Ovarian cysts resemble blisters, and are the fluid filled sacs in the ovaries. Most of the ovarian cysts are harmless and get cured on their own without any treatment. Women have two ovaries responsible for storing and releasing the eggs, and each ovary is almost the size of a walnut, located on each side of the uterus. Ovarian cysts are quite common among women who are in their childbearing age.

Imbalance in the estrogen and progesterone hormones in female body can cause abnormal ovarian cysts such as polycystic ovarian disease. Ovarian cysts can affect women of any age group, and most of these cysts are not cancerous. Cysts are more common in women of childbearing age, and the most benign ovarian cysts disappear on their own without any treatment. As most women do not feel any symptoms of ovarian cysts, it is quite important for women with history of developing cysts to get regular pelvic examinations done.

Endometrioma cysts are also called chocolate cysts of endometriosis, and these are formed when tissue similar to uterus lining is attached to the ovaries. Malignant cysts are more common among women who develop them after menopause. However, some of the common symptoms that may be present include irregular menstrual periods, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling of pelvic or lower abdominal fullness or pressure, vomiting or nausea, pelvic pain after sexual intercourse or strenuous exercise, infertility, vaginal pain or spots of blood from vagina. There is not much medical information available regarding prevention of ovarian cysts, and smoking has not been found to be a risk factor.

Laparoscopic surgery involves removing the cyst by filling up the abdomen with the gas and making way for the thin scope to pass through the abdomen. Growth that become unusually large or persist for more than few months must be removed. Early diagnosis of cysts can make it possible to treat them with less invasive treatment methods. Follow-ups after surgery mainly depend on the type of cyst identified, and if there is no evidence of cancer or if the cyst is less than 4 inches in diameter, the patient is observed for 3-4 weeks.

To relieve the discomfort and pain caused by the cysts, common pain relievers such as ibuprofen, Tylenol or narcotic pain medicines can be taken at home. There is not much information available regarding prevention of ovarian cysts, and smoking has not been found to be the risk factor. Growth of the cyst is frequently and repeatedly monitored using ultrasonic observation or endovaginal ultrasound, and if typical symptoms persist, contact your healthcare professional.