What are ovarian cysts and how do they affect pregnancy. What causes ovarian cysts during pregnancy. How are ovarian cysts diagnosed and treated in pregnant women. What are the symptoms of ovarian cyst complications during pregnancy. When should pregnant women seek medical attention for ovarian cysts.

Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Types and Prevalence

Ovarian cysts are fluid- or tissue-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovaries. They are relatively common, affecting approximately 7% of women worldwide at some point in their lives. These cysts can range in size from half an inch to four inches and typically develop during a woman’s childbearing years or after menopause.

There are several types of ovarian cysts, each with unique characteristics:

• Functional cysts (most common, related to ovulation)
• Follicular cysts
• Corpus luteum cysts
• Teratoma cysts (dermoid cysts)
• Cystadenoma cysts
• Endometriomas (chocolate cysts)

Is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) related to ovarian cysts? Yes, PCOS is a condition where the ovaries develop numerous small cysts. This condition can lead to fertility issues and may increase the risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy: Causes and Prevalence

During pregnancy, the most common type of ovarian cyst is the corpus luteum cyst. This cyst forms when the follicle that released the egg during ovulation fills with fluid instead of shrinking. While these cysts typically resolve on their own by the middle of the second trimester, some may persist and require monitoring or treatment.

Can pre-existing cysts remain during pregnancy? Yes, it’s possible for women to have cysts that were present before conception to remain on the ovary throughout pregnancy. In some cases, these cysts may even grow during gestation.

Frequency of Ovarian Cysts in Pregnancy

While exact statistics for ovarian cysts during pregnancy are not provided in the original text, it’s important to note that they are relatively common and often harmless. Most pregnant women with ovarian cysts experience no complications or adverse effects on their pregnancy.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts in Pregnant Women

How are ovarian cysts typically discovered during pregnancy? Ovarian cysts are often detected during routine prenatal care through:

1. Pelvic examinations
2. Ultrasound scans

In most cases, ovarian cysts do not cause noticeable symptoms, making these routine check-ups crucial for early detection and monitoring.

Are there cases where additional imaging is necessary? Yes, if an ultrasound doesn’t provide adequate information about a problematic cyst, healthcare providers may recommend an MRI for a more detailed view.

Recognizing Ovarian Cyst Symptoms During Pregnancy

While many ovarian cysts remain asymptomatic, some may cause discomfort or complications. Pregnant women should be aware of potential symptoms, which may include:

• Bloating
• Abdominal fullness or pressure
• Pain during bowel movements
• Sudden, severe pain (in case of rupture)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low-grade fever
• Faintness or weakness
• Rapid breathing

How can pregnant women differentiate between normal pregnancy discomfort and cyst-related symptoms? It’s important to note that some of these symptoms can overlap with common pregnancy experiences. However, sudden onset of severe pain, fever, or vomiting should prompt immediate medical attention.

Potential Complications: Ovarian Torsion and Cyst Rupture

While most ovarian cysts during pregnancy are harmless, there are two main complications that require urgent medical attention: ovarian torsion and cyst rupture.

Ovarian Torsion

What is ovarian torsion? Ovarian torsion occurs when an ovary twists on its supporting tissues, potentially cutting off its blood supply. This condition is considered a medical emergency.

Symptoms of ovarian torsion may include:

• Intermittent lower abdominal pain on one side
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low-grade fever

Cyst Rupture

When is a cyst rupture most likely to occur during pregnancy? Cyst ruptures, if they happen, are most common in the first trimester or early second trimester. Many ruptured cysts resolve on their own by mid-second trimester.

Symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst may include:

• Sudden, severe pain
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Faintness or weakness
• Rapid breathing

Why is it crucial to seek immediate medical attention for these complications? Both ovarian torsion and cyst rupture can have serious consequences if left untreated. Prompt medical intervention can help prevent potential damage to the ovary and ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Treatment Options for Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy

How are ovarian cysts typically managed during pregnancy? In most cases, ovarian cysts during pregnancy do not require specific treatment. Healthcare providers usually adopt a watchful waiting approach, monitoring the cyst through regular ultrasounds to ensure it doesn’t grow or cause complications.

