Dear Dr. Fritz,
I hope you have a fine day. I am Martha. I went to my doctor recently for our annual Physical Examination. She told me that I might have ovarian cyst. Now, it makes me wonder if this ovarian cyst is something that I should worry about. Should I really worry about this? If so, what is the treatment?
I hope to hear from you. Thank you and may God bless you always.
Martha of Piapi
Dear Martha of Piapi,
Most cysts are what we call as “functional”. This means that they are part of your monthly cycle which means that there are kinds of ovarian cysts that you should not worry about. So, what are these “functional” ovarian cysts?
1. Follicle cyst.
The ovaries usually would release one egg a month. This grows inside a tiny sac called a follicle. And when the egg is ready, the follicle breaks open and releases it. But, if ever, the sac doesn’t open, this causes this follicle cyst. But, no worries, dear, as this would often go away in 1 to 3 months.
2. Corpus luteum cyst.
Now, once the egg is released, the empty follicle usually shrinks and helps get ready for the next egg. But, sometimes, it closes back up and and fluid collects inside, where it becomes a cyst. No worries again, as this may go away in a few weeks. The problem here, is it may bleed or cause pain as it grows. So, you have to do some sacrifices here.
Then, we have the nonfunctional type, which you can be worried about.
In some women, their ovaries tend to make a lot of small cysts. This is what we call as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The problem here, is this can make pregnancy harder.
The other nonfunctional cysts may be caused by cancer.
Ovarian cysts in women after menopause are more likely to be cancerous than those in younger women. I don’t know how old you are, or if ever you had menopaused or not, as you have not mentioned. But, by these guidelines, I believe, you know more or less where you stand at the moment. However, you should get an ultrasound to confirm whatever type of ovarian cyst that you have right now.
Oops.. There are still more to say. But, we are running out of space for now. So, we’ll continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” For your questions, you may you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)