What Causes Ovarian Cysts? Here's The Explanation According To Experts

JAKARTA – Most women pay attention to the vagina as one of the reproductive devices. Of the entire reproductive system, there are a number of organs that often go unnoticed. Like the ovaries that each month determine the menstrual cycle.

Ideally, the ovaries are small oval-shaped glands located on both sides of the uterus. It is attached to the fallopian tubes. In the fertility cycle, the ovaries produce eggs and hormones so as to determine when to menstruate, when it is fertile, and ready to be fertilized.

In certain conditions, the ovaries may experience cysts called ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are the development of functional cysts. The function of cysts in the follicle in the form of clear fluid sacs is to keep the egg before it is released during ovulation.

Dr Rebecca Brightman, assistant clinical professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences at Mount Sinai said that usually these functional ovarian cysts can appear and disappear on their own. Although sometimes uncomfortable, but rarely anyone needs surgery.

Reported from Health, Thursday, April 8, after releasing the egg during ovulation, the follicle closes again. Then estrogen and progesterone will be produced to prepare for pregnancy. The clear fluid that protects the egg can also accumulate and is called the corpus luteum cyst.

Well, post ovulation cysts corpus luteum can enlarge and rupture. This can cause aches and pains. The aches and pains can go away on their own, Brightman explained.

Another function of corpus luteum cysts is to produce estrogen and progesterone during the first few weeks of pregnancy or until the placenta functions naturally. The cyst will heal itself afterwards.

Ovarian cysts described earlier are different from dermoid cysts. Dermoid cysts develop in the uterus.

"Ovarian dermoid cysts are usually diagnosed after a woman reaches reproductive age or around age 30 because it can cause pain during the menstrual cycle," said physician Mary Rosser, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University.

Because endometrioma contains blood and old tissue, it triggers pain during the menstrual period. In one cycle, the uterus will peel off and bleeding will occur accompanied by pain caused by cysts in the lining of the uterus.

The range of 5 to 10 percent of women aged 15-44 years has polycystic ovary syndrome otherwise known as PCOS. When viewed from ultrasound, according to Rosser, it will look like a strand of pearl on the edge of the ovary.

Women with PCOS tend to suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and depression and anxiety. But experts have yet to prove scientifically whether PCOS triggered the disease or vice versa.

According to Healthline, 50 percent of women with PCOS are overweight. This means that foods that cause cysts and should be avoided are foods containing simple carbohydrates such as foods from flour such as bread, pastry, and muffins.

To live a healthy lifestyle, choose the consumption of nutritious foods that contain more fiber, magnesium, and folate. Don't forget to exercise regularly and maintain your sleep patterns.