Are there situations where treatment is necessary? Yes, treatment may be required in the following scenarios:

• Cyst rupture: Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort.
• Large or growing cysts: Surgical removal may be considered if the cyst poses a risk to the pregnancy or delivery.
• Ovarian torsion: Immediate surgery is necessary to prevent damage to the ovary.

Can ovarian cysts be safely removed during pregnancy? Yes, if necessary, doctors can safely perform surgery to remove ovarian cysts during pregnancy. However, this is typically reserved for cases where the cyst poses a significant risk or causes severe symptoms.

Impact of Ovarian Cysts on Pregnancy and Childbirth

Do ovarian cysts typically affect the course of pregnancy? In most cases, ovarian cysts do not interfere with the normal progression of pregnancy. Many cysts resolve on their own without causing any complications.

However, there are some situations where ovarian cysts may impact pregnancy or childbirth:

• Large cysts may obstruct the abdomen or pelvis, potentially causing difficulties during delivery.
• Cysts that continue to grow throughout pregnancy may require closer monitoring or intervention.
• In rare cases, cyst complications like rupture or torsion may necessitate emergency treatment.

How do healthcare providers manage the potential risks? Obstetricians and gynecologists work closely with pregnant women who have ovarian cysts to:

1. Monitor cyst size and characteristics through regular ultrasounds
2. Assess any symptoms or changes in the cyst
3. Develop a tailored plan for managing the cyst throughout pregnancy and during delivery
4. Determine if and when intervention may be necessary

Preventive Measures and Long-term Outlook

Can the development of ovarian cysts during pregnancy be prevented? While it’s not always possible to prevent ovarian cysts, some measures may help reduce the risk:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing hormonal imbalances
• Regular prenatal check-ups to detect and monitor any cysts early

What is the long-term outlook for women who experience ovarian cysts during pregnancy? For most women, ovarian cysts during pregnancy resolve without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, women may be at higher risk for developing cysts in future pregnancies or outside of pregnancy.

Is follow-up care necessary after pregnancy? Women who have had ovarian cysts during pregnancy should discuss follow-up care with their healthcare provider. This may include:

1. Post-partum ultrasounds to ensure cyst resolution
2. Monitoring for recurrence in future pregnancies
3. Regular gynecological check-ups to detect any new cysts early

By understanding the nature of ovarian cysts, their potential impact on pregnancy, and the available management options, expectant mothers can approach this common condition with confidence. While most ovarian cysts during pregnancy are harmless and resolve on their own, awareness of potential complications and open communication with healthcare providers are key to ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Ovarian Cyst During Pregnancy | BabyCenter

An ovarian cyst during pregnancy is usually no cause for worry. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, painless, and go away on their own. Ovarian cysts don’t normally cause symptoms, either, although if a cyst ruptures it can be painful. And if a cyst twists or causes the ovary to twist (called ovarian torsion), you’ll need immediate surgery. While it’s usually not necessary, doctors can safely remove an ovarian cyst during pregnancy.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid- or tissue-filled sac or pouch in or on the ovary.

Ovarian cysts are usually harmless, painless, and disappear without treatment. They can vary in size from half an inch to four inches, and they usually develop during the childbearing years or after menopause. About 7 percent of women worldwide have an ovarian cyst at some time.

There are several types of ovarian cysts:

• Functional cysts are the most common type of cyst, and they’re related to ovulation. They don’t cause cancer. Functional cysts include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Follicular cysts form when the follicle holding the egg doesn’t open and release the egg during ovulation but instead holds onto it, forming a cyst. Corpus luteum cysts develop after ovulation. Usually, after an egg is released from the follicle the follicle shrinks. If the follicle doesn’t shrink but instead fluid collects in it, it forms a corpus luteum cyst.
• Teratoma cysts (also called dermoid cysts) contain different bodily tissues, such as skin and hair tissue. Teratoma cysts might be in the body from birth and then grow during a woman’s childbearing years. It’s rare, but these can become cancerous.
• Cystadenoma cysts grow on the outer surface of the ovary and are benign (non-cancerous). They can get quite large and are solid.
• Endometriomas might form when a woman has endometriosis (a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries). They are also called chocolate cysts and are filled with blood.

When the ovaries make many small cysts, it’s called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause fertility problems and lead to diabetes later in life.

What causes an ovarian cyst during pregnancy?

