A cystic structure known as a follicle is formed in a woman’s body, each month during the normal menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for stimulating the release of a mature egg from the ovary, are secreted by the follicles. In some cases an ovarian cyst develops as a result of the continuous growth of the follicle.

Basically there is no difference in the ovarian cysts found in all women who experience menstruation. In many cases these cysts are formed without any symptoms. A woman will not find or experience any difference, pain or other signs which makes her aware that she has a cyst. Mostly ovarian cysts will disappear after one or two menstrual cycles, even without the help of any treatment.

Two types of ovarian cysts are there – simple and complex. The one which contains only fluid is called a simple cyst and the one which contains both fluid and solid content is known as complex. Examples of simple and functional cysts are Follicular cysts and corpus Graafian cysts. There are many types of complex ovarian cysts. They are dermoid cysts, endometriomas and cystadenomas. Simple ovarian cysts are less malignant whereas complex ones tend to develop into a malignancy. Due to this reason treatment for complex cysts is often less conservative.

Most of the times asymptomatic ovarian cysts are found while doing routine pelvic examination or an ultrasound which are done for different medical purposes. An ovarian cyst which is small and located favorably may be observed after many menstrual cycles, to see whether it resolves on its own. In some women ovarian cysts create clear signs. The symptoms can vary from irregular or painful periods, pain during sexual intercourse and during defecation. Sometimes there can be pain in the abdomen which may spread to thighs and buttocks.

Usually a manual pelvic examination will diagnose the presence of ovarian cysts. An ultrasound will confirm the diagnosis. This is a non-invasive technique which helps the doctor to comprehend the size, composition and location of the ovarian cyst. In some cases doctors will ask you to go for a pregnancy test to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Following this a blood test may be conducted. The doctor will test for the CA 125 antigen, to see if the cyst is malignant. This can also be indicative of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.

There are several factors to be considered for the treatment of the cyst like age, type of cyst, its location, size and pace of growth. Complications like the possibility of a rupture, which may cause internal bleeding, shock or peritonitis can arise. Also the cysts can become enlarged to make your ovaries to twist. This can lead to extreme discomfort.

In some cases your doctor may decide that the best option would be the surgical removal of the cyst. A more conservative, key hole surgery, where three small incisions are made in the abdomen is known as Laparoscopy. Through the incisions, small surgical instruments are inserted. The doctor may go for a surgery in the traditional manner, where a larger incision is made in the abdomen and the surgery is ‘open’. During your laparoscopy or open surgery, the doctor may send any removed cystic tissue for biopsy. If at all, this tissue is found to be malignant; your doctor may suggest you to remove some of your reproductive organs like ovaries, fallopian tube or uterus. Removal of ovaries is called oopherectomy and removal of uterus is called hysterectomy. This will be done only after consulting with the patient and getting her consent.

Actual recovery time from surgery will vary according to the type of surgery performed, though recovery is complete and rapid. Your ongoing prognosis is likely to be excellent, in spite of the fact that cysts can reoccur if the ovaries are not removed.

For most of the women, an ovarian cyst will develop without symptoms and vanish without any treatment. But serious and potential complications can arise with this condition. A cystic rupture, torsion or pressure on nearby organs can occur. Not only intense pain is associated with cystic rupture but also other severe medical complications.

The main problem related with ovarian cysts is that the signs of a ruptured ovarian cyst are mostly like that of those which showed the presence of a regular ovarian cyst. Pain is the basic important symptom in both the cases. Continuous dull aching pelvic pain will be experienced by a woman suffering from an ovarian cyst. The victim may feel intense pain while performing other daily activities. Some experience terrible pain while or after sexual intercourse. Even daily activities such as lifting, bending or reaching would be difficult. Pain will be felt while engaging in other intense activities like sports.

Pain associated with menstrual cycle- especially pain which increases just before or after the cycle, can be the sign of a ruptured ovarian cyst. Irregular menstrual cycle may be experience by a woman with an ovarian cyst, ruptured or intact. The menstrual cycle can be longer or shorter than usual. In some cases, the bleeding may be heavier than usual. Sometimes small bleeds occur at random throughout the menstrual cycle in the form of ‘spotting’. Some women with an ovarian cyst may find their menstrual period stopping altogether. This condition is called amenorrhea.

