Polycystic Ovaries: A Condition A Women Need to Know About

Symptoms of lower abdominal pain , heavy or irregular menstruation, or increasing menstrual pain are problems for many women. These symptoms may be a risk factor for developing ovarian cysts.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome ?

Polycystic ovaries are a condition that occurs naturally during the menstrual cycle during reproductive age in one or more ovaries. The cause is the hormonal changes during ovulation, abnormal growth of the uterus, and ovarian abnormalities. Some types of polycystic ovaries may not affect the body.

Types of ovarian cysts

It is divided into 3 main groups as follows:

• Group 1 is a cyst that occurs from the normal functioning of the ovaries. It is usually not large (not more than 8 centimeters), has no solid areas, and usually does not cause any symptoms. It has the potential to occur and shrink on its own during each menstrual cycle or within 2-3 months. There is no need for treatment.
• Group 2 is a cyst or mass that arises from other pathological conditions, such as endometrial tissue growing in the wrong place, that is, growing on the ovaries, or what is known as a chocolate cyst, or it may be a cyst that is a mass of pus, which arises from inflammation and a buildup of pus in the area of ​​the uterus, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
• Group 3 is a cyst or mass that is a tumor of the ovary, which may be benign or malignant (cancer). Common examples of benign tumors in this group include dermoid tumors or benign teratoma, which are composed of various tissues, such as hair, teeth, or skin that produces fat. Other tumors or cysts that arise from the ovarian epithelium, such as serous or mucinous tumors. Malignant tumors, which may appear as cysts and often have solid areas, or be completely solid, such as serous or mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.

Risk factors for ovarian cysts

• Lower abdominal pain
• Feeling of tightness in the lower abdomen
• Menstrual periods are light or heavier than usual.
• A lump was felt in the lower abdomen.
• Frequent urination
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse

Complications

Polycystic ovary syndrome is mostly not dangerous and can go away on its own without treatment. However, if the patient has severe symptoms, it may cause complications as follows:

• Ovarian torsion is caused by the cysts expanding too much, causing the ovaries to twist and may result in the ovaries not receiving blood. Patients will experience pain in the lower abdomen, pain when pressed, nausea, and vomiting.
• Ovarian cyst ruptures. When this occurs, it causes severe abdominal pain, internal bleeding, and a risk of infection and life-threatening if the patient does not receive treatment.

How to treat ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts usually disappear on their own without treatment. However, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment in 1-3 months to monitor your symptoms. If ovarian cysts do not disappear on their own, your doctor will consider other treatment options, such as:

• Use of birth control pills or hormone pills
• Laparoscopic surgery for small, non-cancerous cysts
• Open abdominal surgery in cases of large cysts that are likely to be malignant

Information from

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orrawi Chintkanan

Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University