The most common type of ovarian cyst during pregnancy is a corpus luteum cyst. Rather than shrinking, the follicle that released the egg fills with fluid and remains on the ovary. These cysts usually go away on their own by the middle of the second trimester, but sometimes they stay on the ovary and – if they become large or cause symptoms – may need to be removed.

You may also have another type of cyst that you had before pregnancy. It may stay on your ovary while you’re pregnant. Other types of cysts may even grow during pregnancy and become painful, but they don’t usually cause problems for the pregnancy.

What will happen if I have an ovarian cyst during pregnancy?

Ovarian cysts usually don’t cause any problems during pregnancy, though if a cyst continues to grow it might rupture or twist or cause the ovary to twist (this twisting is called ovarian torsion). A growing cyst could cause problems during childbirth, particularly if it’s a large mass obstructing the abdomen or pelvis.

Your caregiver will do regular ultrasounds to monitor your ovaries and the cyst and make sure it doesn’t grow or threaten to cause any problems. If an ultrasound isn’t adequate for viewing a cyst that’s causing problems, you may have an MRI.

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Ovarian cyst symptoms

Ovarian cysts usually don’t cause any symptoms. Your caregiver might discover one during a routine pelvic exam or an ultrasound.

If an ovarian cyst becomes large or bleeds, breaks open, or becomes twisted or causes the ovary to twist, it can be painful.

Other possible ovarian cyst symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Abdominal fullness or pressure
• Pain during bowel movements

How will I know if I have ovarian torsion?

Ovarian torsion usually causes intermittent lower abdominal pain on one side. It may also cause:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low-grade fever

Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency. Go to the emergency department right away if you think you could have ovarian torsion.

How will I know if an ovarian cyst ruptures?

If an ovarian cyst ruptures during pregnancy, it’s most likely to happen in the first trimester or early second trimester and disappear on its own by the middle of the second trimester.

A cyst that has ruptured may cause:

• Sudden, severe pain
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Faintness or weakness
• Rapid breathing

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you think you have a ruptured ovarian cyst.

Ovarian cyst treatments

Usually ovarian cysts don’t require treatment. They go away on their own. Unless:

• You have an ovarian cyst that ruptures. In this case, you will likely need pain medication. Usually your body will absorb the ruptured cyst, but your healthcare provider will recommend rest and monitor you for signs of infection.
• You have an ovarian torsion (the cyst causes the ovary to twist). This is a medical emergency that requires surgery.
• The cyst is large or causing symptoms. Your caregiver may recommend rest and possibly surgery.

Is it safe to remove an ovarian cyst during pregnancy?

If necessary, an ovarian cyst can be safely removed during pregnancy, though your caregiver will probably avoid removal unless you’re in pain or the cyst is bleeding. If you need surgery, you may be able to have minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery through tiny incisions. In some cases, though, regular abdominal surgery is necessary.

If you have a corpus luteum cyst removed early in pregnancy (before 10 weeks), you’ll likely take progesterone supplements afterwards to support the pregnancy. (Normally, the corpus luteum provides progesterone to support the pregnancy until the placenta takes over.)

Learn more:

• Pregnancy complications to watch out for
• When will my pregnancy start to show?
• Fetal development week by week
• 10 steps to a healthy pregnancy

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What It Is and How to Treat

When you’re pregnant, it’s only natural to worry about every little thing that goes on in your body. After all, you want to ensure that everything is just right for that growing baby! So if you’ve been diagnosed with a corpus luteum cyst, you’re probably wondering what it is and what it means for baby. But rest assured that it’s a common condition that many women experience, whether they’re pregnant or not.

In this article:
What is a corpus luteum cyst?
Is a corpus luteum cyst dangerous?
Corpus luteum cyst symptoms
Corpus luteum cyst treatment

What Is a Corpus Luteum Cyst?

A corpus luteum cyst is simply a cyst that forms inside the corpus luteum. What’s that, you ask? Let’s review how ovulation works.