The lower abdominal parts may experience sharp piercing pain when an ovarian cyst ruptures. This intense pain will particularly be experienced by women, who have felt no pain associated with the presence of the ovarian cyst prior to rupture intact. If the pain was already there due to the intact ovarian cyst, then you may find a slow increase of pain when it ruptures.

It is a fact that the abdomen becomes particularly tender following the rupture of an ovarian cyst. Hemorrhage can happen as a result of ovarian cyst rupture and as its consequence victim may suffer from intense pain and bloating. Those who are taking anticoagulant medications such as Warfain should be extremely careful. Blood loss and internal bleeding can take place and as a result the patient may experience pallor or anemia. Internal bleeding is a crucial situation and will require surgery to control the blood flow and for the removal of blood from the abdominal cavity.

Fever, nausea or vomiting are other general symptoms of ovarian cyst rupture. Patients with ruptured cyst may feel tiredness, dizziness or fainting. These signs have to be taken serious as they may point towards internal bleeding. Apart from these, excessively high or low blood pressure which is not related to other medical conditions needs immediate attention.

We can find that the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst and an intact one are very similar. They may be similar to other less serious abdominal complaints. But we should not ignore these symptoms and hope them top vanish. It should be remembered that a ruptured ovarian cyst can be life threatening. Getting the symptoms investigated on time is the alternative to avoid an immediate surgery for a serious condition.

A gynecologist or emergency physician uses different diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis of a ruptured ovarian cyst. These tests are similar to those used to confirm an intact ovarian cyst. Once a patient is taken to the emergency department, the medical team will first try to stabilize her. Then they proceed to make the diagnosis of ruptured ovarian cyst. The procedure will be smooth if the patient is comparatively in a stable condition.

A complete blood test will be done on the victim to understand the condition of the patient. The blood test has several components. First of all the doctor will examine the patient`s hematocrit. This test points out how much of your blood volume is occupied by red blood cells. Decreased hematocrit means anemia, which can also be related to internal bleeding. Your hemoglobin level may also be examined by the doctor. It can be close to normal or slightly lower, in the case of hemorrhage.

White Blood Count (WBC) is another test which is done. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body against infection. In the case of a simple cyst or irregular menstrual cycles, your white blood cell count may be normal or slightly increased. If there is an excessive increase in the white blood count, the condition is known as leukocytosis. This can be the sign of bacterial infection, trauma or stress. Along with this other blood properties like prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and international normalized ratio, will be measured. This is done to make sure that the blood is capable of clotting normally. A CA 125 antigen test may also be conducted, which indicates conditions as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or a malignant ovarian cyst. This test is time consuming as it takes 24 hours to give the result and will be undertaken only in the case of an emergency situation.

Pregnancy test is also conducted by the doctor. This is mainly done because the symptoms of a pregnancy in the fallopian tubes are like those of a ruptured ovarian cyst. Pregnancy will be confirmed by the presence of human chorionic growth hormone (HCG) in your blood. Urine analysis may also be done according to the discretion of the doctor. If pus or blood is contained in the urine, it can be indicative of an inflamed or infected ovarian process, such as a ruptured ovarian cyst.

In the process of diagnosis, imaging studies can also help. Ultrasonography is particularly useful in diagnosing ovarian cyst. These are used to estimate the size of the ovarian cyst, it`s structure and complexity. Pregnancy can also be confirmed by Ultrasonography. The blood flow to the ovary can be assessed by certain types of ultrasound. Lack of flow may indicate the twisted condition of the ovaries due to the size and location of the cyst.  A computerized tomography (CT) scan may assist the doctor in case the ultrasound imaging fails.

Culdocentesis may be performed if the condition is very unstable and the doctor does not have access to ultrasonography. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the abdomen to see if there is the presence of fluid in it. If fluid is present, it points out a ruptured ovarian cyst, inflammation of the liver or carcinoma.

