Ovarian cysts are actually fluid-filled sacs that can appear in one or both of a woman's ovaries. The ovaries themselves are small organs in a woman's pelvis which function to accommodate egg cells and produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This disease often appears due to abnormal cell growth.

There are various types of ovarian cysts, and most of them do not cause symptoms and are classified as benign. Many women may not be aware of the existence of these cysts, especially if they do not undergo regular pelvic examinations. Therefore, it is important for women to have regular health checks to detect the possibility of ovarian cysts early.

Maybe you are curious about why ovarian cysts appear, right? Come on, see further explanation about the causes below!

Causes of Ovarian Cysts that You Should Know

Ovarian cysts can be caused by various factors. Here are the top ten causes to pay attention to:

1. Abnormal Cell Reproduction

Abnormal cell reproduction processes can trigger the formation of cysts, such as dermoid cysts which contain tissue such as hair, skin or teeth. These cysts are not related to the menstrual cycle. In addition, abnormal cell reproduction can also produce cystadenomas, which usually contain fluid or mucus.

Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas can enlarge and shift the position of the ovary, potentially causing ovarian torsion. This torsion can reduce or even stop blood flow to the ovaries, which can lead to serious complications.

Read Also: The Importance of Checking Egg Cell Quality Before Carrying Out a Pregnancy Program

2. Excessive Consumption of Fertility Drugs

Having children is the dream of many couples, and in order to achieve this goal, some of them do not hesitate to try various methods, including taking fertility drugs. 

However, it is important to remember that excessive use of this drug can cause serious side effects. One possible risk is the formation of ovarian cysts, which can affect reproductive health. 

Therefore, it is recommended to consider safer alternatives, such as the use of natural ingredients. Green beans and bean sprouts, for example, are good choices as natural fertilizers.

3. Don't have children yet

Conceiving and giving birth has significant benefits for a woman's uterine health, including reducing the risk of developing ovarian cysts. For those who have not or are not planning to conceive, it is important to take appropriate precautions. 

One effective way is to eat foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in protecting the body from infections caused by parasites, viruses, germs and bacteria which can affect the health of the reproductive organs. By maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, you can maintain the health of your uterus and reduce the risk of ovarian cysts.

4. Endometriosis

In some cases, ovarian cysts can be caused by endometriosis, which is a condition in which the tissue that should line the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. 

This tissue can be found in various locations, including the fallopian tubes, bladder, intestines, vagina, rectum, and ovaries. This process can lead to the formation of cysts known as endometriomas, which are often filled with blood.

Read Also: Explanation About Endometriosis

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Severe pelvic inflammatory disease cases can spread to the ovaries, potentially increasing the risk of ovarian cysts forming. 

This condition not only impacts reproductive health, but can also cause serious complications, including fertility problems and ectopic pregnancy. The infections that cause PID can come from various microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi or parasites.

6. Hormonal Problems

The use of fertility drugs, such as clomiphene, can be an effective solution to stimulate ovulation. However, it is important to remember that this therapy can also increase the risk of forming ovarian cysts, which are benign and often do not cause significant symptoms. However, careful monitoring by medical personnel is highly recommended during the treatment process.

7. Irregular Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle, which ideally lasts 28 days, can be disrupted, and if menstruation lasts more than 45 days, this has the potential to cause cyst formation in the ovaries. Teenagers who experience their first menstruation before the age of 11 are also at high risk for ovarian cysts.

8. Obesity

Obesity is one of the factors causing women to experience ovarian cysts. This condition can affect hormonal balance and overall reproductive health. Therefore, it is important for women to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity, in order to reduce these health-related risks.

9. Genetic Factors

Women who have a family history, such as mothers or sisters who have experienced ovarian cysts, need to be more vigilant. They have a higher risk of experiencing a similar condition compared to women who do not have a family history of it. This suggests that genetic factors contribute to susceptibility to ovarian cysts.

10. Unhealthy Eating Patterns

An unhealthy lifestyle and diet can increase the risk of ovarian cyst formation. Therefore, it is recommended to consume nutritious foods to prevent the development of ovarian cysts into more serious conditions. Some foods that should be avoided include fast food, red meat, seafood, soda drinks, alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

Read Also: Foods For Hormone Health

Types of Ovarian Cysts Based on Their Causes

Ovarian cysts can be classified into two main categories based on their cause, namely functional cysts and pathological cysts. The following is an explanation of each type of ovarian cyst.