Every cycle, your body produces hormones that cause follicles—aka tiny fluid-filled sacs, each containing an immature egg—in one of your ovaries to start maturing. However, only one of the developing follicles will go on to form and then release a fully mature egg. Once it has released the egg, the empty follicle then transforms into the corpus luteum, a ball of cells that’s responsible for producing the hormone progesterone, explains Melissa R. Peskin-Stolze, MD, an ob-gyn and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and women’s health at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

If an egg is fertilized and you become pregnant, hormones stimulate the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone until the placenta develops and takes over progesterone production for the remainder of the pregnancy, says Camaryn Chrisman Robbins, MD, a Washington University ob-gyn at the Women & Infants Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

If you don’t become pregnant that cycle, the corpus luteum breaks down and is shed along with the lining of your uterus in your next period.

Sometimes, a cyst can form in the corpus luteum, filled with fluid or blood. They can happen whether you become pregnant during the cycle or not, and happens when the corpus luteum fails to break down and instead continues to grow larger after it’s released the egg, Peskin-Stolze says.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a corpus luteum cyst, know that in the vast majority of cases, they’re completely benign and will resolve on their own. That’s the case even if you’re dealing with a corpus luteum cyst during pregnancy; they’re rarely harmful to the fetus.

Is a Corpus Luteum Cyst Dangerous During Pregnancy?

A luteal cyst is generally harmless and will usually go away on its own. “The corpus luteum works to support the early pregnancy, but if a cyst is still present on the corpus luteum by the end of the first trimester or early part of the second trimester, it usually resolves itself,” Peskin-Stolze says.

If that’s not the case, your doctor will likely just keep an eye on it and ask you questions at your regularly scheduled appointments about whether you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort. They may order an extra ultrasound now and then to monitor its size and make sure the cyst isn’t causing any issues for your ovary.

However, it’s possible (though unlikely) for a corpus luteum cyst to rupture or twist on the ovary’s blood supply, which could cause pain and, in rare cases, endanger your ovary, says Peskin-Stolze. Read on to learn more.

Corpus Luteum Cyst Rupture During Pregnancy

Though uncommon, a corpus luteum cyst can burst open, either spontaneously or because of an external factor like a pelvic exam, sex or exercise, says Robbins. In these cases, the greatest concern isn’t the impact on baby, but rather on the mom-to-be. “Usually the amount of bleeding is small, but in rare cases the cyst rupture can cause internal bleeding, requiring surgery.”

Corpus Luteum Cyst Torsion During Pregnancy

Even rarer than a corpus luteum cyst rupture is an event called torsion. This happens when an ovary with a cyst gets twisted around the artery and vein that make up its blood supply. “The heavy weight of the cyst swings around the blood supply, kind of like a tether ball game,” Peskin-Stolze explains. It’s more common in the early second trimester, as the uterus grows out of the pelvis. A torsion would also call for surgery.

Symptoms of a Corpus Luteum Cyst in Pregnancy

In many cases, there aren’t any corpus luteum cyst symptoms. In fact, most pregnant women don’t even know they have a corpus luteum cyst, especially if they skip that early ultrasound that doctors use to confirm a pregnancy. Other times they show up as part of a routine pregnancy ultrasound.

If you do experience corpus luteum cyst symptoms, the most common is typically a dull ache in your lower abdomen, says Robbins.

When to worry? If your pain suddenly becomes intense. According to Peskin-Stolze, the following are some symptoms you might experience if, in the unlikely event, you’ve had a corpus luteum cyst rupture or become twisted:

• One-sided, sharp lower abdominal/pelvic pain
• Moderate to severe pain that comes on quickly
• Shoulder pain
• Fainting and/or dizziness

If you experience any of the symptoms above, it’s important to seek medical attention. If your regular doctor is unavailable, or you experience these symptoms during off hours, it’s best to head to the Emergency Room to get checked out.

Corpus Luteum Cyst Treatment During Pregnancy

The best corpus luteum cyst treatment is often simply time, Pskin-Stolze says. Since most corpus luteum cysts resolve on their own, it doesn’t make sense to subject yourself to unnecessary medical procedures to get rid of the cyst.

If you’re experiencing minor corpus luteum cyst pain, it’s fine to take over-the-counter medication like Tylenol (ibuprofen, like Motrin and Advil, isn’t recommended during pregnancy). Heating pads and warm (not piping hot) baths can also be effective ways to reduce pain naturally. If you have a large corpus luteum cyst or take any medication that increases your likelihood of bleeding, your doctor may recommend abstaining from sex, Robbins says. But most women have no pain and don’t need to restrict their activities.

