mean they are any less dangerous. Before we get ahead of ourselves and start sowing seeds of panic, we need to first distinguish the difference between functional ovarian cysts and complicated ovarian cysts.
Functional ovarian cysts happen regularly among women in their child-bearing years. In fact, doctors and health care providers say that almost all women have had this condition at least once in their lives.
Functional cysts usually shows itself when the woman ovulates or when the female sex cell is released from the ovary into the oviducts of the uterus in the anticipation of possible fertilization.
When the sex cell is unfertilized though, it is automatically removed from the body along with the thickened lining of the uterine walls. This is called menstruation.
If the sex cell is fertilized, it then moves and floats along until it finds itself a place on the uterine walls. This is the start of “life conception”.
In theory, this process should go along smoothly just like clockwork. But there are just instances wherein the female sex cell is either held back, blocked by another tissue or released but does not make it to the oviducts.
In which case, the cell attaches itself to the lining of the ovary or any internal organ it finds itself in, and begins to fill up with liquid. When it does, it is now called cyst.
However, functional cysts usually correct themselves or are usually self-limiting, and can be automatically removed from the body given time.
Many of these are benign or non-cancerous, extremely small, and do not affect the reproductive and digestive functions of the woman.
Some women, especially those who have irregular menstruations may have repetitive occurrences of functional cysts without suffering from or experiencing any ill-effects whatsoever.
On the other hand, complex ovarian cysts affect a relatively small population of women. Women nearing their menopausal stage are especially prone or susceptible, but there are cases too of post menopause women acquiring complicated cysts.
Three of the known kinds include: burst cysts, torsion and malignant cysts. All three of which are marked by the presence of incessant pain or discomfort in the pelvis or parts of the lower abdomen.
Functional cysts are also sometimes marked by pain, but this eventually goes away after 10 days, or when low dosages of pain relievers are taken. The pain from complicated cysts usually never goes away and may continue for months on end.
Other markers of the presence of complicated cysts include: abnormal uterine bleeding; acne breakout; a lot of hair growth in the body and face; constant and persistent aching in the abdomen, lower back, pelvis, thighs and vagina; bloating, fullness or swelling of the lower abdomen; changes in the frequency of urination / painful urination; difficulty in bowel movement; extreme weight gain or loss; fatigue; headaches; inexplicable pain before, during and after menstruation; infertility; nausea and vomiting; tenderness in the breast area; and the presence of strange nodules under the layer of the skin.
Remember if you have any concerns please see your Dr.
