Ovarian Cyst

They are benign bubbles that appear on the surface or inside the tissue of the female ovaries, usually filled with water (fluid) or thicker substances.

Every month during ovulation, the follicle (sac) containing the egg ruptures and shrinks. If the sac does not rupture and continues to accumulate fluid inside, a Follicle (Simple) Cyst is formed. It is the most common and harmless type, and usually dissolves on its own after 1-2 menstrual periods.

When the cyst grows, its outer membrane can tear and burst during sexual intercourse or heavy sports. When the fluid inside spreads to the peritoneum, a sudden, very severe groin pain like a knife stabbing begins. It usually heals on its own, but if the cyst's blood vessel also tears, it causes internal bleeding (hemorrhagic rupture) into the abdomen and may require emergency surgery.

Most of the time it gives no symptoms and is seen by chance in a routine ultrasound. When it grows, it causes a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen (groin), menstrual irregularities, pain during sexual intercourse, and frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder.

With Transvaginal or Pelvic Ultrasonography performed during a gynecological examination, the size of the cyst, its interior (whether it is filled with water or solid), and its structure are clearly determined in seconds.

Cysts smaller than 5-6 centimeters and filled with clear fluid are only monitored with medication (or birth control pills). However, if the cyst is larger than 7-8 centimeters, if it is full of solid tissue (carries a suspicion of cancer), or if it creates a risk of the ovary twisting around itself (torsion), it is surgically removed by a Laparoscopic (closed) method, peeling only the cyst (preserving the ovary).