Functional Ovarian Cysts and Their Treatment

In general, a functional ovarian cyst is formed when the egg does not release from the follicle or the follicle does not dissolve after ovulation.  In either situation, the remaining sac can fill up with fluid.  Most of the time, the cyst eventually dissolves on its own.  However, it can grow too large and burst, twist, or cause other problems in some situations.

How a Functional Cyst is Formed

During your menstrual cycle, an egg is brought to maturity within a sac called a follicle.  When the uterus has prepared its lining, estrogen is produced, signaling the follicle to burst and release the egg.  The follicle then dissolves.

However, in some cases, the follicle does not burst.  It instead fills up with fluid, becoming what is known as a follicular cysts.

In other cases, the egg is released, but the remaining follicle does not dissolve.  The sac reseals itself and fills up with fluid, becoming what is known as a corpus luteum.

Symptoms of Functional Cysts

Most functional ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms.  They simply form and dissolve on their own.  However, if the cyst gets larger or is located against an ovarian wall, it can cause a few uncomfortable symptoms.  These include:

  • Pain in the lower stomach or back, particularly on one side.  This usually will happen 14 days after the start of your last period.
  • Spotting in between periods.
  • Irregular periods.

Complication with Functional Cysts

While the majority of cysts go away on their own, a few may linger and cause additional problems, especially if they get large.  The most common problem is a burst cyst.  If you experience sudden, severe pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting, call your doctor right away.  In some cases, they need to operate in order to stop the bleeding.  You may also experience sharp severe pain during or after intercourse.  This is also a sign of a cyst bursting.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Ovarian Cysts

Most cysts are diagnosed in the doctor’s office during a routine exam.  The doctor may feel a lump on your ovary.  You will then have an ultrasound to make sure the cyst is filled with fluid.

Most of the time, the doctor will not do anything except want to see you again in two to three months to make sure the cyst has cleared up on its own.  If it has not, the most common treatment is to prescribe birth control pills.  However, you should know that many women actually experience a worsening in their condition because of this.  Make sure to try some natural methods, such as dietary changes, to clear up your cyst before you agree to go on birth control.

In some cases, a cyst may require surgery.  This happens if the cyst gets so large that it’s in danger of twisting the ovary.  Most of these surgeries are done laparascopically.

Information from WebMD