In the event of corpus luteum cyst torsion, you’d likely undergo laparoscopic surgery—but don’t worry, it can be performed safely and effectively in pregnant women. “Sometimes the ovary needs to be untwisted, with or without removal of the cyst that caused it to twist in the first place,” says Robbins. “In some cases, the blood supply has been pinched off too long and the ovary needs to be removed.” But rest assured, those cases are rare.

Updated February 2020

Expert bios:

Melissa R. Peskin-Stolze, MD, is an ob-gyn and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and women’s health at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Albany Medical College.

Camaryn Chrisman Robbins, MD, MPH, is a Washington University ob-gyn at the Women & Infants Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She received her medical degree from Wake Forest University in 2004.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

What Causes Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy (and How to Find Relief)

What to Do About Dizziness During Pregnancy

The Truth About Taking Baths During Pregnancy

Ovarian cysts – what are they and what are dangerous during pregnancy

1. Causes of ovarian cysts
2. Types of ovarian cysts: their signs and symptoms
3. Why ovarian cysts are dangerous
4. Diagnosis of cysts
5. Ways to treat ovarian cysts

When planning a pregnancy, women undergo various examinations, including ultrasound of the pelvic organs – the uterus and ovaries. In this case, the diagnosis of “ovarian cyst” is sometimes made. Can such cysts interfere with pregnancy and do they need to be treated or operated on to give birth to a healthy baby?

Ovarian cyst is a formation in the ovary, which is a bubble filled with fluid. The size of this formation can be different, which determines the symptoms of this disease. Small cysts are usually asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally during an ultrasound scan. Large ovarian cysts cause a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and even pain.

Causes of ovarian cysts

Normally, in every woman, during the menstrual cycle, a dominant follicle matures in the ovary, from which in the middle of the cycle comes the germ cell – the egg. In place of the ruptured follicle, the so-called corpus luteum is formed – a formation with thick walls, which secretes the hormone progesterone into the blood, which contributes to the attachment of the fetal egg in the uterine cavity and its development until the placenta is formed. If the egg is not fertilized and pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum undergoes reverse development.

When follicle maturation and ovulation are disturbed, ovarian cysts may form. The mechanisms of their growth are very diverse. For example, if the follicle in the ovary reaches 20 mm in diameter, however, for some reason, ovulation (the release of the egg – the female germ cell – from the ovary) does not occur, that is, the follicle does not burst, it continues to grow further, and the so-called ovarian follicular cyst is formed.

If ovulation occurs, but hormonal imbalances lead to excessive accumulation of fluid in the lumen of the corpus luteum, a corpus luteum cyst may form.

Cysts can occur for no apparent reason, against the background of climate change, stress, hormonal disorders in the body.

Learn more about the services:

• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs
• Gynecological consultation

Types of ovarian cysts: their signs and symptoms

By their nature, ovarian cysts are functional and organic.

Functional ovarian cysts

Functional cysts include follicular cysts and cysts of the corpus luteum, most often they resolve spontaneously within several menstrual cycles. If functional cysts are small in diameter, do not compress the surrounding organs and do not cause pain, they are usually not treated.
With large sizes of cysts, hormonal treatment is carried out, most often hormonal contraceptives are prescribed, which normalize the hormonal background and promote the resorption of the cyst.

Functional cysts usually do not affect the course of pregnancy. When pregnancy occurs, they usually resolve before 16-19 weeks.

In addition, at early stages of pregnancy, the doctor very often diagnoses the presence of a corpus luteum cyst, which contributes to pregnancy due to increased production of progesterone (pregnancy hormone). Such cysts decrease in size and resolve after the formation of the placenta, that is, after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Organic ovarian cysts

Organic cysts are cysts that do not resolve on their own and most often require surgical treatment. These include endometrioid cysts, cystadenomas, dermoid and paraovarian cysts.

Endometrioid cysts

These are benign organic cysts that grow slowly and are easily treated with surgery. Inside them is the tissue of the endometrium – the inner lining of the uterine cavity, which changes monthly and is rejected during menstruation.

The endometrium is a hormone-dependent tissue, respectively, all the same processes take place inside the cyst as in the uterine cavity, that is, the endometrium grows in the first phase of the menstrual cycle, matures in the second phase and is shed with bleeding during menstruation. Due to these processes, there is a gradual increase in the diameter of the endometrioid cyst.

