A description of ovarian cysts, including a look at their causes, symptoms and treatments. Learn what kinds of women are at risk of developing them, and how ovarian cysts are linked with female infertility.

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and are the organ in which eggs or ova (from the latin for egg) are made. A female has two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus or womb. Each ovary is about the size of a walnut, and every month one of the ovaries produces an egg, which, if fertilized, becomes an embryo, and then a fetus.

Ovarian cysts occur when fluid filled sacs (cysts) form on the ovary. They develop when a follicle within the ovary attempts to release an egg, but fails. In these circumstances, a fluid filled sac remains in place of the egg. Usually, the ovarian cyst will dissipate by itself, but occasionally it will remain and grow or multiply.

Women of child bearing age are most likely to suffer from ovarian cysts. However, they can affect any woman at any time of her life. Factors and conditions that may increase the likelihood of developing (or may accompany) ovarian cysts include

• suffering previously from ovarian cysts,

• irregular menstrual cycles,

• starting menstruation from a very young age (11-years-old or younger),

• hormonal imbalances,

• some breast cancer medications,

• and infertility.

Ovarian cysts are rarely cancerous and tend not to become malignant, but they can create other problems for women. Symptoms are not often present or are ignored by a sufferer, and the cysts are generally discovered during medical examination or ultra sound performed for other reasons. However, symptoms do exist in some cases, such as

• Lower abdominal and pelvic pain,

• Irregular periods,

• Bloating in the lower stomach and pelvic regions of the abdomen,

• Pain in the pelvis, lower back and stomach during menstruation,

• Pelvic pain after exercise,

• Pelvic pain during and after sexual intercourse,

• Pain or discomfort and problems when urinating or defecation,

• Nausea and sickness,

• Blood spotting between periods,

• Vaginal pain,

• And infertility.

The relationship between suffering from ovarian cysts and infertility is questionable. It can be confusing as to whether the ovarian cysts cause infertility or infertility causes the ovarian cysts.

Most ovarian cysts will disappear naturally, but depending on the size and frequency with which the condition affects the sufferer, other treatments are available.

Painkillers should be used to relieve the pain, and the oral contraceptive pill tends to prevent the condition from forming by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg.

When a cyst is of a certain size, and if it is causing discomfort to the patient, or other complications, it can be surgically removed.

There are several types of ovarian cyst, but arguably the most fascinating is the dermoid cyst of the ovary. These cysts often have teeth, hair, bone, thyroid, and their own blood supply! It has been suggested, usually by unreliable sources, that these cysts are the remnants of a child the patient was carrying, or even the remnants of a twin of a child that has already been born.