Ovarian Cysts and Fertility: What Every Woman Should Know

Understanding the type of ovarian cyst allows for timely medical intervention. Some common ovarian cysts include:

1. Follicular Cysts

Follicular cysts are the most common type of ovarian cysts. They occur when a follicle does not rupture and instead keeps growing. Most follicular cysts are harmless, but they can lead to complications. This can easily be found through a pelvic ultrasound. Most of these resolve on their own and require no special treatment. 

2. Chocolate Cysts

Chocolate cysts are also medically known as endometriomas. This is when the lining of your uterus grows on the ovary and bleeds with each cycle. With time, a cyst is formed, and when filled with dark brown blood, it gives a chocolate-like appearance. Similar to follicular cysts, these can be found through a pelvic ultrasound.

3. Simple Cysts

Most simple cysts are non-cancerous in nature, but ovarian simple cysts are specifically thin-walled, fluid-filled, and often functional or benign. Only when these cysts grow larger can they cause trouble, such as mild discomfort and swelling. In most cases, no treatment is usually required; however, your doctor can suggest an ultrasound or a CT scan. 

4. Complex Cysts

Complex cysts have features seen on ultrasound, like solid areas, thick or irregular walls, or internal septations, often signalling higher risk than simple cysts. They may arise from conditions such as haemorrhage, infection, endometriosis, or abnormal growth, requiring prompt evaluation via imaging or blood tests like CA-125. Symptoms can include persistent pelvic pain, fever, bloating, or urinary issues; unlike benign types, they often need intervention to rule out malignancy.

5. Dermoid Cysts 

Dermoid cysts are benign tumours arising from germ cells, often containing tissues like hair, skin, or teeth, and are typically present since embryonic development. They appear as well-defined cysts on ultrasound and are usually asymptomatic until larger sizes cause abdominal pain or pressure. Surgical removal via laparoscopy is common if symptomatic, with low malignancy risk.

6. Malignant Cysts

Unlike simple cysts, malignant cysts grow aggressively and even spread to other parts of the body. Factors such as genetic mutations, abnormal cell differentiation, and rare transformation of a pre-existing cyst could be responsible for this. These cysts have poorly defined walls and lead to increased blood flow in the cyst walls. Depending on the complexity, symptoms such as fever, weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movement can be experienced.