Most often, small ovarian endometrioid cysts are asymptomatic and are found incidentally on ultrasound.

Large cysts can cause pain that gets worse during menstruation. They are often bilateral and can reach considerable sizes. Endometrioid cysts have a small risk of degeneration into a malignant ovarian cyst, most often this occurs in women after 40 years of age.

The presence of endometrioid ovarian cysts may prevent pregnancy and is an indication for surgical treatment. First, the cyst is removed, and then hormonal therapy, since endometrioid cysts are prone to reappear. Most often, hormonal contraceptives and drugs that cause artificial menopause are prescribed. In the absence of hormonal stimulation, endometrioid cells die, which prevents the recurrence of the disease. Depending on the diameter and number of endometrioid cysts, the presence of foci of endometriosis on the fallopian tubes and internal tissues of the abdominal cavity, a drug is chosen.

Cystadenomas

This is a fairly common type of ovarian cysts, most often cystadenomas are small unilateral cysts. Depending on the contents, a serous cystadenoma is distinguished, inside which there is a clear liquid of a light straw color, and a mucinous cystadenoma, with thick mucus inside.

Cystadenomas

These are benign cysts, but they can become malignant, which determines the tactics of their treatment: surgical removal of the formation.

During pregnancy, cystadenomas may increase in size and cause persistent abdominal pain.

Dermoid cyst (mature teratoma)

This is a congenital ovarian tumor, it is a round formation in the ovary and contains elements of hair, skin, nails, and fat in its structure. Such cysts can be of different sizes – from a few centimeters to giant formations. However, most often they are small and therefore do not manifest themselves clinically. Small-sized dermoid cysts, as a rule, do not affect conception and pregnancy, however, since there is a small probability of malignant degeneration of teratomas, their treatment is surgical.

Paraovarian cysts

This is a fluid-filled mass located between the ligaments of the uterus, next to the ovary. The paraovarian cyst is most often small and does not decrease over time or under the influence of drugs. However, it may increase. Most often this happens due to prolonged overheating – for example, if a woman likes to visit a sauna, abuses body wraps, often takes baths with water temperatures over 38 degrees C. Sunburn or in a solarium also contributes to the progression of the paraovarian cyst.

This type of formation, although small in size, usually does not affect the course of pregnancy and does not require any treatment. With the active growth of the cyst, its surgical removal is indicated.

Why are ovarian cysts dangerous? In this case, bleeding may begin, and, as a result, the need for hospitalization in a hospital. In addition, ovarian cyst torsion is possible, which is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and also requires hospital treatment.

Large ovarian cysts are a potential hazard during pregnancy, as the cyst may rupture or torsion, in which case surgery is indispensable.

In rare cases, the formation of multiple ovarian cysts causes infertility.

Diagnosis of cysts

The first stage of diagnosis of cysts is an examination by a gynecologist in the chair, the doctor can detect unilateral (rarely bilateral) enlargement of the ovary, with large cysts, pain is sometimes noted during the examination.

Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is widely used to diagnose ovarian cysts, which makes it possible to determine the type of cyst, since all the formations described above have their own distinctive features.

In some cases, for a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct repeated ultrasound examinations during one or more menstrual cycles.
In case of controversial issues, the doctor may additionally recommend an MRI of the pelvic organs.

Methods for the treatment of ovarian cysts

Treatment of cysts is carried out in two ways – conservatively, that is, with the help of drugs, and operatively, that is, surgically.

Conservative therapy

Conservative therapy in this case is based on the use of hormonal drugs. For the treatment of cysts, hormonal contraceptives are widely used, most often prescribed MARVELON .

Hormonal contraceptives are prescribed for the treatment of functional ovarian cysts and in the postoperative period after removal of other ovarian cysts to prevent their recurrence.

With endometrioid ovarian cysts in the postoperative period, hormonal agents that cause artificial menopause are usually used to prevent recurrence.

Surgery

Surgery for functional cysts is only required if there are complications such as cyst rupture or torsion. Organic cysts often require surgery.

Operations to remove ovarian cysts are performed laparoscopically (special instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions under the control of a video camera). Laparoscopy is also possible during pregnancy, in case of complications from the ovarian cyst. Only with large cysts is it necessary to make an incision on the anterior abdominal wall.

