Cysts on ovaries are normally called as ovarian cysts, and they are pockets or fluid filled sacs on or within the surface of ovary. The ovaries are a pair of two mutually dependent, yet physically separated female organs each of about almond size and shape placed on either sides of uterus. Eggs are developed, matured and released during monthly cycles at your childbearing years.

Most of the women come across the cysts at some point of time in their life. But, the good news is that majority of the ovarian cysts are harmless or do not cause any discomfort either. Majority of cysts fade away in few months without requiring any treatment.

However, ruptured ovarian cysts produce very serious symptoms. The best way to take care of your health is to know the type of ovarian cyst present by noticing the symptoms you have. Once the type of cyst is identified, it is advisable to take regular treatment to cure them.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cysts are common and cause very often painful situations. The symptoms produced by them can make life distressful.

What are ovarian cysts?

In ovaries there will be small fluid filled, follicles sacs that usually develop in to eggs during their evolution. But in some cases, follicles may shift to the surface of ovary, yet fail to produce egg and these follicles become cysts, which could be about 2 cm in size. These grow into larger size with each menstrual cycle. Most of these cysts are harmless and only 15 cases out of 100,000 are found cancerous. Some of the cysts may cause pain, while some of them may cause bleeding along with pain. Though they can affect women of all ages mostly they develop in childbearing years.

POCS

POCS is a hormonal, metabolic, insulin disorder and ovulation related problem. PCOS affects 1 in 10 women. In a usual menstrual cycle, follicles may grow on ovaries and develop eggs within them. In due course, one of these reaches maturity and the other and is released into the tubes of fallopian. The other immature follicles dissolve back in the ovary.

Under certain circumstances, like as those caused by hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance and genetics, the ovaries grow larger in size than the normal ones. In such situations, some of the follicles do not reach maturity stage, but they appear in mass called as polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS may also experience consequent symptoms.

Top 5 factors that may lead to Ovarian Cysts

The five basic factors that lead to ovarian cysts and PCOS include –

• accumulation of toxins in digestive system
• genetic predisposition, weakened immune system
• poor dietary choices
• obesity and
• Insulin resistance.

In some cases, these factors develop a suitable environment for cysts to proliferate. Hormonal imbalances like menstruation, stress, lack of sleep, and excessive use of antibiotics may also contribute to the formation of cysts and PCOS.