Your doctor may also perform a laparoscopy as part of the diagnostic process. A small incision is made in the belly, near the belly button. Through this incision, a small camera is inserted to inspect the internal organs directly. If needed, surgical procedures like removal of an ovarian cyst or ovaries can be done using a laparoscopy.

The aim of your doctor throughout the diagnosis process will be to determine whether your cyst has ruptured and if so, the extent and consequences of the rupture. The chances of complications can be reduced by taking timely medical help.

There are a lot of factors which determine the treatment you receive for a ruptured ovarian cyst. The condition of the patient while she is taken to the hospital, the extent of damage caused by the rupture, other complications associated with the cystic rupture etc .

If you are in a serious condition the primary concern of the medical team would be to stabilize your condition. As soon as you reach the hospital doctors will assess your airway, breathing and circulation and may start intravenous treatment if needed. In the case of very unstable patients, the first diagnostic treatment will include a culdocentesis, to determine the type and extent of fluid in your abdominal cavity.

You will be put on antibiotics whether there have been complications or not. You may be treated with stronger antibiotics such as Gentamycin or its variants in the short term. This drug has a narrow therapeutic window and treatment with this drug will not be prolonged. You may also get a broad-spectrum penicillin variant along with a drug such as Metronidazole, which acts against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. A cephalosporin drug such as Cefotetan may also be included in the treatment. This targets gram positive cocci bacteria and gram negative rod bacteria.

The doctor may induce an anovulatory state in pre-menopausal women, to prevent ovulation. Oral contraceptive medication is used to achieve this condition. This medication also aids in reducing the stimulation of the ovaries, which in turn reduces the risk of further cysts.
Ruptured ovarian cysts are often intensively painful and your doctor will help in reducing the pain. If you are on any other medication, that also will be taken into account before administering analgesic medication. Since, preventing infection is the primary concern; doctors may change your pain medication as your antibiotic load changes. For acute pain, a higher dose analgesic such as Fentanyl or a barbiturate such as Vicodin will be started. As far as mild to moderate pain is concerned, a lower dose codeine derivative such as Tylenol is recommended. In certain situations, newer analgesics such as Ketorolac may be useful as therapeutic agents.

After stabilizing your condition, your doctor would prefer to continue tests to comprehend your condition accurately. Both manual and ultrasound techniques are used to conduct regular abdominal examinations. A laparoscopic or surgical exploration is undertaken to either diagnose or treat your ruptured ovarian cyst. In case of a hemorrhagic cyst, surgical management is indispensable.

Post operative care is very much needed if your treatment includes a surgery. Your doctor will instruct you regarding the things that you have to do, like regular foot and leg exercises to prevent blood clots in case you are bed bound. Certain activities such as use of tampons and sexual intercourse are banned until your medical team is satisfied with your healing process following the surgery.

A number of outpatient appointments will be fixed for continuous feed back once you leave the hospital. Further ultrasonography may be conducted if the need arises. You may be asked to consult your gynecologist periodically to rule out any underlying malignancy. Your doctor will apprise you how your condition might have affected your fertility.

The two small, almond shaped organ located on either side of your pelvis responsible for producing eggs that are released during your monthly menstrual cycle are called ovaries. Sometimes small, fluid-filled sacs develop on the surface of or within your ovary. Normally ovarian cysts are not harmful and will resolve without treatment after a few months. Most often, a woman will not even know that she has a cyst. But, complex ovarian cysts can pose serious health problems. Severe complications might be there if the cyst ruptures.

Ovarian cysts are formed when there is malfunctioning in the normal, monthly cycle of egg growth, development and release. Cystic structures known as follicles are normally grown each month, which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. However, sometimes a normal follicle continues to grow and becomes known as functional ovarian cyst.

Functional cysts are of two types. A follicular cyst begins when the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) which stimulates the egg to be released in a normal ovarian cycle fails to occur. The follicle instead of rupturing and releasing the egg turns into a cyst instead. Follicular cysts are not serious and not usually painful. They will vanish on their own after a few menstrual cycles.

