My girlfriend just told me she has -bloody- cysts like objects which were picked up in an ultrasound. She has also just told me that she has missed approx. 3-4 of her menstruation. Please tell me she is going to be okay? But I need the truth. She is my girl, and I need to know some facts about this.

Answered by: Maria/MD Health Forum. com Team

Ovarian cysts, as the name suggests, are small sacs of fluid within or on the surface of the ovary. They may occur in female patients of all ages. Many ovarian cysts are noncancerous and may resolve within a few months without treatment.

Ovarian cysts may either be functional or pathological. Functional cysts are treatable, they may form during ovulation and usually resolve after a few period cycles. Pathological cysts, on the other hand, are associated with tumors.

Ovaries produce an egg each month, this process is called ovulation. Functional ovarian cyst forms because of slight changes that take place as the ovary produces or releases an egg.
Blood cyst, also known as hemorrhagic cyst is considered as functional. This occurs when a very small blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, causing blood to enter the cyst. Abdominal pain on one side of the body is among the symptoms of hemorrhagic cyst.

The treatment of ovarian cysts generally depends on the woman’s age, appearance of the cysts and the symptoms it causes. A functional cyst may require treatment if it fails to resolve after 2 or 3 menstrual cycles, causes symptoms and has an unusual appearance on ultrasound. To stop cysts from forming, the doctor may prescribe birth control pills. Surgery may be considered if the condition fails to improve with medical treatment.

A vast majority of hemorrhagic cysts is self-limiting. Blood cysts that rupture are less common. Many cases of ruptured hemorrhagic cysts resolves without surgery. Patients who don’t require surgery will experience pain for 4 - 10 days and may need to rest for several days.

It’s quite common for people to worry at the mention of the word ‘cyst’. I do hope that I was able to provide you with helpful information. Ask your girlfriend to talk to her doctor about treatment options.

This blog entry is for your general information only.

References:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/reproductive/gynecologic/279.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ovarian_cysts/article_em.htm
http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/72/7/653.abstract

Tags: blood cyst, ovarian cyst, ovulation