Women's Little Challenges: Functional Ovarian Cysts

Oh the joys of being a woman! The clothes, the shoes, the hair, the time all three take to get together in the morning, the one a month cycle that turns our worlds over, and all the complications that go with it…Yes, sometimes being a woman can seem glorious when we’re buying a sexy strapy pair of stilettos, and sometimes it can seem like a nightmare, especially when that little once a month episode causes a problem that lands us in the gyno’s office.

There are lots of little problems that can occur during our periods, some serious and others not so. However, the particular problem being addressed here: ovarian cysts.Wait, stop! No panicking. They sound scarier than they are, or at least than they have to be. Allow me to explain…

Ovarian cysts are sac-like structures that form on the ovary, and like other cysts are fluid filled. (Ovarian Cysts, 2005). For the most part these cysts are considered harmless and even completely normal, yet some cause the host discomfort and bleeding. There are several types of cysts that can form on the ovaries: functional cysts, Endometriomas, Cystadenomas, Dermoid cysts, and Polycystic ovaries. (Ovarian Cysts, 2005). The first of this list is the most common in woman and shall thus be the focus article. Further information on the other cysts mentioned can be found at: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/ovarian_cysts.htm  , or http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm  .

Functional cysts form during a woman’s menstruation cycle in one of two ways. During menstruation a woman’s ovaries grow two cysts to hold eggs in. When the egg is released the cysts just dissolve, this is how our bodies work. However, sometimes the cysts don’t release the egg as planned and instead continue to grow. (Ovarian Cysts, 2005). The good news is that these cysts are not surgical. In fact, they resolve themselves within a number of short months, generally 2-3, in which case they simply disappear. If only they would do that in the first place…*sigh.