Why causes an ovarian cyst?

Answer 1

Well, tough question. The answer is yes and no, or sort of. Sometimes they just happen, some people are more prone to them. Sometimes hormone treatments like the pill can cause you to get them more frequently or less. Some people have more when they are first getting there periods and they are fewer as they age. Once you have one there is no real cure, usually they burst on their own and in some cases a doctor may intervene if it is too large a cyst to be safely left alone and most of the time they are reabsorbed without bursting and you might not even have known it was there. If you are having frequent cysts talk to your doctor about possible options for you. Ovarian cysts are usually due to increased estrogen, which can indeed be due to hormone treatment. Having a cyst suggests that there has been a disruption in your normal period. Not all missed periods lead to cysts, though. To answer the original question of what causes ovarian cysts: the ovarian follicle fails to release the ovum, and the subsequent hormone cascade fails to occur. The ovum remains in the ovary rather than being released, and the region becomes filled with serous fluid. Some cysts may be entirely asymptomatic, and others may cause a variety of symptoms including pain. If you suspect an ovarian cyst, or have been diagnosed by your doctor, you should see your gynecologist and discuss what the best treatment would be for YOU.

Answer 2

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid or a semisolid material that develops on or within the ovary. These cysts are common in women and most ovarian cysts are not cancerous (benign). Typically, ovarian cysts are functional (not disease related) and disappear on their own. During the days preceding ovulation, a follicle grows. At the time of expected ovulation, the follicle fails to rupture and release an egg. Ovarian cysts that do not appear to be functional may require surgical removal by laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy. Surgical removal is often necessary if a cyst is revealed that is larger than 6 centimeters or that persists for longer than 6 weeks. If surgery is needed, often the cyst can be removed without removing the ovary. Even if one ovary has to be removed, it is still possible to become pregnant as long as one ovary remains. The older you are the more likely you are to have the cyst removed because the risk of cancer increases with age. If you have a laparoscopic procedure to remove the cyst your recovery time will be shorter and there will be less scarring. If you have a laparoscopic procedure you may even have the procedure done as an outpatient or spend only a day in the hospital. If you need an open surgery in which there is a larger incision you can expect to stay in the hospital longer. You may have a local or general anesthesia for a laparoscopic procedure. If you have open surgery you will have general anesthesia. You will be in surgery from one to two hours.

Answer 3

Many follicular and corpus luteum cysts require no treatment and disappear on their own. Often the physician will wait and re-examine the patient in four to six weeks before taking any action.