1. Functional Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common type of cyst and are formed due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. These cysts are generally harmless and can shrink on their own in a short time. Functional cysts consist of two types, namely:

• Follicular Cysts

During the menstrual cycle, egg cells develop in the follicular sacs in the ovaries. Follicular cysts form when the follicle does not burst and results in a buildup of fluid, thus forming a cyst.

• Corpus Luteum Cysts

After ovulation, the follicle that has released the egg should disappear. However, if the follicle remains open and fluid accumulates inside it, a corpus luteum cyst will form.

2. Pathological Cysts

In contrast to functional cysts, pathological cysts are caused by abnormal cell growth which can produce benign cysts or malignant tumors. Pathological cysts are divided into three types, namely:

• Cystic Adenoma

Cystadenoma is tissue that forms from cells outside the ovary, usually filled with mucous fluid and has thick walls. This cyst can grow larger than other cysts.

• Endometriosis

In endometriosis, tissue that should be inside the uterus grows outside, including the ovaries, and can cause cyst formation.

• Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts or teratomas arise from the cells that form egg cells and can contain various tissues, such as skin, hair and fat. This type of cyst is more common in women under 30 years of age. 

Even though it can be said to be benign and does not cause serious symptoms, removal through a surgical procedure is highly recommended to prevent the risk of the teratoma developing into cancer.

Are Ovarian Cysts Dangerous?

When receiving a diagnosis of an ovarian cyst from a doctor, many women feel anxiety and fear. However, you don't need to worry, because ovarian cysts are a fairly common condition and often do not cause painful symptoms. 

In fact, these cysts often appear as part of the menstrual cycle and can disappear by themselves within a few months without requiring special treatment.

Ovarian cysts usually do not interfere with fertility, although in some cases, they can contribute to fertility problems. New problems arise if the cyst does not disappear, ruptures, or grows to a larger size, which can interfere with blood flow to the ovaries.

However, it is important to be aware of the potential complications that may arise, such as an increased risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Apart from that, cysts can also contribute to other health problems such as infertility, impaired insulin hormone levels, and obesity.

Watch the explanation about "Is it true that ovarian cysts make it difficult to get pregnant?" in the video below

Treatments of Ovarian Cysts in Women

Ovarian cysts are a common condition experienced by women and require appropriate treatment. The following are several approaches that can be taken to treat ovarian cysts:

1. Medical Observation

This approach involves regular monitoring by a doctor for 1-3 months after the initial examination. Routine examinations, including pelvic exams, allow the doctor to evaluate changes in the size of the cyst. In this way, the doctor can determine the most appropriate next steps based on the patient's condition.

2. Operational Action

Surgery is necessary if the ovarian cyst does not show signs of healing after several months, enlarges, or a possible malignancy is detected via ultrasound. Surgery is also recommended if the cyst causes severe pain or occurs in postmenopausal women. There are two types of surgery:

• Laparoscopy: Suitable for medium-sized cysts that are not malignant. This procedure is performed with a small incision in the stomach under general anesthesia, using laparoscopic tools to view and remove the cyst.

• Laparotomy:Used for larger cysts or if malignancy is suspected. This procedure involves a larger incision, allowing for a more in-depth examination of the cyst. If the cyst is proven to be malignant, the doctor will remove the ovaries and surrounding tissue, including the uterus and lymph nodes.

3. Contraceptive Pills

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe contraceptive pills to reduce pain and prevent the formation of new cysts. The best treatment must be determined by a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist after carrying out a thorough examination, considering that each patient has a different health history and level of severity. 

Read Also: Contraception and Weight Gain

Prevention of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts can reappear with a risk of around 10-15% after removal. Therefore, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent the appearance of these cysts. One aspect that needs to be considered is diet.

Here are several types of food that you should consume to maintain ovarian health:

• High Fiber Foods: Eat vegetables such as broccoli, almonds, berries and pumpkin which are rich in fiber.

• Lean Protein: Choose healthy protein sources such as fish, chicken and tofu to support body health.
• Flaxseeds: These flax seeds can help reduce androgen levels in the body, which if increased can trigger reproductive health problems in women.

By understanding the causes of ovarian cysts, you can be more proactive in maintaining your health. Make sure to choose a nutritious food menu to reduce the risk of ovarian cysts appearing. If you experience symptoms such as pain during menstruation, pelvic pain, or flatulence, immediately consult a doctor to get appropriate treatment.

References:

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