The ruptured follicle secretes large volumes of estrogen and progesterone, when the LH surge occurs and the egg is released. Once this happens, the follicle becomes known as the luteum or white body. At times the opening in the follicle left by the egg becomes sealed off. Fluid gets accumulated inside the corpus luteum, resulting in a cyst. Most of the times this type of cyst deteriorates on its own. But it has the potential to grow, bleed within its capsule and even twist the ovary. The consequence will be severe pelvic or abdominal pain.

Complex ovarian cysts are rarely found, but are more dangerous. They have both solid and liquid components. There are three different types of ovarian cysts. Dermoid cysts form from the cells that produce human eggs (ova). These cells have the capacity to develop into any tissue in the human body as they are non-differentiated. As a consequence dermoid cysts often contain tissues such as hair, skin or teeth. Though they are not exclusively cancerous, they can become large and painful and may cause your ovaries to twist resulting in terrible pain.

Endometrioma is the second type of complex ovarian cysts, which develop as a result of endometriosis. The uterine cells grow outside the uterus in endometriosis. Therefore the uterine tissue has the ability to attach to your ovary and form a growth. The third type of complex ovarian cyst develops from ovarian tissue. These are called cystadenomas and are usually filled with a watery liquid or mucous and they may grow to be very large, up to 12 or more inches in diameter. Since the cyst is very large the patient`s ovary might become twisted and intensely painful.

The symptoms of larger complex ovarian cysts will get noticed quickly. But these signs may resemble those caused by abdominal and pelvic pain such as endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy. Menstrual irregularities are common symptoms of an ovarian cyst. The pelvic pain patient experiences may extend up to thighs and buttocks. The patient may feel intense pain at the time of sexual intercourse or shortly before your period begins or ends. Heaviness in abdomen, nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness are other common symptoms. These may be similar to early pregnancy. If someone feels sudden abdominal pain it is an indication that she needs to seek immediate medical help.

The Doctor may wish to perform a manual pelvic examination, to ascertain whether the patient have an ovarian cyst or not. A pelvic ultrasound which is a more sophisticated test, will support the diagnosis. Along with a blood test, a pregnancy test will also be conducted. The pregnancy test is carried out to make sure that it is not an ectopic pregnancy. The blood test will examine the levels of CA 125 antigen, which is produced by cancerous cysts. It has to be noted that this antigen is not just produced by cancers. It may be produced in conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

The diagnosis and treatment of a complex ovarian cyst have to be given due importance. You should not neglect sudden pain in your abdomen or pelvis as it needs thorough medical attention.

Nothing else can be more painful for a woman than a ruptured ovarian cyst. Apart from pain other serious complications are associated with it. The ovaries may get twisted due to the size and location of the cyst. This can even lead to infertility. Sepsis may occur due to the leakage of cystic fluid into the abdominal cavity. There can be hemorrhagic complications also. A patient suffering from a ruptured ovarian cyst may suffer severe pelvic pain in the long run.

Twisting of the ovary may be caused by ovarian cysts larger than 4cms. Twisting, which is also known as torsion will occur if the cyst is accompanied by a tumor. Here the problem is that it may limit blood supply to the ovary, thereby causing the death of the ovarian tissue. This is known as ovarian necrosis and it can affect your fertility. Not only that the associated inflammation may lead to infection, septic shock and death. Also in some cases ovarian torsion leads to injury to the urinary tract as well as clotting in the ovarian blood vessels. Even pulmonary emboli, which is blood clots in the lungs is secondary to blood clots in the ovarian vessels. A twisted ovary can be corrected only surgically, mostly using an open-abdomen rather than laparoscopic approach.

Hemorrhage can often complicate ovarian cysts. It has to be noted that abdominal hemorrhage is different to hemorrhage from a ruptured endometriomas. The blood that leaks into the cavity of the abdomen is from the cyst itself in the case of endomeriomas rupture. Blood leaks from an organ in the abdomen in the case of abdominal hemorrhage. Here the volume of leaked blood is greater and as a result it is more dangerous. The source of bleed has to be identified and stopped.

