Did you know that ovarian cysts are very common, especially with woman who are of reproductive age?

Ovarian cyst develops as a normal part of your menstrual cycle. 

Our menstrual cycle has two main phases.

First one is called follicular phase- The time between the first day of the period and ovulation (The release of the egg from the ovary, mid-cycle).

Second phase is called Luteal phase – The time from ovulation until the start of the next period.

During follicular phase your ovaries develop cyst-like follicles every month. A follicle is the fluid-filled cyst that contains an egg. When the egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg. 

After ovulation occurs- Luteal phase starts and the follicle sac that contained the egg transforms into a mass of cells called corpus luteum and begins to produce progesterone.

If an egg is fertilized, progesterone from the corpus luteum supports the early pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, the corpus luteum will start to break down to start your periods.

However, If a follicle doesn’t burst or release its egg, during follicular phase, it become a follicular cyst. 

Or, if the follicle bursts and the left behind sac (corpus luteum) reseals itself, it fills up with fluid and becomes a corpus luteum cyst.

Both functional and corpus luteum cysts go away after a few weeks. But, problem occurs when they don’t shrink. They also may bleed or twist the ovary and cause pain. 

Theca lutein cysts: These mainly occur in women who have infertility treatment with hormones. The hormones stimulate the growth of egg cells in the ovaries. Cysts may develop as a side effect.

Less common type of cysts are benign cysts.

* Endometriomas are caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis happens when the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus.
* Dermoids come from cells present from birth and do not usually cause symptoms.
* Cystadenomas are filled with watery fluid and can sometimes grow large.

A cyst that becomes large can cause the ovaries to shift from their usual position in the abdomen. This shift can increase the chance of ovarian torsion (the twisting of an ovary), which can cause severe pain and vomiting. A cyst that has ruptured causes severe pain and can lead to internal bleeding.