A feature of ovarian surgeries is the removal of a cyst or tumor within healthy tissues, that is, the ovarian tissue, which contains many follicles, must remain intact and intact, and the cyst, together with its capsule, is carefully “taken out” from the ovary. In rare cases, the so-called resection of the ovary is carried out, that is, the removal of part of it. If the size of the cysts is very large, then in some situations the ovarian tissue can hardly be found. In this case, the entire ovary is removed.

After laparoscopic surgery, the woman recovers quickly, usually a week after the operation she can already return to work.

Pregnancy management for ovarian cysts

Pregnancy planning usually depends on the type of cyst. Most often, conception is recommended 3-6 months after surgery.

During pregnancy, ovarian cysts are monitored using ultrasound and Doppler studies – the study of blood flow in the ovary and in the cyst, the control of the tumor disease marker CA-125, the concentration of which increases sharply if the cyst degenerates into a malignant tumor.

If surgery is required during pregnancy, it is safest to perform laparoscopy at 16-18 weeks.

Prevention of ovarian cysts

Timely diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, as well as weight normalization are of great importance for the prevention of cysts, as this will help to avoid hormonal disorders in a woman’s body.

It is important to maintain personal hygiene and prevent inflammatory diseases of the uterus and ovaries, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

It is not uncommon for ovarian cysts to occur after abortions.

The use of hormonal contraceptives significantly reduces the risk of any ovarian cysts.

Ovarian cyst during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very important period for a woman. The expectant mother should be careful and attentive to her health, since the health and life of her baby, the normal course of pregnancy and successful delivery depend on it. Therefore, at the first alarming signs, a woman should immediately seek medical help and undergo an appropriate examination.

Ovarian cyst during pregnancy is diagnosed quite often. Usually, a neoplasm occurs even before the onset of an “interesting” situation. But it also happens that an ovarian cyst appears during pregnancy. If you have been diagnosed with this, then you should not panic. In gynecological practice, there are safe, proven and effective methods for treating cysts during pregnancy, which we will discuss in our article.

What is an ovarian cyst

First of all, it is necessary to determine what this pathology is.

A cyst is a benign formation in the ovary, consisting of a thin membrane with liquid contents inside. According to international medical statistics, an ovarian cyst occurs in almost every 4 women of childbearing age.

In gynecology, the following types of cysts are distinguished:

• Follicular (or functional)
• Endometrioid
• Luteal (yellow cyst)
• Dermoid
• Hemorrhagic
• Serous
• Mucinous
• Paraovarian

Symptoms of an ovarian cyst during pregnancy

An ovarian cyst during pregnancy is dangerous because in the early stages of development it does not give any symptoms. The disease proceeds without pain, discomfort and malaise. Diagnosis of an ovarian cyst during pregnancy is possible only with the help of a thorough ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. An ultrasound scan allows you to determine the exact location, size and type of neoplasm.

If the cyst grows more than 7-8 centimeters in diameter, then the corresponding symptoms appear. The fact is that a neoplasm of this size affects the work of neighboring organs and systems. The following symptoms appear:

• Aching pain in the pelvic area;
• Difficulty urinating;
• Disorders of the digestive system (constipation, bloating).

Often such manifestations are taken for granted, because during pregnancy a woman encounters such conditions and may decide that this is normal. That is why, with any alarming symptom, it is imperative to consult a gynecologist in order to exclude the presence of a cyst during pregnancy, as well as other diseases of the reproductive system.

Diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cysts during pregnancy

As described above, ultrasound is used to diagnose ovarian cysts during pregnancy. Additionally, laboratory tests for the study of vaginal microflora and tumor markers may be prescribed.

In general, the treatment of ovarian cysts during pregnancy is expectant. This is especially true for follicular types of cysts, which tend to resolve on their own. In this case, the optimal solution would be constant monitoring of the neoplasm dynamics.

Removal of an ovarian cyst during pregnancy

Any surgical intervention in the reproductive system of a pregnant woman is highly undesirable. But sometimes surgery is the only chance to protect the health of the future mother and fetus.

The indications for removal of an ovarian cyst during pregnancy are clearly defined:

• The size of the cyst is more than 8-10 centimeters in diameter;
• Risk of miscarriage;
• Neoplasm threatens the normal development of the fetus.