In many cases we can see that the right ovary seems to be involved in hemorrhagic complications than the left. This can be due to the fact that the left ovary is partly cushioned by the large bowel, protecting it from trauma and twisting. On the other hand, the part of the bowel behind the right hand side of the ovary gives less support, thereby exposing it to twisting. If the ovarian cyst is complicated by hemorrhage, the problem can be sorted out by surgery, either by stopping the bleeding or removing the hemorrhaged material.

Peritonitis is another complication of a ruptured ovarian cyst. It is a serious condition where there will be inflammation of the mucous membrane which lines the abdominal cavity and organs contained within them. Mainly it is caused by an infection, which in the case of a ruptured ovarian cyst may be the result of leaked cystic fluid. It should be remembered that the peritonitis is localized to the immediate area of ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Scarring which occurs due to rupture of an ovarian cyst is known as adhesions. If the scarring is on the ovaries it can be quite dangerous. The reason is that it may affect fertility by limiting the ovaries’ ability to release eggs.

However these complications associated with a ruptured ovarian cyst occur less frequently, though they are serious and in some cases life threatening. Seeking medical attention at the proper time can reduce the chances of complications. It is advisable to see the doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms.

The doctors may advise the surgical removal of a cyst depending on its size, type and location. Usually cancerous or suspected to be cancerous cysts larger than two inches in diameter are removed through surgery. They can be solid or filled with debris or irregularly shaped. It the ovarian cyst causes pain, is ruptured or has caused your ovary to twist it has to be removed surgically. With age the chances of an ovarian cyst becoming cancerous increases. In the case of older patients, surgery is indispensable to remove the cyst.

There are a few risks involved in the surgical procedure for removing the cyst. Risks involve excessive use of alcohol, medications etc. If patient is pregnant, the complications are higher. Previous abdominal surgery and endometriosis increase the risk of complication. The doctor has to consider all the risk factors before the surgery.

You have to discuss with the doctor the surgical procedure and the action taken in critical situations. After the surgery, the tissue that is removed from the ovary will be send to the laboratory to check if it is cancerous. If it is cancerous, then you have to get one or both of your ovaries removed. This option also should be discussed with the doctor as it has serious implications on your fertility and health.

Your recovery will be determined by the type of surgery you undergo. Mostly the cyst can be removed using a laparoscope, which is a thin lighted tube. A very tiny incision is made in the lower abdomen near your belly button. The laparoscope is inserted through this and the abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide gas to make visualization of your internal organs easier. Two more incisions are made in the abdomen, once the cyst is located. These are used to insert instruments by the surgeon. Once the cyst is removed and in some cases the ovary, the incisions are closed using clamps or stitches.

In some cases, a classic open abdomen operation is needed for removing the cyst. Here the incision is made in the abdomen and the abdominal muscles are separated to allow the surgeons access the internal organs. Blood vessels that provide blood to the ovaries will be clamped and tied. Then the cyst is surgically removed. The incision is closed once the cyst or the ovary is removed.

Laparoscopy is less traumatic and your recovery will take place at a fast pace. You may experience pain for three or four days after the operation. But the traditional abdominal surgery will be painful for seven to ten days.

Post-operative care is compulsory after the surgical procedure. There are certain things that you should not do and certain things you must do after the surgery. In order to prevent blood clots you have to move and elevate your legs while in bed.  After seven days you can stop taking pain medication according to the recommendation of your doctor. Pain is usually manageable after this period. After laparoscopy strenuous activity should be avoided for two weeks. In the case of open surgical procedure it has to be avoided for six weeks. Abstaining from sexual activity, refraining from using tampons and douching have not to be done until the doctor allows them. In normal cases these practices can be resumed two weeks after the surgery. Bathing can be continued taking special care while washing the incision area. Also remember to use mild soaps during the healing process. As and when you feel normal you can restart daily activities at a slow pace. In any case surgery affects your body and you should give sufficient time for the body to recover.

Both simple and complex ovarian cysts, cause pain shortly before, during or after menstruation. If your ovarian cyst is functional, there will be peri- menstrual pain since your cyst is responding to the higher concentrations of blood-borne hormones occurring during the phase of the menstrual cycle. Another reason for the pain during menstruation is because you have a certain type of cyst which is known as an endometrioma.

Development of an endometrioma, is also known as endometriod cyst or chocolate cyst. It is related to the medical condition endometriosis. This condition occurs when the tissues that normally grow inside the uterus grow outside it, in the peritoneal cavity. The uterine tissues tend to grow on the surfaces of other organs in the pelvis or the abdomen.
Endometrioma occurs when the uterine tissue grows on the surface of the ovary.

Endometriosis is found to be existing between one and ten percent. Endometrial tissue can stick to any organs in the peritoneal cavity. It has to be noted that more than 80% of pelvic endometriosis is found in one or both ovaries. Dark, reddish brown blood is filled in endometriomas and may be as large as 8 inches in diameter. They can finally occlude most of the ovary thereby causing infertility.

Some women experience no symptoms even though they have endometrioma. Yet some others suffer severe menstrual cramps, pain during intercourse and pain during a bowel movement. Complications from endometriomas occur very rarely. But if a sizeable endometrial cyst ruptures, its contents will leak into the pelvic cavity. This may lead to internal bleeding. These contents of the cyst may also spill onto the surface of other pelvic organs also. The organs include uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder and intestines. This may cause the formation of adhesions or scar tissue on the other organs. This may in turn cause fertility problems and pain.

Endometrioma can be diagnosed in the same way other cysts are diagnosed. After taking a full medical history, your doctor may perform a manual pelvic examination. Then he will go for an ultrasound and a blood test. Through the blood test, pregnancy and cancer can be ruled out. If there is the presence of the antigen, CA 125, it shows malignancy. It can also point out to endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Non surgical options are available for the initial treatment for endometriosis and associated endometriomas. Your doctor will prescribe non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Next an anovulatory state will be induced by the doctor to stop ovulating. A birth control pill will be used to achieve this physiological state. If the combination of NSAIDs and oral contraceptives do not work, the doctor may treat you with a progestational agent such as medroprogesterone, danazol or gestrinone. Apart from this you may also be given a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. This can also be combined with estrogen or progestogen to improve efficacy and protect you from symptoms like those of in a menopause. Ultimately your doctor will be the best judge in selecting the treatment.

Endometrimas usually affect women in their child bearing years. A solution can be reached with the help of your doctor. Your pain can be reduced along with decreasing the risk of infertility if you wish to have children. If medical treatment has not resolved the problem, then surgery is the only solution. Otherwise also due to the potential of these cysts to grow quite large, surgery is the option preferred by many doctors.

Surgery is possible using a laparoscopy, which is relatively a simple procedure. You can quickly recover from this surgery with minimal scarring. Traditional open-abdomen surgery may be necessary depending on the extent of endometriosis and the size of endometrioma. Here the disadvantage is that it will take longer duration for recovery and is more traumatic. You have to discuss with your doctor regarding the damage due to your endometriosis and endometrioma, if they are extensive. The doctor may advise you to remove your ovaries or uterus in some situations. You have to weigh all options, especially if you want to have children.

Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age in women. The process occurs as the ovaries stop producing estrogen, causing the reproductive system to gradually shut down. Benign ovarian cysts can still occur after menopause, but due to the lack of hormones being produced, the majority of cysts will not be functional.

Ovarian cysts are not uncommon in post-menopausal women. In this group, 10% of cysts will be functional (indicating that the woman may not have completely undergone menopause) and the remaining 90% of cysts will be either benign or malignant. The incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age after menopause, with almost 60% of ovarian cysts tending to be malignant in women aged more than 80 years.

Whilst an ovarian cyst prior to menopause will often disappear on its own, post-menopausal ovarian cysts typically do not resolve themselves. Ovarian cysts are typically monitored for several months and, if after this time the cyst has not cleared up, a decision about further treatment will need to be discussed with your doctor. Pre-menopausal women may be treated with hormones to encourage resolution of an ovarian cyst, however after menopause this cannot happen. Doctors typically summarize that a cyst that develops on the ovaries after menopause is unrelated to usual menstrual function.

If you think you have an ovarian cyst, see your doctor. They will need to determine the shape and size of any cyst to understand whether it is a simple, fluid-filled cyst, or a complex cyst consisting of fluid and solid particles. This will be done by pelvic ultrasound, a non-invasive, pain-free procedure. With knowledge of the location, size and shape of the cyst, the doctor recommends further treatment. It is likely that you will need a blood test, which can determine the malignancy potential of the cyst. Whether malignant or benign, and depending on your age and the level of pain you are experiencing, your doctor will most likely recommend the surgery to remove your ovarian cyst.

Having your doctor recommend removing your ovarian cyst does not necessarily mean that the cyst is cancerous, however after menopause an ovarian cyst is more likely to become cancerous. Women who develop cysts when they are aged between 50 and 70 years have a much higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. If your cyst is cancerous, your chance of survival is substantially greater if the disease is detected early.

If your doctor wishes only to remove the ovarian cyst, you will most likely be able to have laparoscopic surgery, which is a relatively minor surgery with a good recovery time. In post-menopausal women with an ovarian cyst, doctors may wish to remove your ovaries, as well as the cyst, regardless of whether your cyst is cancerous or not. This surgery can be done by laparoscopy, but may need to be performed using a more traditional open-abdomen procedure. Talk with your doctor about what option is best for you.

The good part about having your ovaries as well as your cyst removed is that ovarian cancer will no longer be a risk for you. Since ovarian cysts can reoccur and since ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect, many post-menopausal women are happy to have their ovaries removed as part of the surgical procedure to remove their cyst. Patients should speak to their doctor to achieve a solution that best suits them and their lifestyle.

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. Depending on your particular medical condition, your doctor may have decided to remove other parts of your reproductive system, such as your ovaries or fallopian tubes during the hysterectomy. If, after hysterectomy, your ovaries and fallopian tubes remain intact, it is possible for you to experience dysfunction of the ovaries and fallopian tubes that a woman with an intact uterus would experience.

Ovarian cysts can and do occur after a hysterectomy. Since you still have your ovaries, your body will continue to go through the normal monthly process of follicular growth, development and release of an egg. Your body will still release luteinizing hormones and the corpus luteum will still release estrogen and progesterone. The only difference is that you will not experience a monthly menstrual bleed, since a uterus is necessary for this to occur. With the normal cycles of hormonal release still occurring, it is possible that you may develop an ovarian cyst.

You may develop a functional cyst or a complex ovarian cyst after a hysterectomy. Although most ovarian cysts are benign, there is more chance of a complex cyst containing a malignancy than a simple cyst.

The signs and symptoms of an ovarian cyst after hysterectomy are similar to those you would experience if your uterus was intact. Menstrual irregularities will obviously not be noticeable to you, however if you are aware of when you ovulate, you may notice that pelvic or abdominal pain occurs during a characteristic phase of your cycle. You may experience pelvic pain that tends to radiate to your thighs and buttocks. Pelvic pain may also occur during sexual intercourse. Whilst pelvic or abdominal pain associated with an ovarian cyst is often a dull, throbbing pain, any sudden pain is indication that you need medical attention as soon as possible.

Most importantly, your doctor will want to confirm that there is no malignancy associated with the cyst. A manual pelvic examination, supported by an ultrasound, will typically be carried out to learn more about your particular cyst. If it is confirmed that you have an ovarian cyst, a blood test for CA 125 antigen will also be routinely undertaken, to determine whether or not your cyst is malignant.

If your ovarian cyst is benign and only small in size, your doctor may recommend that you wait for a certain amount of time (up to two months) before having another series of tests. The second set of tests will show if and how much the cyst has grown. If your cyst has continued to grow over the period of several months, your doctor will likely recommend that it is removed.

Previous abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy, increases your risk of surgical complication for future surgeries. If your doctor wishes to surgically remove your ovarian cyst, you will need to talk about how your previous hysterectomy will change your risk for the current surgery. Depending on your age, your doctor may suggest Hysterectomy  as well as removing the ovarian cyst. This is an important decision, as it will force menopause and all its associated symptoms on you.

It is important to talk with your doctor about the best options for you. The doctor should consider your age. After menopause, your risk of an ovarian cyst being malignant is greatly increased.